Mawllid SA

Mass Mawlid 1437 – Durban

MawlidSA — Wed, 20 Jan 2016 11:17:09 +0000

Mass Mawlid 1437 – Cape Town

MawlidSA — Tue, 03 Nov 2015 07:48:54 +0000

The Display of delight at the birth of the light

MawlidSA — Mon, 08 Dec 2014 15:23:59 +0000

Celebrating Mawlid-un-Nabi

MawlidSA — Wed, 03 Dec 2014 06:25:01 +0000

Contents of Article:

1.0 Permissibility of Mawlid-un-Nabi through Quran
2.0 Evidence from Ahadith
3.0 Celebration of Mawlid in opinion of Ijma(Consensus) of Scholars
4.0 Very Good explanation by Ahmed Diddat (teacher of Zakir Naik) on Mawlid
5.0 Celebration of Mawlid-e-Nabi Around the World:
6.0 Reference Books & Articles

1.0 Permissibility of Mawlid-un-Nabi through Quran:

Almighty Allah says in the holy Quran:

1) Eisa, the son of Maryam, said, “O Allah, O our Lord! Send down to us a table spread from heaven, so that it may become a day of celebration for us – for our former and latter people – and a sign from You; and give us sustenance – and You are the Best Provider Of Sustenance.” [Surah Al-Ma’idah-5, Verse 114]

The day when food is sent from skies is day of rejoice for Eisa and their followers, further adding the latter people to the above ayah indicating it as celebration day for the generations to come., then should not we be delighted and rejoice when soul of universe (Peace be with him) was born?

And, well rejoicing the favors of Al mighty Allah was not limited to bani israel, the Quran commanded Muslims and other nations to publicize and rejoice his favors as stated below.

2) “And abundantly proclaim the favors of your Lord”. [Surah Duha 93:11]

3) Allah has indeed bestowed a great favor upon the Muslims, in that He sent to them a Noble Messenger (Prophet Mohammed – peace and blessings be upon him) from among them, who recites to them His verses, and purifies them, and teaches them the Book and wisdom; and before it, they were definitely in open error. (The Holy Prophet Mohammed – peace and blessings be upon him – is one of Allah’s greatest favours to mankind.) [Surah Aal-e-Imran-3, Verse 164]

4) It is He who sent His Messenger with guidance and the religion of truth to manifest it over all religion. And sufficient is Allah as Witness. [Surah Fath 48:28]

5) Indeed there has come to you a Noble Messenger from among you – your falling into hardship aggrieves him, most concerned for your well being, for the Muslims most compassionate, most merciful. [Taubah 9:128]

6) O mankind! The advice has come to you from your Lord and a cure for the hearts – and guidance and mercy for believers. [Surah Yunus 10:57]

7) Say, “Upon Allah’s munificence and upon His mercy – upon these should the people rejoice”; that is better than all their wealth and possessions. [Surah Yunus 10:58]

And We did not send you (O dear Prophet Mohammed – peace and blessings be upon him) except as a mercy for the entire world. (Prophet Mohammed – peace and blessings be upon him – is the Prophet towards all mankind.) [Surah Ambiya 21:107]

Subhanallah, And this is what we do, we celebrate; we rejoice; we do spend our money to show gratitude to Allah Almighty on his greatest mercy and Blessing i.e. celebrations of Milad-un-Nabi because the Allah Subahanahu wa tala says that the biggest favor and mercy for the worlds (not only to the mankind) is prophet Muhammad (peace and abundant blessings be upon him) and commands us to publicize and rejoice his favors.

In fact the mercy due to prophets birth is not only limited to a day/month but for the whole year, whole life, for entire ummah and for the generations to come. But special gathering of zikr and programs are arranged on particular day of birth, since the importance of specific days attached to prophet are special and established by Quran.

Allah states in Quran in regards to prophet Yahya peace be upon him “So peace be upon him the day he (Yahya peace be upon him) was born, the day that he dies and the day that he will be raised to life” [Surah Maryam 19:15]

in another instance Quran records statment of prophet Eisa followed by testament of Allah “And peace is upon me the day I was born, and on the day I shall taste death, and on the day I will be raised alive.” [Surah Maryam 19:33] Allah azzawajal says “This is Eisa (Jesus), the son of Maryam; a true statement, in which they doubt”. [Surah Maryam 19:34]

Though every day is mercy and due blessings of prophet, sending blessings on specific days, remembrance of these days is sunnah of prophets and sunnah of Allah azzawajal. Those who say not to give importance to specific day or raise their eyebrows are surely misguided

Mawlid-e-Nabi is a day of celebration, festival of all the festivals.

The 12th of Rabī’-un-Nūr is the Eid of all the Eids for Muslims. Indeed, if the Holy Prophet had not come into this world, there would have been no Eid and no Shab-e-Barā-at. In fact, all the glory and greatness of the world as well as the Hereafter is by virtue of the blessed arrival of the Holy Prophet

Woĥ jo na tĥay to kucĥ na tĥā woĥ jo na ĥaun to kucĥ na ĥo
Jān ĥayn woĥ jaĥān kī, jān ĥay to jaĥān ĥay

Without him was nothing – without him is nothing
He is the kernel, without a soul there is no being

2.0 Evidence from Ahadith :

a. Practice of Prophet
Abu Qatada Ansari (Allah be pleased with him) reported that Allah’s Massenger (may peace be upon him) was asked about fasting on Monday, whereupon he said: It is (the day) when I was born and revelation was sent down to me. [Book 006, Number 2606 Sahih Muslim]

This Hadith is also reported in by Imam al-Bahayqi in his “Sunnan ul Kubra” (Vol. 4, pg. 300 Hadith no 8182, 8259), in the “Sunan” of Imam Nisai and the “Musnad” of Imam Ahmad bin Hanbal.

It is clear from this Hadith that the Holy Prophet (Peace be upon him) was happy and thankful for the day he was born and fasted out of gratitude. Fasting is a form of worship, so one can celebrate this day by any form of ibada. One can fast or hold gatherings or provide food to the poor, all being acts of worship.

b. The Place where Prophets were Born are also given due respect in Islam and are sign of reverence:

Hadrat Anas bin Malik (RA) narrates that Prophet (Peace be upon him) while mentioning his journey of Miraaj explains: Jibreel (a.s) asked me to get off from Buraak at Bethlehem and told me to say the prayer there, after which he said: Do you know where you have prayed (O Messenger of Allah)? You prayed at Bethlehem where Isa (a.s) “was born”. [Sunnan Nisai, vol 1, pg 241, Hadith 448]

Imam al-Bayhaqi (rah) narrated this hadith with a different route from another Sahabi called “Shaddad bin Aws (RA). After narrating it he said, This Sanad is “SAHIH” [al-Bayhaqi in Dalayl un Nubuwah (2/355-356)]

c. Jibrael Ameen hosted flags on Kaba on the dawn of blessings

Sayyidatuna Amina radi Allahu tala anha states,

” I saw that three flags are sited, one in east, one in west and third on roof of Ka’aba and prophets peace be upon him birth took place” (Imam Jalauddin Suyuti in Khassaisul Kubra, Vol 1, pg 82, darul kutub, beirut)

Ruh-ul-Ameen nay gara Kabay ki chat pe Jhanda
Ta Arsh Ur pharayra subh-e-shab-e-wiladat

Ruh-ul-Ameen erected flag onto the roof of the Kabah that flew up to the Heaven on the Dawn of Blessings

d. Ka’aba expressed happiness on birth of prophet

It is narrated on the authority of Hadhrat ‘Amr bin Qutaibah says: I heard my father say and he was a great reservoir of knowledge that when the time of the birth of the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) came near, Almighty Allah ordered His angels to open all the doors of all the heavens and to open the doors of paradise as well. Then they should present themselves on earth and start congratulating each other. The mountains raised themselves further. The waves of the sea grew even higher. The creation of the oceans and seas started congratulating each other. All the angels had come. Satan was chained with 70 chains and he was cast face-down in the ocean. Devils and rebellious genie were chained. That day the sun was adorned with great radiance and 70,000 damsels were stood above it. They waited for the birth of the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam). Almighty Allah decreed for all women that year that they would be all blessed with a son. All the trees were laded with fruits and every fear was replaced with solace. When the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) was born, the whole world became radiant and the angels started congratulating each other. On each heaven, a pillar of precious stones was raised, due to which the sky became radiant. That pillar is well known in the highest heavens (Mala-e-A’ala) which the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) saw during the heavenly journey of Meraj. He was told that this is the pillar which was raised in honor of your birth. On the night of His birth, Almighty Allah planted 1000 fragrant trees on the side of Houz-e-Kauthar. Their fruit was made fragrance for the dwellers of paradise. The dwellers of all the spiritual realms started supplicating for safety. All idols prostrated. Laat and ‘Uzza came out of their places and were saying: ……The Trustworthy Prophet has come. The True One has come to them. The Quraish doesn’t realize what distinction has it been granted. For days after it, people heard a voice from the Ka’aba. It was saying: Now my radiance will be returned to me. Now those who circumambulate (perform Tawaf) will come to me. Now, I will be cleaned of the filth of the days of ignorance. O ‘Uzza! You are finished. The Ka’aba swayed for 3 days and 3 nights. This was the first sign that the Quraish saw on the occasion of the birth of the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam). (Khasaais-e-Kubra, Vol. 1, Pg. No. 80)

Hadhrat ‘Abdul Muttalib says: I heard a voice from the walls of the Ka’aba: The Master of the Universe has been born. His very presence will dispel the darkness of disbelief. He will purify the world and will invite people towards the One Lord Almighty. (As Seeratul Halabiyya, Vol. 1, Pg. No. 86)

e. Reward to Abu Lahb on expressing gratitude on Prophets birth:

e1. Narrated ‘Ursa; Thuwaiba was the freed slave girl of Abu Lahb whom he had manumitted, and then she suckled the Prophet. When Abu Lahb died, one of his relatives saw him in a dream in a very bad state and asked him, “What have you encountered?” Abu Lahb said, “I have not found any rest since I left you, except that I have been given water to drink in this (the space between his thumb and other fingers) and that is because of my manumitting Thuwaiba.” [Sahi Bukhari, vol 7, book 62, No. 38]

Abu Lahab freed Thuwaiba on joy at birth of Prophet (salallaho alaihi wasalam), even the worst of Kufaar and greatest of enemies is given relaxation in his Adhaab due to freeing Thawaiba by pointing with his finger, so Imagine the situation of a momin who rejoices on Mawlid, detailed explanation of this hadith shall be given in the last section of Verdicts from classical scholars.

e2. It is proven that Abu Lahab’s punishment of fire is reduced on every Monday because he rejoiced on brith of Prophet (salallaho alaihi wasalam) and freed the slave-woman Thawba (RA) When Abu Lahab, whose eternal abode is hell fire and regarding whom whole surah of Tabat Yada (i.e. Surah Lahab) was revealed, he gets Takhfif in his Adhaab every Monday then Imagine the situation of a (momin) who has spent his life in rejoicing over birth of Prophet (saw) and died as a Mawhid [ Mawrid as Sadi Fi Mawlid al Hadi by Imam al-Dimishqi and Imam Suyuti in Hassan al Maqsad fi Amal al Mawlid, Page No. 66]

f. Reciting Mawlid and praising Prophet:

f1 Sayyiduna al -Abbas ibn Abd al Muttalib composed and reciting poetry in praise of prophet and his blessed birth:

After gaining victory and success in Ghazwa Tabook when Rasoolullah (SallAllaho Alaihi wa Aalihi wa Sallam) arrived in Madinatul Munawwara, Hadrat Sayyiduna Abbas (Radi Allahu Ta’ala Anhu) requested permission from the Prophet (SallAllaho Alaihi wa Aalihi wa Sallam) to read a few stanzas in his praise then Mercy on the Mankind (Peace and Blessings of Allah be Upon Him) said, “My dear Uncle! Go ahead. May Almighty Allah keep your mouth well.”

This is what Sayyiduna al-`Abbas ibn `Abd al-Muttalib said:
من قبلها طبت في الظلال وفى مستودع حيث يخصف الورقثم هبطت البلاد لا بشر أنت ولا مضغة ولا علقبل نطفة تركب السفين وقد ألجم نسرا وأهله الغرقتنقل من صلب إلى رحم إذا مضى عالم بدا طبقوردت نارا لخليل مستترا في صلبه أنت كيف يحترقثم احتوى بيتك المهيمن خندف علياء تحتها النطقوأنت لما ولدت أشرقت الارض ونارت بنورك الافقفنحن في ذلك الضياء وفى النور وسبل الرشاد نخترق

… Before you came to this world, you were excellent in the shadows and in the repository (i.e. loins)in the time when they (Adam and Eve) covered themselves with leaves.Then you descended through the ages…When you were born, the earth shone (lit/shining) and your light illuminated the horizon.We travel in that illumination and in the light and in the paths of right guidance.”

[Kitaab al-Wafa, Page 35, Vol. 1 /Khasais al-Kubra, Page 97, Vol. 1 / Insaan al-Uyoon page 96, Vol. 1 / Seerat an-Nauwiya, Page 37 / Jawahir al-Bihaar, Page 40 /Anwaar al-Muhammadiyah, Page 62-84 /Hujjatulahi Ala al-Alameen, Page 222 / Muwahib al-Laduniyah, Page 23 /Al Isti’aab Mustadrik, Page 327, Vol. 3 / al-Bidaya wa an-Nihaya, Page 258, Vol. 2 /Kitaab al Mallal wan Nahal, Page 240, Vol. 2 /Majma’i Zawahid, Page 217, Vol. 8 /Talkhees al-Mustadrik, Page 327, Vol. 3 /Subl al Huda war-Rishaad, Vol. 5, Page 469 /Ibn-e-Kathir’s Mawlad al-Mustafa, Page 29-30, Published in Lahore 1958]

Ibn Kathir, in hisMawlid, p 19, writes, “The Night of the Prophet’s (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) birth is a magnificent, noble, blessed and a holy night, a night of bliss for the Believers, pure, radiant with lights and of immeasurable price.”

Mullah Ali al-Qari in his ‘Sharh al-Shifa’ (1:364) says it is related by Abu Bakr al-Shafi`i and Tabarani, and cited by Ibn `Abd al-Barr and Ibn al-Qayyim respectively in ‘al-Isti`ab’ and ‘Huda Nabiyy Allah (SallAllaho Alaihi wa Aalihi wa Sallam)’.

This has been stated in distinguished works of great Muhaditheen such as Imam Jalal al-Din as-Suyuti, Muhadith ibn Jauzi, Allamah Ibn Hajr, Allamah Halbi, Allamah Dahlaan Makki, Allamah Nabhaani, Allamah ibn Abdul Birr, Allamah Haakim, Ibn Kathir and Allamah Sharistaani (Radi Allahu Ta’ala Anhum al-Ajma’een).

f2. Hazrath Hassan Bin Thabit (ra) used to recite Naat and Praising Prophet in mosque/gatherings in present of Prophet:

Hazrat Aaisha (Radi ALLAH Anha) narrates, that Holy Prophet (Peace Be Upon Him) built a MIMBER for Hazrat Hassan (Radi ALLAH Anho) in Masjid-e-Nabawi Shareef, and Hazrat Hassan use to Recite Naats standing on that MIMBER and also use to give answers to MUSHRIKEEN on behalf of Syyeduna Muhammadur Rasoolullah (Sallallaho Alaihi Wasallam). For this act of Hazat Hassan Holy Prophet (Sallallaho Alaihi Wasallam) said “Untill Hassan recites and give answers to mushrikeen on this MIMBER, Jibreel-e-Ameen helps him.” (Bukhari Shareef, Ziaul Hadeeth page 91). Sarkaar Nay Hassan Ko Mimber Pay Bithaya, Sarkar Kay Sana Khwan Ki Toqeer Baree Hay. Those who object on praising Beloved Prophet SallAllaho Alaihi wa Aalihi wa Sallam in poetry and reciting his praise on his mawlid must take a serious note to it!!

3.0 Celebration of Mawlid in opinion of Ijma(Consensus) of Scholars

a.Importance of the Night of Mawlid-e-Nabi: Imam Shahab-ud-din Abul Abbas al-Qastalani

When it is said that Prophet (Sallallaho Alaihi wa Sallam) was born at night time then the question arises which of the two nights is greater i.e. Night of Decree or the Night of Prophet (Sallallaho Alaihi wa Sallam)’s birth?

Imam Shahab-ud-din Abul Abbas al-Qastalani (Rahimuhullah) said, The Night of Prophet Sallallaho Alaihi wa Sallam birth is superior due to 3 reasons

He (Sallallaho Alaihi wa Sallam) arrived (in this world) on the Night of Mawlid whereas Night of decree was granted to him (afterwards), therefore the arrival of Prophet Sallallaho Alaihi wa Sallam is greater than what has been granted to him, hence night of Mawlid is higher in virtue.
If Night of decree is vitreous night because Angels descend in it, then Night of Mawlid has the virtue of Prophet (Sallallaho Alaihi wa Sallam) being sent to world. The Prophet Sallallaho Alaihi wa Sallam is superior to Angels, therefore night of Mawlid becomes superior.
Due to night of decree, the Ummah of Muhammad (Sallallaho Alaihi wa Sallam) was given imminence, whereas due to Night of Mawlid all creations were given Fazilah, as Prophet (Sallallaho Alaihi wa Sallam) is sent as Mercy to worlds/creations (Quran 21:107), hence the blessing was made general for all creations.

Ref:
1. Imam Qastallani in Al Muwahib al Laduniya Volume 1, Page No. 145
2. Imam Zarqani in his Sharah of Al-Muwahib, Volume 1, Page Nos 255-256

b. Imam Jalaluddin Suyuti (rah)

a.Imam Jalal ud din Suyuti (ra), said The birth of beloved Prophet (peace be upon him) is a great blessing for us and his death is very saddening for us too, however Shariah has ordered us to rejoice and thank Allah on blessings, whereas on calamity it has taught us to have patience, [Husn al-Maqsad fi Amal al-Mawlid Pg 54-55]

b.The reality of Mawlid is that people gather to recite Quran to the extent that is easy, also to discuss narrations which are regarding Prophet (salallaho alaihi wasalam), the signs which took place on his birth. Then dinning is arranged for them and they return without adding anything more to this “Bidat al Hasanah”. The one who arranges it gets Thawab due to honoring Prophet (salallaho alaihi wasalam) and showing gratitude on his birth [As-Suyuti – Rahimuhullah in Al Hawi lil Fatawi, Volume 1, Page No. 292, Published by Maktaba al Asriya, Beirut, Lebanon]

c. Opnion of Ibn-e-kathir (Salafi Imam)

Ibn Katheer says regarding Shah Malik al-Muzzafar (rah) the brother in law of Salah-ud-din Ayyubi (rah) the great warrior of Islam that,

He [Shah Malik al-Muzzafar (rah)] was a generous, mighty master, and glorious ruler, whose works were very good.He built Jamiya al Muzaffari near Qasiyun…During Rabi ul Awwal he used to celebrate Mawlid ash Shareef with great celebration, Moreover, he was benevolent, brave, wise, a scholar, and just person – Rahimuhullah wa Ikraam – Sheikh Abul Khattab (rah) wrote a book on Mawlid an Nabwi for him and named it At-Tanwir fi Mawlid al Bashir al Nazeer, for which he gave him 1000 dinars. His rule stayed till the Rule of Salahiya and he captured Aka and he remained a man worthy of respect.

Al-Sabt mentions that a person attending the gathering of Mawlid held by Muzzafar said: He used to fill the table with 5000 well cooked goats, 10,000 chickens, 100-thousand bowls (of milk) and 30,000 trays of sweets.

[Tarikh Ibn Kathir, Al Bidayah Wan Nihaya Volume 13, Page No. 174]

d. Imam Ibn Hajr al Haytami (Rahimuhullah):

The gatherings of Mawlid and Adhkaar which take place during our time, they are mostly confined to good deeds, for example in them Sadaqat are given, Dhikr is done, Darud and Salam is sent upon the Prophet (salallaho alaihi wasalam) and he is praised. [Imam al Haythami (rah) in Fatawa al Hadithiyyah, Page No. 202]

Imam Jalal ud din Suyuti (Rahimuhullah) answers why celebrating on birth supersedes the sorrow of Prophet (saw) passing away on same date.

The birth of Prophet (salallaho alaihi wasalam) is a great blessing for us and his death is very saddening for us too, however Shariah has ordered us to rejoice and thank Allah on blessings, whereas on calamity it has taught us to have patience while hiding it, this is why Shariah has told us to do Aqiqa on birth which is a form of being happy and thankful to Allah for giving us birth, but on death there is no concept of sacrificing an animal and even lamenting is forbidden. Hence in light of rulings prescribed by shariah one should rejoice in Rabi ul Awwal on birth of our beloved Prophet (salallaho alaihi wasalam) [Husn al-Maqsad fi Amal al-Mawlid Page No. 54-55]

Note: The day of Prophet (Peace be upon him)’s demise is not 12th Rabi ul Awwal as wrongly perceived by some people due to books like “Sealed Nector” The authentic day of his demise is proven to be12nd Rabi ul Awwal from Sahih narrations. [refer to book on Birth date Of Prophet 9th or 12th in reference books given in end of artical]

May Allah give hidaya to all brothers and sisters to understand Sahih Emaan and save us from the misguided sects and the hell fire.

4.0 Very Good explanation by Ahmed Diddat (teacher of Zakir Naik) on Mawlid

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UF8KS9sGDH0

5.0 Celebration of Mawlid-e-Nabi Around the World:

a. Mawlid in Chechnya.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o5XT3VGoiKA

Cape Town Mawlud an International Event

MawlidSA — Wed, 03 Dec 2014 06:18:46 +0000

By Shafiq Morton on March 4, 2013

Put together in less than two months by a group of scholars and community activists, the idea of Mawlid SA 1434 created huge interest and was well-received by the media who widely covered it.

The only negativity came from the anti-mawlid camp, a group of anonymous killjoys, who condemned the event as a reprehensible innovation. Its faceless captains subsequently declared that a curse would befall the mother city.

Curse or not, the organisers certainly faced some daunting challenges. The night before a gale-force south-easterly shredded the VIP marquee, and the city authorities (fearing the stage would collapse in the wind) demanded the next day that before the mawlid could go ahead its superstructure had to be dismantled.

And if that wasn’t enough, the simultaneous visit of Deputy President Kgalema Motlante, provincial Premier Helen Zille and Mayor Patricia de Lille had created an organisational nightmare – the clearing of the park for a bomb sweep.

So when I arrived early on Sunday morning at 8 am, and decided to take a short cut to the main arena from the Green Point lighthouse, I discovered that the gates had been locked. Hundreds of people were waiting to get in. Some told me they’d been waiting since 6.30, but apart from a few grumbles, most were remarkably phlegmatic .

At the stadium end of the park there was a sea of white. Things were happening there. The Reddam rugby field, originally set aside for overflow from the main arena, was already filling up with brightly coloured umbrellas and family groups. At the main gate I spotted three x-ray scanners and teams of security officials in fluorescent bibs.

That was bad news. Bureaucracy had put a serious spoke in the wheel. It would not only mean the scheduled opening procession of Islamic schools and mawlid congegrations would be almost impossible, but that even more frustrating delays would be on the cards.

Eventually, to the relief of the organisers, Mawlid SA 1434 started at 11 am when Premier Helen Zille, accompanied by Shaikh Abdurahman Alexander and the Siddique Pipe Band, entered the park.

The rest of the people, having now waited patiently for hours, trickled through the gates and the arena filled up. Considering the interminably long wait, I discovered that again – apart from a few complaints – most in the crowd were good-natured and determined to see the positive side of things.

City officials told me that about 16,000 had braved the elements (and the red-tape). I thought: What would the anti-mawlid camp, probably choking on their halal-certified coffee, say now?

“Shafiq, this reminds me of Mina!” shouted a cheerful Hajjah, who told me that neither the government nor the windy weather would put her off celebrating the mawlid.

“It’s our day and I’m going to enjoy myself with my family and my friends,” she said as she opened a camp chair and her son offered me a koeksuster. Only in Cape Town, I thought, only in Cape Town.

Meanwhile, on stage VIP’s faced the teeth of the south-easterly in the blistering sun as the stage had been stripped down to bare scaffolding. Marius Fransman (Western Cape leader of the ANC), Maulana Igshan Hendricks (President Muslim Judicial Council), Deputy-President Kgalema Motlante, Premier Helen Zille and Mayor Patricia de Lille sat in a row.

As the speeches commenced, I was asked whether the mawlid had become a political rally. I replied that I didn’t think so.

“Surely we’ve come to celebrate the Prophet (SAW), not our politicians,” insisted this person who – like so many others – had patiently waited to enter the park.

But as the event wore on I began to sense that there was a much bigger picture. None of the politicians made “political” speeches. Forget about vote catching for a moment, our leaders were saying good things about Islam and the Prophet (SAW) in a country where Muslims were not even 5% of the population.

When main guest speaker, Shaikh Yahya Ninowy (a descendant of the Prophetic House) spoke eloquently about the prophet Sulaiman (as), I began to realise that this mawlid was less about politics and more about our unique, polyglot South African identity in the image of the Prophet (SAW).

For sitting in the assembly was a rainbow community peacefully enjoying a day in Cape Town’s mid-summer sun. I’m cynical about politicians at the best of times, yet our leaders – representing different parties and faiths – were not squabbling, but listening politely to a Sufi Shaikh from the US.

For Motlante, De Lille and Fransman it was an enjoyment of public space once denied to them by apartheid’s masters. If the mawlid had been held in 1985 the Urban Park would have been a sea of riot police. It might have been 18 years after 1994, but being there amongst fellow South Africans was still a triumph – and an affirmation of our collective identity.

But there was something else too. The whole week I’d been getting messages from abroad expressing great interest in Mawlid SA 1434.

“Wish I was there,” was a sentiment I’d heard expressed in numerous Tweets and Facebook messages from Kuala Lumpur to Cairo. Some of the messages were not without envy that the Cape Town community could host such a significant public occasion, and attract not only the mayor and provincial premier, but the Deputy President of the country as well.

There was no doubt that Mawlid SA 1434, streaming live on radio and television, was being watched by the world. Mawlid SA 1434 was not just 16,000 Capetonians gathered on the grass in Green Point, it was an international event.

Mawlud un-Nabi – Cape Town to honour Prophet (SAW)

MawlidSA — Wed, 03 Dec 2014 06:16:11 +0000

By Shafiq Morton on January 24, 2013

Historically, prophetic icons are celebrated for their distinctive qualities: Jesus for turning the other cheek and for reviving the dead; Moses for the Ten Commandments and wanting to see God; Vishnu for his pantheon of rebirth and Buddha for achieving nirvana, or spiritual perfection.

And whilst there is often scant biographical detail about their actual lives, a prophetic personality exists in the mind of every believer. For their devotees, Jesus, Moses, Vishnu and Buddha are not legendary, but very real.

Another historical figure hugely alive in the human psyche is Muhammad (SAW), the 7th century prophet of Islam, whose name means “the Praised One.”. His 23-year ministry was not only a devotional prophethood, but one of great learning. “Seek knowledge, even unto China,” was one of his most famous maxims.

For an unlettered man, his legacy is remarkable. He would subsequently inspire an academic efflorescence that would spread to the rest of the world from the sands of Arabia. The universities of Baghdad, Cordoba – and even Bukhara – would produce scholars whose influence would endure for centuries.

Algebra, astronomy, physics, chemistry, medicine, optics, musicology and philosophy were all refined by Islamic scholars such as Averroes, Avicenna and Al-Kharazmi. The 9th century engineer, Abbas ibn Firnas, would even experiment with flight.

In its heyday Cairo’s hospital could accommodate 8,000 beds, and when the library of St Gall could only offer 36 books, the library of Cordoba could boast 50,000 volumes. And when 12th century Damascus had streetlights and sewage, Londoners floundered in effluent and darkness.

Words such as “alchemy” and “alcohol” owe their derivation to Muslim chemists, and it was the mathematicians of Cordoba who introduced the zero to Europe, and its doctors who discovered the nature of smallpox.

Muslims accept Muhammad (SAW) as the amalgam of prophethood, as he is considered the last of the prophets – and a light to all humanity. What also sets Muhammad (SAW) apart from other prophets – whom he regarded as his brothers – was that every moment of his life was recorded.

Muslims know, for example, that their prophet had a silent laugh, that his black eyebrows were slightly arched, that his hair hung to his earlobes, that he walked leaning forward, that he had a long beard with a trimmed moustache and that he never raised his voice, or that he always chose the middle path.

They also know that he dined with Christians, stood up for the funeral procession of a Jew, honoured agreements with his enemies, milked his own goats, stitched his own sandals and treated women equitably.

It was Muhammad (SAW) who forbade the ancient tribes from burying their newly-born daughters – and who accepted a marriage proposal from a Meccan noblewoman, Khadijah. It was Muhammad who informed a prostitute she would find paradise because she’d given a thirsty dog water.

It was Muhammad (SAW) who forgave the Quraish of Mecca who’d persecuted, tortured and killed his followers. It was Muhammad (SAW) who forgave Hind who’d eaten the liver of his uncle, Hamzah, after a battle.

These traditions about Muhammad (SAW) – called Hadith – have been transmitted from generation-to-generation in chains of authority. Every piece of Muhammad’s (SAW) life has been recorded and graded for authenticity and context.

With some 200,000 traditions attributed to him, Muhammad (SAW) is the most accessible prophetic figurehead today. From these traditions emerge a compassionate human being with the unconditional love of Jesus, the legal majesty of Moses, the humble hospitality of Abraham and the quiet spirituality of the Buddha.

Informed by the injustice done to the image of Islam since 9/11, and the distortion of the true character of the Prophet Muhammad (SAW), a diverse group of scholars and community activists are hosting a mass commemoration of the Prophet’s birth, Mawlid SA 1434, at the Green Point Urban Park on January 27.

The event has been organised in conjunction with the Cape-based Muslim Judicial Council, and according to spokesperson Nabeweya Malick, Mawlid SA 1434 aspires to reflect in Cape Town the spirit of Prophet Muhammad’s (SAW) message.

“This message – one of peace – was not delivered at the point of the sword, but through compassion, and Muhammad (SAW) being a mercy to all universally and without exception. He was the prophet that brought us the lights of science and social justice.

“At Mawlid SA 1434 we aim to show the humble, dignified way Muslims commemorate the legacy of Muhammad (SAW) during the month of his gracious birth. We’ve invited guests from around the world to grace the mother city for our big event,” she said.

Shaikh Sayyid Ninowy from the US (and a descendant of the Prophet), Shaikh Ahmad Tijani Sidi Ben Omar and Shaikh Ahmad Qatáni al-Maliki (one of Libya’s top scholars) are among those attending.

Local guests would include the ANC’s Cyril Ramaphosa,as well as mayor Patricia de Lille and premier Helen Zille.

Malick has urged the community to participate in Mawlid SA 1434, saying that the commemoration of Prophet Muhammad’s (SAW) birth was a centuries old tradition. Mawlid SA 1434, she said, would be a “family affair” with Capetonians of all faiths welcome to join in.

She requested that those Muslims attending the commemoration of the Muhammad’s (SAW) noble birth at the Urban Park on January 27 wear white (a colour loved by the Arabian prophet). Malick said that through “unity, dignity and respect” Mawlid SA 1434 would once again show the true, welcoming face of Cape Town Islam in the spirit of its founder.

For more info access www.mawlidsa1434.org or email info@mawlidsa.org

In the original Cape Argus op-ed (Tuesday, January 22) the appellation (SAW) – peace on the Prophet – was left out due to the predominant non-Muslim readership who would not know what it meant, and who would be put off by it on the page. Those who have so rudely accused me of disrespect may not be aware of this. It is the practice of many Muslim authors and publishers when reaching a general audience to leave out the appellation of peace. It is not done out of disrespect, but rather, a consideration for other readers not familiar with this practice. In this case, it was felt that the benefits of talking about the Prophet (SAW) in a good light on the main page of a daily South African newspaper far outweighed the negatives.

Mission of Mercy, Message of Love

MawlidSA — Tue, 02 Dec 2014 22:55:03 +0000

EVENTS in history are considered great due to the nature of the event, the persons involved in the event and the time of the event. The event being commemorated in the month of Rabi-ul-Awwal, by Mawlid SA, is the celebration of the birth of the greatest benefactor to humanity. It is an appreciative memory of that moment when the Divine destined to change the world and the course of history by sending the best of humanity to guide them. It is indeed a historical event well worthy of our collective expression of joy.

The 2014 Moulood is the second annual Mass Mawlid, the first one being so successful that the City of Cape Town has decided to partner in hosting this event on its annual calendar; informative and celebratory for Muslims, impactful and valued by all.

Moulood is not just a birthday celebration

With Moulood-un-Nabi, we commemorate the birth of the Final Messenger of Allah, Prophet Muhammad (SAW), who was born over fourteen hundred-and-fifty-five years ago in the city of Makkah. Allah sent him as kaf fatan lin nas (a guide to humanity) and as rahmatan lil alamin (a mercy unto the worlds). Ali bin Abi Talib (RA) describes the Prophet (SAW) in the following tribute: ‘Prophet Muhammad is the Seal of Prophets, the most generous and the bravest of all. His speech was the most reliable. He was the keenest and the most attentive to people’s trust and was very careful to pay people’s due in full. He was the most amenable and the most yielding companion, seeing him unexpectedly you respect him and venerate him. He who has acquaintance with him will like him. He who describes him says, “I have never seen such a person.”’ [Ibn Hisham; Jami At-Tirmidhi]

The Prophet (SAW) was undoubtedly an embodiment of mercy and an expression of love.

Rejoice

On the occasion of the commemoration of the noble birth of our beloved Prophet Muhammad (SAW), we rejoice (as we ought to throughout the year) in the acknowledgement of the selflessness, piety, wisdom and compassion of this last prophet.

His noble mission to humanity was the teaching of submission to the Supreme, of globally applicable values, of adherence to the Straight Path; the combatting of immorality, impropriety, injustice, ignorance and oppression.

He conveyed the divinely revealed Final Testament as a universally relevant text, a testimony to his abiding mission.

We commemorate the Moulood of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) to remind ourselves of his noble mission, to increase our knowledge of the history of the Prophet and those around him, to appreciate his struggle in implementing Din-ul-Islam, and to encourage all of us to implement the example (sunnah) of the Prophet in our daily lives.

So, in commemorating the birth of the Prophet Muhammad (SAW), we celebrate his life, appreciate his sacrifices and consider his impact while we commit ourselves to implement and manifest his noble life example in our times.

Source of inspiration

The life of the Prophet (SAW) is both history and biography, a code of law and mode of guidance. The sirah (life example of the Prophet) should not only be stated, narrated and analysed but be internalised and utilised as a principled model for righteous and wholesome living.

To fully appreciate the significance of the Prophet’s life in this millennium, we need to evolve our perception of the sirah from a mere historical narrative into a contemporary map of guidance. It should serve as a source of inspiration and a model for excellence.

Invitation to participate

The Mawlid SA celebration is meant to revive and invigorate the sense of connection with the Prophet (SAW).

It is also a revival of the first mass Moulood programme held at Green Point Track, in Cape Town, on October 12, 1952.

It has been over 60 years since the great savant of Islam, Moulana Abdul Alim Siddiqui, addressed an audience of over 60 000 at Green Point Track in the largest Moulood programme ever held in Southern Africa.

It is with this in mind that Mawlid SA encourages everyone to join local and international participants in this memorable event on Sunday, January 19, 2014, at Green Point Track.

The call is for all to participate in a harmonious celebration expressed through songs of joy, pearls of wisdom and moving odes in praise of the universal messenger, the final emissary of the Almighty.

All are invited to attend dressed in white.

This year’s programme is set to be more interactive with food sales and a kiddies’ play area. Mawlid SA calls on our community to embrace this auspicious occasion through volunteering and sponsorship.

Contributions may be made to Mawlid SA Trust, Account Number: 40-8265-5568 ABSA Bank, Branch Code: 632 005

A historical overview of Moulood celebrations

DR MOGAMAT HOOSAIN EBRAHIM

ONE of the greatest days in the lives of Muslims all over the world is the birth of the greatest human being who ever lived, Nabi Muhammad (SAW).

Every year, his birth, on 12 Rabi-ul-Awwal, is celebrated by Muslims globally with great reverence and enthusiasm. The occasion stirs some of the deepest feelings of a Muslim.

In the past, this festive spirit started in all Muslim homes (at the Cape) and at all masajid where shaikhs and imams enlightened people on the life of the Prophet (SAW).

Females would gather at masajid in the afternoon, dressed in colourful attire, and prepare the ‘rampies’. Many Muslim schools held feasts, and teachers spoke on the significance of the occasion.

The Mass Mawlid, which was introduced last year and which will be celebrated again on January 19, 2014, in Green Point, is not something new.

According to Judge (retired) Essa Moosa, during the 1950s to early 1960s, the Muslim Brotherhood Society (MBS) members met in the basement of the Zeenat-ul-Islam Masjid (Muir Street Mosque), where they held a series of lectures on Sunday evenings.

Guest speakers included Dr Hoosain Kotwal, Shaikh Abu Bakr Najaar, Boeta Cassiem and Shaikh Salie Dien.

The main objective of the MBS was to celebrate the annual Moulood. It was the only organisation in Cape Town that organised annual Moulood celebrations at the Green Point Cycle Track.

Islamic schools and madrassahs in the Western Cape were invited to participate in the celebrations. The madrassahs who participated would display their banners as they marched through the main road, led by the Habibia Bagpipes and the Aleemiyah Siddiqui Brigade.

Because of the children’s involvement, parents and the general public attended the function. The Green Point Cycle Track would be filled to capacity. The event was so popular and well attended that Christian neighbours would find it strange if a Muslim family was not at the Track.

Long before the function, members of the MBS would organise fundraising efforts among themselves and friends.

Shaikh Dien had a lot of influence; he received the necessary funds and support from the Muslim community and businesses. For example, Sayed & Sons, Coo’ee and Bashews contributed food parcels and soft drinks to the participants.

Shaikh Dien was always the main speaker at these functions. His main topic was the life of Muhammad (SAW). Participating madrassahs were also given the opportunity to present their topics. There were no clashes of topics as they were prepared and submitted to the MBS months before the function.

These memorable occasions started with Quranic recitals followed by scholars from various madrassahs who made dhikr and rendered qasidas. Thereafter everyone participated in the popular poems read from Riwayats of Barzanji. Finally, the salawat and a closing duah were made.

Currently, the celebration is the culmination of months of intensive planning and hard work, in which the heads of jamaahs, known as captains, play a crucial role.

The teams hold regular meetings three months before the birth commemoration of the Prophet (SAW).

The jamaahs or teams as they are known nowadays, consist of males and females – the Boorhaanol Islam magazine used to list the names of teams, their captains, dates and venues where Moulood celebrations were held.

The Red Crescent Jamaah, known as the ‘Reddies’, is the oldest jamaah in Wynberg. It was established by Sulaiman Lamara, the grandfather of Shaikh Hashiem Lamara, in 1890.

According to the captain of the ‘Reddies’, Safwaan Sasman, ‘The pioneers of this jamaah were involved with community work – gadats, burials, ‘doekmaals’ (name giving) etc.’

There are approximately eight men’s jamaahs and more than 70 ladies’ jamaahs, stretching from Cape Town to as far as Paarl, Wellington and Worcester.

Since the 1950s, the jamaahs have become more formal in their attire. On their outings, they are formally dressed, wearing either suits or blazers with the team name inscribed on badges, and wearing red fezzes. It is evident that they emulated this from the so-called Malay choirs attire.

The laagoes (tunes) of the jamaahs originated from Malayu. Shaikh Yusuf, who followed the Khalwatiyyah order, brought Sarful Annam, written by Ibn Jawzi, from Yemen, to the Cape.

The Cape Muslims are the only people who follow the system of tokang and djawap. It is not practised in Indonesia, Malaysia or in India.

According to the late Achmat Davids: ‘There is a great flexibility as to how these dhikrs are recited in the various orders of Tasawwuf. In the Cape it took the form of tokang (presentation) and djawap (answer); with one group of reciters presenting a dhikr and the others replying.’

With the advent of the Qadariyyah order at the Cape, al-Barzanji’s Moulood format became popular.

Like many liturgies, al-Barzanji’s work is also divided into two parts: the riwayats that are meant for individual recitation, and the ashrakal, which is recited by the congregation while they are standing.

The most extensive translation of this work, which is frequently used at the Cape throughout the year, was written by Shaikh Ismail Ganief Edwards in Arabic Afrikaans.

The annual Moulood celebration is one of the Cape traditions which has, undoubtedly, brought many Cape Muslims together.

Dr Ebrahim is a lecturer in Religious Studies, History, Ulum al-Quran and Ilm al-Kalam at International Peace College South Africa (IPSA).

This article was first published in the January 10, 2014 print edition of Muslim Views.

2014 Moulood Primrose Park jamaah

Moulood at Masjidus-Sabr in Primrose Park, Athlone: There are currently more than 70 ladies’ Moulood jamaahs in the Western Cape, stretching from Cape Town to as far as Worcester, in the Boland. Photo SUPPLIED

2014 Moulood Primrose Park jamaah

The writer, Dr Mogamat Hoosain Ebrahim, delivering a talk at the ladies’ Moulood jamaah programme held last year at Masjidus-Sabr in Primrose Park, Athlone. There are currently more than 70 ladies’ Moulood jamaahs in the Western Cape, stretching from Cape Town to as far as Worcester, in the Boland. Photo SUPPLIED

Yes, Muhammad (SAW) is still alive

SHAFIQ MORTON

WHEN I first visited Madinah nearly thirty years ago, an askari – a tomb guard – slapped my hands when I raised them in supplication facing the Prophet’s grave. ‘Shirk!’ he hissed sanctimoniously, telling me to face the qiblah wall instead.

My blood boiling at his insinuation that I was about to commit polytheism by greeting the Prophet (SAW), my first thought was to give this self-righteous moron a beating. It was the 1980s and I was an angry young man.

Thankfully, while I realised that the Companion Sayyidina Umar (RA) buried next to Muhammad (SAW) would probably also have wanted to thrash this boorish askari, I remembered that the Prophet (SAW) would definitely have steered the issue into calm waters.

I moved on, and while the askari berated a group of Turks who were ignoring him, I quietly raised my hands again. I remembered the words of Imam Malik (RA), who’d told the second Abbasid Caliph, Abu Jafr al-Mansur, over 1 000 years ago to face the Prophet (SAW) when he greeted him.

This etiquette speaks to the attributed Prophetic Tradition that while all prophets taste mortal death they are alive in the barzakh – the inter-space between earthly death and the final after-life.

I would, therefore, not be passing salutations upon a lifeless pile of bones as so many literalists would have us believe.

The great 11^th century scholar, Al-Baihaqi, explains that prophets’ souls are returned to them after death so they are ‘alive in their Lord’s presence’ like the martyrs.

This explains why the Prophet (SAW) has been able to explain in such detail the physical appearance of prophets such as Musa, Isa and Ibrahim (AS).

A sound Tradition, quoted by Abu Hurairah, has the Prophet (SAW) saying that in his grave no-one would greet him from near or afar without Allah, the Highest, returning his soul to him so he could return that greeting – and so that Allah could bless that person ten times.

In the barzakh, the Prophet (SAW) possesses a supra-consciousness. He said that no-one would invoke blessings on him until the Day of Resurrection without a special angel informing him of the person’s name and lineage.

This is further reinforced by the writings of Sayyid Muhammad Alawi al-Maliki, one of the modern era’s most authoritative scholars, saying that as a community we are shown to the Prophet (SAW) morning and evening and that he cares deeply about us and prays constantly for our welfare.

Anas ibn Malik reported the Prophet (SAW) saying: ‘…my intercession (or prayers to Allah on your behalf) is assured for all those who visit me.’

In the angelic realm, it is said that the Prophet’s (SAW) tomb – the most sacred spot on our planet – is abuzz with heavenly beings, unimaginable colour and unearthly light.

Each dawn, some 70 000 angels who have just made devotions around the Kabah in Makkah, come to bestow salutations upon him (SAW).

These angels have been described as a ‘river of intense energy and light’. They only greet the Prophet (SAW) once and will re-appear on the Final Day in a dazzling and uncountable array.

However, for those who may still not accept that the Prophet Muhammad (SAW) is ‘alive’, there is plentiful evidence that he is, at the very least, highly aware of us. He (SAW), of course, can appear in dreams, and he did say that Shaitan – the devil – would not be able to copy his form.

The first account, a few decades after the death of the Prophet (SAW), is attributed to Sa’id ibn al-Musaib, the only person present in the Prophet’s (SAW) mosque after Harra, a battle in which Yazid ibn Muawiyya had sacked Madinah, killing 10 000 Companions.

For three days there was no adhan but each prayer time, Ibn al-Musaib would hear the call to prayer coming from the Prophet’s (SAW) grave. Muhammad ibn Hibban, the 10^th century Hadith master, reports Ibrahim ibn Shaiban greeting the Prophet (SAW) who audibly replied to his salaams.

If that isn’t enough, there are many who will claim that the ‘presence’ of the Prophet (SAW) comforted them. Martin Lings, the author of Muhammad, told me before his passing in 2005 that when he had difficulties with the book, he felt the gentle hand of the Prophet (SAW).

There was also an incident in Madinah when a young boy, sent into the Prophet’s (SAW) burial chamber to retrieve a dead pigeon, came out with an apple. Shaikh Ahmad Tijani, the Algerian founder of the Tijani Sufi Order, had seen the Prophet (SAW) in a wakeful state, and had conversed with him.

But the most famous incident proving the Prophet’s (SAW) state occurred in the 12^th century when Sayyid Ahmad Rifaii, a descendant of the Blessed House, visited the tomb of his forefather.

A man of modesty, Sayyid Rifaii had not dressed himself in the travelling garb that Prophetic descendants did in those days. So, when he requested permission to enter the chamber – a privilege allowed to the Sayyids – the guard stopped him, asking him for proof of his lineage.

Disappointed, Sayyid Rifaii cried out, ‘Assalamu alaikum, ya jaddi.’ (Peace on you, my grandfather).

To everybody’s amazement, the Prophet (SAW) answered, ‘Wa alaikum salam, ya walidi.’ (And peace on you, my son). Then the Prophet (SAW) had extended his hand out from the grave and Sayyid Rifaii had kissed it.

For those literalists who would like to write this off as a Sufi fairy story, Sayyid Rifaii’s kissing of the Prophet’s (SAW) noble hand was witnessed by hundreds.

This article was first published in the January 10, 2014 print edition of MUSLIM VIEWS.

When Nabi Muhammad (SAW) entered the Kabah after the liberation of Makkah, ‘the Quraish watched Him smash each stone effigy while He recited the verse: “The truth has come, and falsehood has vanished away; surely falsehood is certain to vanish.” Inside the Kabah, the walls had been decorated with pictures of the pagan deities, and Muhammad (SAW) ordered them all to be obliterated, though, it is said, He allowed frescoes of Jesus and Mary to remain.’ (Karen Armstrong in her book Muhammad: Prophet of our time) The Sultan of Istanbul, followed the above line of thought when, after the Haga Sofia was converted from a church to a masjid, the Christian remnants were left intact. The Haga Sofia is now a museum. Photo SALIM PARKER

A Glimpse into the Past

MawlidSA — Tue, 02 Dec 2014 22:02:43 +0000

PROFILE OF GUESTS FOR MAWLID1434

MawlidSA — Tue, 02 Dec 2014 20:03:16 +0000

DR AL-SAYYID ABD-ALLAH FAD’AQ

Dr al-Sayyid Abd-Allah Fad’aq is one of the most prominent Saudi Arabian Alim of the Shafii Madh-hab today.

He was born in Makkah to a famous Sayyid family of great Shafii Ulama who were the Shafii Imams of the Haram of Makkah for 200 years, the first one being his great-great grandfather and namesake al-Sayyid Abd-Allah Fad’aq (appointed Imam of Haram in 1809), and the last one being his immediate grandfather as-Sayyid Hasan Fad’aq (appointed Imam in 1892 and well into the 1920’s).

Sayyid Abd-Allah Fad’aq memorized the Quran and recieved his early Islamic Education at the hands of the Ulama of the Haram of Makkah, most particularly the renowned muhaddith of Makkah, as-Sayyid Muhammad bin Alawi al-Maliki, under whom he studied for 20 years.

Thereafter, he did his BA in Islamic Dawah, MA in Islamic Tarbiyah and PHD in Islamic Thought from the Umm al-Qura University in Makkah ad King Abdul-Aziz University in Jeddah.

Today, Sayyid Abd-Allah Fad’aq is an advisor to the King of Saudi Arabia, head of the Alawi Sayyids Association of Jeddah, Key Member of the Association of World Ulama, Key Member of the World Forum for Wasatiyyah, Honorary Member of WAMY, Board Member of al-Ittihad Soccer Club Jeddah, among numerous other roles and portfolios.

He has also published numerous works in Arabic, particularly on the topics of Maqasid al-Shariah, the Sirah of the Prophet (SAW), and contemporary issues.

He has participated in numerous Islamic Conferences, Seminars, and Interviews all over the World. He is also a regular columnist, commentator, and writer for many Saudi dailies.

Presently, Sayyid Abd-Allah Fad’aq also upholds his family’s traditional DARS (called Majlis ar-Rawhah) at his Home in Jeddah where he teaches key Islamic Works to students on a weekly basis. All are welcome to attend.

SIDI BAKHEET HUSSAIN

Sidi Bakheet Hussain: Was born in Medina and masters the traditional Hijazi style of Qasidah recital. He has recited at numeorus international functions, participated in, and won many Nasheed competitions. He has a very melodious voice.

SHAYKH AHMAD TIJANI BEN OMAR

Shaykh Ahmad Tijani ben Omar: A world renowned Nashid personality. Has recited in front of Kings and Presidents. A regular in the functions of Shaykh Ninowy and Prof Tahir-ul-Qadri. Was born in Ghana and migrated to the USA where he has done successful Dawah for three decades.

He masters the traditional African style of Qasidah recital, now mixed with American tunes also. He has been the key Munshid at hundreds of international functions, from the UK to Singapore, enthralling audiences. He has released many albums.

SHAYKH MUHAMMAD AL-YA’QOUBI

Shaykh Muhammad Al-Ya’qoubi: Born in Damascus, Shaykh Muhammad descends from a family whose lineage goes back to the Prophet, salla Allahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, through his grandson Sayyiduna al-Hasan, radiya Allahu ‘anhu. His ancestors also include some of the greatest scholars of Syria. His father, Shaykh Ibrahim al-Ya’qoubi (d. 1985/1406 H.), was one of the greatest scholars Syria saw in the past 50 years.

As a little boy, Shaykh Muhammad crawled in the Grand Umayyad Mosque and the Darwishiyya Mosque, where his father was an instructor for 40 years, and sat in the laps of some of the greatest scholars. Under his father’s tutelage, Shaykh Muhammad followed a solid traditional curriculum since the age of four, studying the major classical works on the various disciplines of the Shari’ah as well as the instrumental disciplines. He received ijazas in Hadith from several of the most prominent scholars in Syria.

Shaykh Muhammad pursued his academic studies at the University of Damascus, Faculty of Shari’ah. He also received a degree in Arabic literature in 1987 and completed a two-year study of philosophy at the Arab University of Beirut. In 1991, Shaykh Muhammad joined the PhD program of linguistics at Gothenburg University in Sweden, Department of Oriental Studies, where he also worked as a researcher and a teacher of classical Arabic literature. He worked in Dar al-Athar al-Islamiyyah in Kuwait in 1990 as Research Editor and later as Assistant Director for Research and Studies.

In Sweden, Shaykh Muhammad served the Muslim community of Gothenburg as Imam, where he struggled for the establishment of Islam in the country. In 1999, the Swedish Islamic society in Stockholm chose him as the Mufti of Sweden. Besides working in Syria and Sweden, Shaykh Muhammad participated in conferences, delivered lectures, and gave Friday speeches in the Middle East, Europe, Canada, and the United States. Shaykh Muhammad taught his first class at the age of eleven in Qura’an and Tajweed, delivered his first public speeches at the age of twelve, and gave his first Friday khutba at the age of fourteen and a half.

Shaykh Muhammad is married, has three children, and currently resides in Damascus, Syria. Shaykh Yaqoubi has spearheaded the Syrian revolution on behalf of the ulama and people of Syria and is currently in exile in Morrocco.

Appeal to Businesses

MawlidSA — Tue, 02 Dec 2014 18:48:03 +0000

In the Name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful

“Allah and His angels send blessings on the Prophet.

O ye who believe! Send ye blessings on him and salute him with all respect.”

Quran: Surah Al Ahzab.

As Salaamu Alaykum wa Rahmatulahi wa Barakatu

Dear Respected and Honorable Brother/Sister in Islam

MAWLIDSA 1434 : MASS MAWLID IN CAPE TOWN

All praise is due to Allah (swt) for His mercy and blessings upon us. We convey our salutations to our Beloved Prophet Muhammad (Sallallahu alayhi was Salaam), his noble family and companions.

We hope that this communiqué reaches you whilst you are all enjoying good health and blessed with the best of spiritual state. Insha Allah.

As we have entered the blessed month of the birth of our Beloved Prophet Muhammad (sallallahu alayhi was salaam), we would like to extend an invitation to you to participate in the spirit and success of this noble event. The event will take place at the Fan Park next to the Cape Town Stadium on Sunday the 27^th January 2013 where we are expecting 30 000 people InSha Allah.

This event will reflect the Cape Town spirit of gratitude of the Ummah of Muhammad (Sallallahu Alayhi was Salaam) during the month of Rabi-ul-Awwal. Your participation is essential for the success of this event in honour of the Beloved of Allah (Subhanahu wa ta‘ala)

As Mawlid has been commemorated globally for centuries, we will give recognition to all groups who have maintained this beautiful legacy of celebrating the Mawlid annually. The Mawlid would thus comprise of local and international groups such as the various turukh, local Mawlud Jama’ah, MSA’s, Madaris, Hifdh Schools and all Islamic organization of this community. Great Shuyukh from Makkah tul Mukarramah and Syria will be coming to Cape Town for this event. Also great munshids will be coming from Madinatul Munawwarah and other parts of the world for this event.

We have invited Sidi Bakheet Hussain from Madina and Shaykh Ahmad Tijani ben Omar from USA and the legendary South African Zain Bhika and Shaykh Ismail Londt from Cape Town. Our guest of honour will be the Honourable Dr Shaykh Sayyid Muhammad bin Yahya al-Ninowy from the USA, as well as the Mayor of Cape Town, Patricia DeLille and distinguished dignitaries.

With reference to the logistical and events planning for this historic program, we require the following items. We appeal for the support of yourself and your business in this regard. Your support towards the success of this event would be highly appreciated by our community and would serve greatly towards strengthening the hands that work towards the mutual benefit of the Ummah.

Our outstanding requirements are:

Transport -Busses from all areas of the Peninsula
Cleaning
Fencing
Waste Removal
Temporary structures – Stage, Sound, Big Screens, Portable Toilets and Ablutions Taps
Security
Marshalls
Banners and Branding
Marques Tents

We humbly beseech you to assist with the success of this historic cultural and religious event.

Financial Assistance and your share in the Barakah can be deposited into:

MK Attorneys Trust Account
Absa Bank-Account number: 4051785899
Branch code: 632005
Ref: MawlidSA 1434

May Allah subhanahu wataala bless you and your family. Ameen. We look forward to your presence on 27^th January 2013.

Mawlid SA 1434

“The full moon rose over us from the mountains of al-Wada‘!
We must give thanks as long as there remains one who calls unto Allah!