BIRTHDAY OF HOLY PROPHET (##) WHETHER 9™ OR 12" OF RABI-UL-AWAL? WRITTEN BY: ALLAMA MOULANA KASHIF IQBAL MADANI dba. RENDERED INTO ENGLISH MUHAMMAD SAQIB RAZA QADRI ATTARI ue oi (B.COM, CA ater), MA Ushamic StACKNOWLEDGEMENT It is a common practice of Muslim Ummah to celebrate the birthday of their beloved Prophet Hazrat Muhammad (Peace be upon Him) with great passion and enthusiasm in different ways and protocol. There was no conflict regarding its celebration but till the Wahabi and Deobandi sect takes birth, they started to create doubts in the mind of muslims in different aspects. One of their rumors is that the birthday of Holy Prophet (peace be upon Him) is 9h of Rabi-ul-Awal and not 12" In this brief article, the captioned topic is elaborated comprehensively and doctrines of renowned muslim scholars are furnished in support. Further, views of famous scholars of Wahabi and Deobandi sects are also taken that are self explanatory and support our claim. All discussion is supported by full reference The article is derived from a book named “Tareekh-e-Eid Melad-un-Nabi #Ze"Written by Allama Kashif Iqbal Madni. This is not a complete translation of his book rather certain amendments that I think appropriate while translating are being made. However, all credit of this article goes to Allama Kashif Iqbal Madni. May Allah accepts his efforts and gives him more energy to do more research work for the benefit of all Muslim Ummah. It is humbly requested to all readers to pray for me to remain consistent on Shariah and in following Sunnah of Holy Prophet (peace be upon Him) and to do more translation work in future. (ctu! Muhammad Saqib Raza Qadri Attari (B.COM, C.A (liter), M.A (Islamic Studies)Naf? Aine Our great Prophet Hazrat Muhammad (peace be upon Him) was born on 12" day of Rabi-ul-Awal. We are providing its proof with authentic references. FIRST HADITH: Imam Abu-Bakar Bin Abi Shaiba (May Allah be pleased with him) narrates that: te be ae OI ote rbol te Site All 8S ae Keeton c ) Uw A o bt (rte TRANSLATION: Aafan narrated from Saeed bin Meena and he from Hazrat Jabir and Ibn-e- Abbas (may Allah be pleased with them) that they both (i.e. Jabir and Ibn-e- Abbas) stated that Rasoolullah (peace be upon Him) was born on Monday, 12" day of Rabi-ul-Awal.! This Hadith is “Sahih” (a special terminology in Usool ¢ Hadith, simply means that this Hadith is authentic.) then it is also clear from the above hadith that two great companions of Holy Prophet (peace be upon Him) believed that the birthday of Holy Prophet (peace be upon Him) was 12" day of Rabi-ul-Awal and Wahabiah (a deviant sect)’s claim about 9" of Rabi-ul- Awal as birthday of Holy Prophet (peace be upon Him) is wrong and therefore, rejected. " Scoratul-Nabaviah li Ton-e-Kathir Voll, Page, 199 & Al-Biddaya wal Nihaya Vol.2, Page, 260)Now, we present the confirmations/ verifications of this Hadith from great Imams and Scholars of Hadith (i.e, Muhaddiths).. ‘The first narrator of this hadith is “Imam Abu-Bakar bin Abi Shaiba”, who is teacher of Imam Bukhari and Imam Muslim and also a “Siqga” (2) (Authentic) “Hafiz”, according to great Imams and Scholars of Hadiths.1 ~ Imam Bukhari, Imam Muslim, Imam Nisaee, Imam Abu-Dawood and Imam Ibn-c-Maja have taken hadith from him in their Sahihs/Sunan in the respect 28, 2, 60 and 1151. e order The second narrator of this hadith is “Aafan”, who was a great Imam, Siqqa Hafiz. Imam Aajli stated him as Siqga and strict follower of Sunnah, in his book named “Khulasa tul Tahzeeb”, page No. 268. Imam Ibn-e-Moeen has counted him among great scholars of hadith in his book “Tahzeeb-ul-Tahzeeb” Volume 7, page no. 231. Imam Ibn-« many hadiths aced said that he was siqga, authentic, Hujjat and narrator.of Imam Ibn-e-Kharash said that he was Siqga min Khayar-il- Muslimeen (33 Tbn-e- Qane said that he was authentic and honest. Ibn-e-Habban counted him among Siqqat.2 Imam Zahbi said that he was Sheikh-ul-Islam and teacher of Scholars. Imam Ibn-e-Moeen counted him among great five scholars of Hadith. Imam Abu Hatim said that he was Siqqa, humble and a man having Allah’s fear.s Third narrator is “Saeed bin Meena”. Imam Tbn-e-Moeen and Imam Abu Hatim declared him Sigga. Imam Ibn-e-Habban and Imam Nisaee called him as Siqqa.t ' Tahzeeb-ul-Tahzeeb Vol.6, Page3 Tahzeeb, Vol. 7, Page, 234 Fitedal, Vol.3, Page. 82 'Tahzeeb-ul-Tahzeeb, Vol. 4, Page.91, Khulasa tul Tahzeeb, page.143, Taqreeb-ul-Tahzecb page. 126Dear readers, How any other statement can be considered as authentic, when there is a hadith from two great companions of Holy Prophet (peace be upon Him) Imam Ibn-e-Kathir wrote under this hadith that; wrt it itALeiies (Itis popular amongst majority of scholars.) SECOND HADITH: Sera e Pi Bice dob ih Sir eter Translation: Hazrat Saeed bin Jubair narrated from Hazrat Abdullah bin Abbas (may Allah be pleased with both of them) that our beloved Prophet (peace be upon Him) was born in “Aam-ul-Feel” (ie. the year in which Abraha attacked Makkah with elephants), on Monday, 12th day of Rabi-ul-Awal.2 DOCTRINES OF DIFFERENT IMAMS: IMAM IBN-E-JAREER TABRI: He wrote that Rasoolullah (peace be upon Him) was born on 12th day of Rabi-ul-Awal on Monday in the “Aam-ul-Feel” (i.e. the yeur of elephants).3 IMAM IBN-E-HASHAM: Imam Ibn-e-Hasham quoted Imam Muhammad bin Ishaq that Rasoolullah (peace be upon Him) was born in the year of “Aam-ul-Feel”, on Monday, the 12th day of Rabi-ul-Awal.s ' Sceravul-Nabavia, Vol. 1, page 199 ? Extracted from Al-Mustadrak, Vol2, page, 125 * Tareekh-e-Tabri, Vol.2, page. 125 * Al-Seerat-ul-Nabaviah Ii bn-e-Hasham, Vol. |, page. 181IMAM WA MUHADDITH IBN-E-JOZI: He wrote that Imam Ibn-e-Ishaq said that the Holy Prophet (peace be upon Him) was born on Monday, 12th of Rabi-ul-Awal in the “Aam-ul-Feel”. Imam Ibn-e-Ishaq has also mentioned this in his books.1 Imam Ibn-e-Jozi has stated the birthday of Holy Prophet (peace be upon Him) as 12th of Rabi-ul-Awal in his other books as well.2 ALLAMA IBN-E-KHALDOON: He wrote that Holy Prophet (peace be upon Him) was born in this world on the 12th day of Rabi-ul-Awal in the “Aam-ul-Feel”.3 IMAM ABUL FATEH MUHAMMAD BIN MUHAMMAD BIN ABDULLAH BIN MUHAMMAD BIN YAHYA BIN SYED-UN-NAAS AL-SHAFAI AL-UNDLASI: He wrote that our lord, our Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon Him) was hom on the 12th day of Rabi-ul-Awal, the day was Monday, in the year of elephants (i.e, Aam-ul-Feel).1 IMAM IBN. E-HAJR MAKKI: He wrote that Hazrat Muhammad (peace be upon Him) was born on Monday on 12th of Rabi-ul-Awal.s IMAM Al-MAGHAZI MUHAMMAD BIN ISHAQ: He narrated that Prophet (peace be upon Him) was born on the 12th day of Rabi-ul-Awal.6 Subul-ul-Hala wal Rishad. Vol. 1. Nabaviah ma Roz-ul-Unf. Ve. 3, Bayan e Meladcan-Nabvi, Page. 31, Moold-l-tto0s, Page. 14 ° Taree fon-e-Khaldoon, Vol. 2, Page. 710 * Uyyon-ul-Asr, Vol. 1, Page. 26 5 AicNeamat-al Kura alal Aalim, Page. 20 ® Mustadrak, Vol.2, Page. 603 334, Shoab-ul-Iman lil Behagi, Vol. 2, Page, 458, Al-Seerat-ul-IMAM BURHAN-UD-DIN HALBI: He wrote that Hazrat Saeed bin Mussayyab (2* 31%) narrated that date of birth of Holy Prophet (peace be upon Him) is near to Bahar-e-Nahar ie middle (12th ) of Rabi-ul-Awal.1 IMAM BEHAQE: He wrote that Rasoolullah (peace be upon Him) was born on 12th day of, Rabi-ul-Awal in “Aam-ul-Feel”2 IMAM IBN-E-HABBAN: He wrote that Imam Abu Hatim said that birth day of Holy Prophet (peace be upon Him) was Monday and 12th of Rabi-ul-Awal in the “Aam-ul-Feel”.s MUHADDITH IMAM SAKHAVI: He wrote that Holy Prophet (peace be upon Him) was born on 12th day of Rabi-ul-Awal, on Monday in the year of “Aam-ul-Feel” near to the beginning time of Fajr. IMAM ABUL HASSAN ALI BIN MUHAMMAD MAWARDE He wrote that Rasoolullah (peace be upon Him) was born after 50 days of the incident of “Feel” and after the sad demise of fis father. on the 12th day of Rabi-ul-Awal.s MULLAH MOEEN WAEEZ KASHFI: He wrote that it is well known fact that Holy Prophet (peace be upon Him) was born in the month of Rabi-ul-Awal and many said that it was 12th of Rabi-ul-Awal.1 ' Seerat-e-Halbiah, Vol.1, Page. 57 /ul-Nubuwwat, Vol. 1, Page. 74 Nabaviah, Page. 4, & Akhbar ul Khulaa, Page. 33 {ALTohfactul-Lutia, Vol. 1, Pa *Belam-un-Nubuwwat, Vol. 1, Page. 270MOULANA ABDUR RAHMAN JAMIL: He wrote that Holy Prophet (peace be upon Him) was born on the 12th of Rabi-ul-Awal on Monday after 25 days of the instance of “Feel”.2 MUHADDITH SYED JAMAL HUSSAT He wrote that Prophet (peace be upon Him) was born in the month of Rabi- ul-Awal and most acknowledged date of birth is 12th of Rabi-ul-Awal. It is popular and many have agreed upon this.3 IMAM ZAHBI: He wrote that Abu-Maashar Najee said that Prophet (peace be upon Him) bom on [2th day of Rabi-ul-Awal.4 MULLAH ALI QARI: He wrote that it is renowned that Holy Prophet (peace be upon Him) was born on 12th day of Rabi-ul-Awal on Monday.s IMAM QASTALANI: He wrote that it is well known that Rasoolullah (peace be upon Him) was born on Monday in the 12th of Rabi-ul-Awal.6 IMAM ZURQANI: He wrote that Imam Ibn-e-Kathir said that 12th day of Rabi-ul-Awal is popular among many scholars as birthday of Holy Prophet (peace be upon Him). [bn-e-Jozi and Ibn-e-Jazar have stated “IJMAA” (unanimous) on this with exaggeration. It is a common practice of Ummah.7 Maarij-un-Nubuwwat, Vol ‘Shawahid-un-Nubusswat Pa lat Mab Trans. Roza * Secrat-un-Nabaviah li Zahbi Al-Moor wal Ravi, Page. 98 ul-Ladunia, Vol. 1, Page. 142 Jal-Muwahib, Vol. 1, Page. 132 bab by Mufti Azeez-ur-Rahman, Page. 9 ‘ol. 1, PagALLAMA HUSSAIN BIN MUHAMMAD DAYYAR BAKRI: He wrote that it is popular that Holy Prophet (peace be upon Him)’s birthday is 12th day of Rabi-ul-Awal and the same verdict is also recorded from Imam Ibn-e-Ishaq in this regard.1 HAZRAT SHEIKH ABDUL HAQ MUHADDITH E DEHLVI: He wrote that it is said that the date of birth of Holy Prophet (peace be upon Him) is 12th of Rabi-ul-Awal and it’s also popular.2 ALLAMA YOUSUF BIN ISMAIL NIBHANI: He wrote that Holy Prophet (peace be upon Him) was born on Monday, 12th day of Rabi-ul-Awal. SOME OTHER REFERENCES: Besides this, several Imams have clearly written 12th day of Rabi-ul-Awal as birthday of Holy Prophet (peace be upon Him), some more references are stated as under; [Naseem-ur-Riaz, Vol. 3, Page. 275, Suffat-ul-Saffawat, Vol. 1, Page. 52, Eelam-ul-Nubuwwat, Vol. 1, Page. 192, Fiqh-us-Seerat-lil-Ghi Page. 60, Tawareekh-e-Habib-e-Illah, Page. 12, Waseelat-ul-Islam, Vol. 1, Page 44] SOME REFERNCES FROM BOOKS OF WAHABI AND DEOBANDI’S SCHOLARS: SIDDIQ BHOPALI: The so-called mujaddid and mufassir of Wahabiah sect Nawab Siddiq Hassan Bhopali wrote that Holy Prophet (peace be upon Him) was born in Makkah-tul-Mukarammah, near to the starting time of Fajr on Monday, 12th ' Tareekh-ul-Khamees, Vol. 1 * Ma Sabbat-bis-Sunnah, Pave, Lt » Hujjatullahi-alal-Aalameen, Pa 196 Madarij-un-Nubuwwat, Vol 172day of Rabi-ul-Awal in the “Aam-ul-Feel”. It’s a statement of renowned scholars and Ibn-e-Jozi has also stated agreement (Ijmaa) upon this.1 SULEMAN NADVE Molvi Suleman Nadvi (both Wahabi and Deobandi sects trusted him) wrote that Prophet (peace be upon Him) was born on 12th day of Rabi-ul-Awal on Monday after 571 years from the birth of Hazrat Eesa (Alaihis salam).2 ABDUL SATTAR WAHABL: ‘A renowned scholar of Wahabi sect Abdul Sattar wrote in his Punjabi poetry book that; Sad ber et aul LP be hen FUP? Translation: On lightening Monday night 12"" Rabi-ul-Awal, the true friend of Almighty Allah came in this world; it was great blessings of Almighty Allah. SADIQ SIALKOTI: Molvi Sadiq Sialkoti Wahabi wrote that in Spring season, 12th day of Rabi- ul-Awal (April 22, 571) on Monday near the beginning time of Fajr, blessing for Muslim Ummah that Allah bestowed upon them his Aya-e-Rahmat.4 ABUL QASIM MUHAMMAD RAFIQUE DILAWARI: Famous scholars of Deobandi sect Abul Qasim Muhammad Rafique of Lahore wrote that Hazrat Ahmad-e-Mujtaba, Muhammad-e-Mustafa (peace be upon Him) was born on Monday in Makkah-tul-Mukaramah in the tribe of Sheab-e-Banu Hashim on the 12th day of Rabi-ul-Awal.s mal-ul-Aanbria min Moolid-e-Khate-il-Bariah, Page. 7 -Aalam, Page. 13 published by Daar-e-Arqam > Karam e Muhammadi, Page, 270 4 Syed-ul-Konain, Page. 59-60 * Seerat-e-Kubra, Vol. 1, Page. 224MUFTI MUHAMMAD SHAFEE DEOBANDI [KARACHI]: The Mufti-e-Azam of Deobandi sect Muhammad Shi of Karachi wrote that the 12th date of Rabi-ul-Awal is a fantastic day in the history of the world, because on that day the cause for world creation, object for contiuous change in day and night, the proud of Adam and his descendant, secret for the safety of Nooh’s boat, prayer of Ibrahim and foresayings of Moosa and Eesa, i.e. our master Muhammad-ur-Rasoolullah (peace be upon Him) came in this world.1 He further wrote that 12th date is popular verdict in this regard even Ibn-e- Bazar has stated “Ijmaa” on that and the same view is adopted by Kaamil Ibn-e-Aseer and Mehmood Pasha Makk who conceived with his methodologies that 9th day as birthday is against the understanding of majority of scholars of Islam and has no certification and reliance cannot be placed on such views that go opposite to the views of renowned scholars.2 ASLAM QASMI: Son of Qari Muhammad Tayyab Deobandi, Muhammad Aslam Qasmi wrote that on 12th Rabi-ul-Awal, Monday as per April 20, 571, Hazrat Aamina (* #/u”,gave birth to Holy Prophet (peace be upon Him) at early morning.3 WALI RAZI: He wrote that birth of Holy Prophet (Peace be upon Him) was in the 3rd month of Islamic calendar and the date was twelve (12).4 MODOODI: The founder of Jamaat-e-Islami, Modoodi wrote that what was the date of Rabi-ul-Awal, it is contradictory. But Ibn-e-Abi Shaiba has quoted the statement of Hazrat Abdullah bin Abbas and Jabir bin Abdullah (may Allah be pleased with both) that Holy Prophet (pace be upon Him) was born on ® Seerat e Khatam ul Anbia, Page. 20, Published by Daer-ulishaat > Seerat e Khatam-ul-Anbia, Page 20 » Seerat-e-Pak, Page. 22 "Hadi-e-Aalam,12th day of Rabi-ul-Awal. Muhammad bin Ishaq has also certified this and this date is popular among many renowned scholars.1 SYED MUHAMMAD MIAN DEOBANDI: He wrote that it was 12th day of Rabi-ul-Awal.2 ABUL HASSAN NADVI: A renowned scholar of Deobandi sect, Abul Hassan Nadvi wrote that the date of birth of Holy Prophet (peace be upon Him) is 12th of Rabi-ul-Awal in the “Aam-ul-Feel” as per «570 and the day was Monday. This day was the most blessed day, full of lights in the history of humanity. SIR SYED AHMAD KHAN: He wrote that according to history describers, Holy Prophet (peace be upon Him) born on 12th day of Rabi-ul-Awal after 55 days of Abraha’s strike.s QARI MUHAMMAD TAYYAB DEOBANDI: Ie said that at last on 12th day of Rabi-ul-Awal, Allah disclosed the sacred personality in this world. No one born in this world as beautiful as our Prophet (peace be upon Him) was. MUFTI ZAIN-UD-DIN SAJJAD: A renowned institution of Deobandi sect, “Idara Islamiat” has published book named “Tareekh-e-Millat” of Mufti Zain-ud-Din Sajjad. In which he wrote that Hazrat Muhammad (peace be upon Him) was born on 12th day of Rabi-ul-Awal as per April 20, 571. THTISHAM-UL-HAQ THANVI: He wrote that it is a popular saying that it was Monday, 12th date of Rabi-ul- Awal, when our Holy Prophet (peace be upon Him) enlighted this world.1 Seerate-Sarwar-e-Aalam, Vol. 1, Page. 93 ® Seerat-e-Mubarika, Vol. 1, Page, 6 * Seerat-e-Muhammadi, Page. 217 * Khutbat-Hakeem-ul-Ummat, Vol. 2, Page. [4TALIB-UL-HASHMI: He wrote that the day, when our Holy Prophet (peace be upon Him) came in this world, was Monday, 12th of Rabi-ul-Awal and 20th of April.2 AHMAD ALI LAHORE DEOBANDI: He wrote that Ahmad-e-Mujtaba was born in Makkah, a city of Arab on Monday, 12th day of Rabi-ul-Awal as per April 20. 571.5 ABDUL MAJID DARYA ABADI: The descendent of Ashr Feli Thanvi, Abdul Majid Darya Abadi has also stated the date of birth of Holy Prophet (peace be upon Him) as 12th of, Rabi-ul-Awal.4 ANAYAT ALI SHAH: Another descendent of Ashr Feli Thanvi, Annayat Ali Shah wrote that Hazrat Ayesha (may Allah be pleased with Her) stated that one day a Jew came to Makkah and on Monday, 12th day of Rabi-ul-Awal, when our Rasoolullah (peace be upon Him) came in this world, The Jew asked Oh! People of Quraish! Is any child bom today morning in your tribe?s QAZI NAWAB ALI WAHABI: He wrote that it was the time of early morning of Monday, 12th day of Rabi- ul-Awal that Hazrat Muhammad (peace be upon Him) came in this worlds MOLVI ABDUL MAABOOD: He wrote that it was early morning of Monday, 12th day of Rabi-ul-Awal, April 20, 571. All writers of Seerat and History are unanimous in saying that 'Miahnama Mehfil, Lahore Page. 65, March, 1981 Hamaray Rasool-e-Pak. Page. 43, Weekly Khucda ud Din, Page. 7, March 18, 1977 ¢ Mahnama Khatoon-<-tslam, Rasool Number, Page: ¥6, Published in 1563 ij * Bagh-e-Jannat, Page. 289 * Rasool-e-Akram,it was Monday of the Holy month of Rabi-ul-Awal. However, there is contradiction in date of birth. Imam Tabri, Ibn-e- Khaldoon and Imam Ibn-e- Hasham has also stated 12th Rabi-ul-Awal and the same is the view of most. scholars of Islam.1 CONCLUSION: It is evident from all above facts and arguments that the date of birth of Holy Prophet (peace be upon Him) is 12th day of Rabi-ul-Awal and Muslims celebrate the birthday of their Master. their Lord (peace be upon Him) on 12th day of Rabi-ul-Awal and arrange processions and enlighten their streets and markets houses. Further, those people who claim that the date of birth of Holy Prophet (peace be upon Him) is 9th day of Rabi-ul-Awal, we humbly suggest that they should celebrate Eid-e-Melad on 9th of Rabi-ul-Awal PRAYER: May Allah guide us towards the right path and enlighten our hearts with the love of His Prophet (peace be upon Him) and bestowed upon us more powers to follow His Sunnah...........Aameen. Imam-e-AhleSunnat, Imam Ahmad Raza Khan said: LIME ee Levee be sul rebbr I (GALEN TRANSLATION: We will celebrate birthday of our Master (peace be upon Him) till the day of judgement and will destroy the false doctrine of Wahabis/Najadis as castle of “Fars” was destroyed on the birth of our Holy Prophet (peace be upon Him). (Insha Allah) ' Tareekh-e-Makkalt-tul-Mukarammah, Page. 211, Published by Maktaba Rahmania, Lahore,