Milad Nabi

Time is always changing. Mankind's nature, thoughts and outlook are moving with time. Accordingly the
method of practicing them also changes. That is why traditions, customs and festivals are subjected to
change. When we celebrate our holy days, we must notice the corresponding influence on our thoughts.

Among the honorable days of Muslims is Milad-un-Nabi (Prophet's Birthday). In my opinion it is

important to have a practical model for the purification of their hearts and thoughts. As far as Muslims are

concerned, it is incumbent on them to follow the example of Prophet . In order to maintain the flavor of
faith in Prophet's teachings, one may resort to three ways.

The 'Durood' Approach

Firstly it is Salat (reciting durood or sending blessings) on Prophet , which is an indivisible part of
Muslims' life. A Muslim never loses a chance of Salat. I have heard of Arabs: When there is a conflict or
quarrel between two, a third person comes and declares aloud "Allahumma Salli Ala Sayyidna

Muhammedin Wa Sallim-may Allah's peace and blessings be upon Muhammad , then the quarrel
comes to an end at once and the conflicting parties are unable to raise hands at one another. This is due to
the the influence of Salat. How can the personality, upon whom the Salat is recited, not capture the hearts?

The Social Approach

While the above technique is of a personal nature, the second is of a social nature. A person well aquatinted
with Prophet's life should speak on the 'Leader of two worlds' in a large assembly of Muslims. This will

help in instilling love of Prophet in the society. We have assembled here to fulfill this objective.

The Spiritual Approach

The third way is not much difficult. Yet it has to explained. It is to enliven one's heart with the love of

Prophet in special ways and remember him at all times. As Rumi said it is a state where one seeks
none but the friend. This stage cannot be attained by reading books or listening speeches. It is necessary to
live with the spiritual guides and enlighten oneself. But if that is impossible, then we adopt the present

method (i.e. gathering and speaking on Prophet ).

Prophet has said "I have been sent to perfect the best of manners". Therefore the scholars should

present the character of Prophet so that the Muslim Ummah can follow that example. The believer
should be able to integrate Sunnah into his life. When someone presented a watermelon to Hazrat Ba Yazid

Bustami, he refused to eat it saying 'he had no knowledge of how Prophet had eaten it'. How
unfortunate we are not to have such joyful moments in life! We are unable to lead a virtuous life and deal
kindly with each other. Our predecessors followed Sunnah vehemently. They always enquired Prophet's

way of dealing the matter.

Hazrat Rumi was very fond of children. One day as he was walking through a street, he happened to see
some children playing. They said salam to him. He took a long time to receive the salam from each one of
them. A child far away called out "Hazrat, please don't go. Accept my salam too". Maulana Rumi waited
for the child to come and give salam. Someone asked the great Persian poet "Were you waiting for a mere

child"? The poet replied "If such an event had occurred in front of Prophet , he would have also done
the same"!