Prominent Scholars of Islam on Celebrating Mawlid an-Nabawi Sharif

Having read the words of those who had lived with the Holy Prophet SallAllahu Alaihi wa Aalihi wa Sallam and had closely watched his every action, we shall now turn to some great scholars of Islam, whose writings are considered most authentic in Islamic affairs. Pay heed to these to dispel any doubts that you may have regarding the subject. All these great scholars firmly believed that celebrating Mawlid Sharif of the Holy Prophet SallAllahu Alaihi wa Aalihi wa Sallam is authentic and lawful.

 

Sayings of the Prominent Scholars about Celebrating Mawlid

1. After relating Abu Lahab's relief on setting Thuwaibha free, Hadrat Maulana Shah Abdul Haq Dehlvi in his famous book Madarij an-Nabuwwah says:

"This event provides a clear proof to those who celebrate Milad Sharif by rejoicing and alms giving on the night of the birth of the holy Prophet (SallAllahu Alaihi wa Aalihi wa Sallam), People of Makkah gather on 12th Rabi al-Awwal to is it the house in which the Prophet (SallAllahu Alaihi wa Aalihi wa Sallam) was born. Only because he was his nephew, he has been receiving, in spite of this being an idolater, the benefits of thus rejoicing in his grave every Monday, then how much more blessing will fall to the lot of him who acknowledges the Prophet (SallAllahu Alaihi wa Aalihi wa Sallam) as the beloved of ALLAH and His true Prophet, and celebrates Milad Sharif repeatedly." [Madarij an-Nabuwwah, Vol. 2, Page 34, Publisher: Zia al-Quran Publication]

As the poet says:

دوستاں را کجا کنی محروم
تو کہ با دشمناں نظر داری

How would you (SallAllahu Alaihi wa Aalihi wa Sallam) leave out friends?
You, who feel great compassion, even for your enemies."

2. Due to the rejoicing he made at the birth of the holy Prophet (SallAllahu Alaihi wa Aalihi wa Sallam), Imaam Qastalaani says:

"How would anyone of the Ummah the holy Prophet (SallAllahu Alaihi wa Aalihi wa Sallam) fare, who is a Muslim and is steadfast in his belief in the unity of Allah and rejoices at his (SallAllahu Alaihi wa Aalihi wa Sallam) birth and who spends whatever he can afford for the love of him (SallAllahu Alaihi wa Aalihi wa Sallam)? I swear by my life, that Allah, out of His Grace, will not reward such a person but by entering him into the Gardens of Bliss." [Mawahib al-Ladunniyah by Imam Qastalani, Vol. 1, Page 27, Published in Egypt]

3. Imaam Qastalaani further states:

"May ALLAH bless a person who celebrates 'Eid' on the nights of the blessed month of the holy birth of the Prophet (SallAllahu Alaihi wa Aalihi wa Sallam), so that it hurts them the most who have a serious disease in their hearts and who suffer from an incurable ailment on account of the blessed birth". [Mawaahib-dunniyah by Imam Qastalani, Vol. 1, Page 27, Published in Egypt]

Oppositions would have now found the required word "Eid" in such an authentic book. If they do not agree with the writings of Imaam Qastalaani, then they should condemn their own leaders and scholars who have called this book the best and of great virtue.

 

4. Imaam Qastalaani further says that How blessed is the month in which the Prophet of ALLAH (SallAllahu Alaihi wa Aalihi wa Sallam) was born!

How very superior and sacred! How very respected the nights (of the month) as though they are pearls shining bright throughout the ages! How full of light and pure the face of the one born! How blessed the Being (ALLAH) who made the birth of the holy Prophet (SallAllahu Alaihi wa Aalihi wa Sallam) a springtime for the hearts and his (SallAllahu Alaihi wa Aalihi wa Sallam) face a manifestation of splendor!

يقول لنا لسان الحال عنه
The tongue of the Prophet of ALLAH (SallAllahu Alaihi wa Aalihi wa Sallam) Speaks the truth. And the thing is that the voice of truth appears to be sweet to the listener

وقول الحق يعذب السميع
And, O questioner! If you want to know about my attributes and my affairs, I would say this:

فوجهي والزمان وشهر وضعي
My face and my age and the month of my birth is springtime in the month of Rabi al-Awwal.

ربيع في ربيع في ربيع
He (SallAllahu Alaihi wa Aalihi wa Sallam) has likened his blessed face to springtime in respect of blessed beauty and splendor and that his face blossomed in springtime in the month of Rabi al-Awwal.

Reference: Mawaahib al-Ladunniyah by Imam Qastalani, Vol. 1, Page 73, Published in Egypt

5. Imam Sharf al-Din al-Busairi, in chapter 4 of his Qasida Burda Sharif speaks of the birth of Rasoolullah SallAllahu Alaihi wa Sallam.

The blessed day on which Rasoolullah SallAllahu Alaihi wa Sallam, was born is a praise worthy event. The birth of Rasoolullah SallAllahu Alaihi wa Sallam, illuminated the entire universe. Some miracles and incidents, which took place at the time of birth, are mentioned in this chapter. These were signs of the greatness of Rasoolullah SallAllahu Alaihi wa Sallam.

أبان مولده عن طيب عنصره
His birth distinctly showed his pure, good origin,

ياطيب مبتدإ منه ومختتم
Oh, the excellence, of his beginning and his end!

والجن تهتف والأنوار ساطعهٌ
And the jinn hailed and the lights shone,

والحق يظهر من معني ومن كلم
And the truth appeared from the meaning and its word.

Reference: Qasida Burda Sharif, Chapter 4 - Concerning the birth of Rasulullah SallAllahuAlayhi Wasallam, Couplet 1/7

6. Ibne Jauzi has devoted a whole book to Milad, which is called "Mawlid al-Uroos". Allamah Ibne Jauzi says:

"And whosoever rejoices at the birth of our beloved Mustafa (SallAllahu Alaihi wa Aalihi wa Sallam), this rejoicing by him will turn the Fire away, and whosoever spends even a dirham on the occasion of the Milad of the Prophet of ALLAH, He (SallAllahu Alaihi wa Aalihi wa Sallam) will intercede on his behalf and his intercession will be accepted". [Mawlid al-Uroos, Page 9]

 

7. And, Ibn Jauzi has also written:

"O Milad of the Prophet (SallAllahu Alaihi wa Aalihi wa Sallam)! You are mightily praised, and the praise is such that it is the loftiest and the remembrance is such that it is the most excellent; how I wish the remembrance of the holy Prophet (SallAllahu Alaihi wa Aalihi wa Sallam) shall be with me for a long time! How I wish his (SallAllahu Alaihi wa Aalihi wa Sallam) Milad shall be with me for a long time!" [Mawlid al-Uroos, Page 28]

8. In this regard, Shah Waliullah Dehlvi says:

"Following the ancient practice, I recite the Holy Qur'an and distribute food etc. Of the Niyaaz (Faatihah) of the Prophet (SallAllahu Alaihi wa Aalihi wa Sallam) and made a public display of his blessed hair (Moo'e Muboarak). While reciting (the Holy Qur'aan), Mala'i A'la (Angels nearest to Allah) came to attend the Mahfil-e-Milad and the blessed soul of the Prophet (SallAllahu Alaihi wa Aalihi wa Sallam) showed much kindness to me (Shah Waliullah) and my friends. I, thus, saw that Mala'i A 'la (Angels nearest to Allah) and, with them, the whole group of Muslims, were ascending to high heaven (on account of the blessings of the Prophet) and this blessed condition was reflected (in the Mahfil-e-Milad)." [al-Qaul al-Jalee, Page 74]

9. Hadrat Shah Abd al-Haq Muhaddith Dehlvi (may Allah have mercy on him), in his book "Ma Sabata min as-Sunnah" referring to the night of the blessed birth, of the holy Prophet (SallAllahu Alaihi wa Aalihi wa Sallam) says:

"We would rather say that the night when the holy Prophet (SallAllahu Alaihi wa Aalihi wa Sallam) was born is definitely superior to Lailat al-Qadr. This is so because the night of the birth is the night when he was manifested and Lailat al Qadr was bestowed on him (SallAllahu Alaihi wa Aalihi wa Sallam), and a thing which became blessed on account of him upon whom it was bestowed is more blessed than that which became blessed because of it being conferred upon him (SallAllahu Alaihi wa Aalihi wa Sallam) and because Lailat al-Qadr is blessed because on this night Angels descend, and the night of the birth of the holy Prophet (SallAllahu Alaihi wa Aalihi wa Sallam) is blessed because of himself (SallAllahu Alaihi wa Aalihi wa Sallam), and because Lailat al-Qadr is a blessing only for the Ummah of Muhammad (SallAllahu Alaihi wa Aalihi wa Sallam) and the night of his blessed birth is a blessing for all beings. Thus the Prophet (SallAllahu Alaihi wa Aalihi wa Sallam) is he who Allah Ta'Aala sent down as a mercy to all the worlds and it is through him that Allah completed His blessings on all His creations in all heavens and in all earth." [Ma Sabata Min as-Sunnah, Page 82, Published by Qaiyyumi Press, Kanpur, August 1923]

 

10. Those calling themselves followers of Shah Waliullah's family should also note the following statement of Shah Waliullah Dehlvi. In his book, "Ad-Durr as-Sameen", he says:

"My dear father, Hadrat Shah Abdur Raheem Dehlvi (may ALLAH have mercy on him) informed me that he used to get food cooked on Milad days as a mark of rejoicing for him (SallAllahu Alaihi wa Aalihi wa Sallam). One year it so happened that he could not afford anything except roasted grams, so he distributed those among the people, with the result that he had a vision of the holy Prophet (SallAllahu Alaihi wa Aalihi wa Sallam) in his dream and saw that those roasted grams were lying before him (SallAllahu Alaihi wa Sallam) and he (SallAllahu Alaihi wa Aalihi wa Sallam) looked pleased". [Ad-Durr as-Sameen, Page 3]

11. Haji Imdadullah Muhajir Makki (may ALLAH have mercy on him) says:

"The practice of this faqeer has been that I participate in Milad Sharif functions. In view of the fact that doing so brings blessings, I myself hold Milad every year, and find great solace and joy in Qiyaam (reciting salutations in a standing position)"

References:

1. Faislah Haft Mas'alah, page 5, published by Matba' Majeedi, Kanpur, December, 1921
2. Faislah Haft Mas'alah Ma'a Taleeqat, page 111, published in Lahore.
3. Faislah Haft Mas'alah, page 5, published in Lahore 1986

12. In the fourth chapter of his book "Ad Durr al-Munazzam", Mawlana Shaykh Abd al-Haq Muhaddith Allahabaadi has recorded in detail incidents which manifested themselves at the time when the holy Prophet (SallAllahu Alaihi wa Aalihi wa Sallam) was born. These include:

"A cluster of stars concentrated over the roof of his house at the time of the birth of the holy Prophet (SallAllahu Alaihi wa Aalihi wa Sallam); Angels hoisted flags on holy Baitullah and in the east and in the west; the whole atmosphere was filled with the voices of Angels and houres reciting salutations to him in the standing position and congratulating each other and rejoicing with abandon; animals also congratulated each other at the birth of the holy Prophet (SallAllahu Alaihi wa Aalihi wa Sallam), the Ka'batullah bowed in a manner of saluting, and the falsehood vanished and the light of truth spread light in all directions."

References:

1. Page 54, 72, 91; Mawaahib al-Ladunniyah by Imaam Qastalaani
2. Page 57; Mawlid al-Uroos by Imam Ibne Jauzi
3. Page 3, 7, 26, Shawahid an-Nubawwah by Mawlana Jaami
4. Page 55; Seerat al-Halbiyah by Allamah Ali Bin Burhaan
5. Khasaa'is al-Kubra by Imaam Suyooti Vol. l, Page 45, 94
6. Zarqaani ala al-Mawahib by Allamah Zurqaani Vol. 1, Page 112, 116.

13. Imam Abul Hussain Muahammad Bin Ahmad known as Ibn-e-Jabeer Andalusi writes,

"Place of Birth of Prophet Peace Be with Him is one of the Holy Places in Makkah Mukarramah. The soil of this place have an honor that it kissed the blessed body of Allah's Beloved Peace Be with Him very first and this is the place where the Birth of Prophet Peace Be Upon Him took place who is the blessing for whole universe. In the Month of Rabi al-Awwal especially on the occasion of his Birth Day this place is open for all and sundry and people incessantly visits this place to attain Allah's Mercy and blessing." [Rehlah Ibn-e-Jabeer, Page 60]

 

14. Ibn Kathir has stated:

"Iblis cried loudly four times, first when Allah declared him as cursed, second when he was thrown out, Third when Prophet (SalAllaho Alaihi wa Sallam) was born and fourth when Surah Fatiha was revealed."

References:

1. al-Bidayah wa al-Nihaayah, Vol. 2, Page 166
2. Shawaahid an-Nubuwwah by Mawlana Jaami, Page 51

15. Shaykh Muhammad Bin Alawi al-Maliki said:

"Holy Prophet Peace Be With Him due to importance of his Birthday use to avow it a great incident and use to pray to Allah Almighty as it was a great blessing for him also beloved Prophet have supremacy on everything in this universe because everything in this universe through HIS foundation got providential." [Houl al-Ihtifaal bil Mawid an-Nabawi Ash-Sharif, Pg 8-9]

16. Hadrat Shah Ahmed Saeed Mujaddidi said:

"As Beloved Prophet used to say Salutations upon himself we too must celebrate Mawlid an-Nabi SallAllahu Alaihi Wasllam, Cook food and do other adulations and praise to Almighty Allah by other ways of delight." [Isbaat al-Mawlid wa al-Qayam, Page 24]

17. Hadrat Shaykh Abd al-Haq Muhaddith Dehlvi used to pray:

"O Lord! I do not have such deeds that I can present in your mighty court. Wrongdoer influences all of my deeds. But there is an act of this Humbler just because of your mercy to present you and that is my Salutations on your Beloved Prophet Peace Be Upon Him that I use to offer with honesty and integrity standing in the blessed gatherings of Mawlid Sharif." [Akhbar al-Akhyaar, Page 644]

 

18. Hadrat Shaykh Yousuf bin Ismail an-Nabhani said,

"Only Pagans and Non-Believers are against celebrating Mawlid an-Nabi SallAllahu Alaihi Wasallam." [Jawahir al-Bihar]

19. A scholar stated that he was blessed with the vision of Holy Prophet Peace Be Upon Him. He asked,

"Ya Rasool Allah SallAllahu Alaihi wa Aalihi wa Sallam, Are you pleased about Muslims; who celebrate your birthday?" He replied "Those who love me; I love them too" [Tazkirat al-Wa'izeen, Page 200, Published from Maktaba Habibia – Quetta]

20. Ibn Kathir says regarding Shah Malik al-Muzzafar regarding whom so-called Salafis spread deception by forging words of Ibn Kathir i.e. he was actually a Fasiq, cruel and Bidati ruler but in reality Ibn Kathir said:

"He was a generous, mighty master, and glorious ruler, whose works were very good. He built Jamiya al Muzaffari near Qasiyun … During Rabi al-Awwal he used to celebrate Mawlid Sharif with great celebration, Moreover, he was benevolent, brave, wise, a scholar, and just person. Shaykh Abul Khattab 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 wa an-Nihaya, Vol. 13, Page 174]

 

21. Imam Shahab al-Din Abul Abbas al-Qastalani (Rahimuhullah) said:

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 Night of Prophet (SallAllaho Alaihi wa Sallam)'s birth?

The Night of Prophet SallAllaho Alaihi wa Sallam birth is superior due to 3 reasons:

First: 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.

Second: 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.

Third: 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 Fadhilah (Superiority), 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.

References:

1. Imam Qastalani in al-Muwahib al-Laduniya, Vol. 1, Page 145
2. Imam Zarqani in his Sharah of Al-Muwahib, Vol. 1, Page 255/256

22. Imam Jalal al-Din Suyuti (Rahimuhullah) writes:

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 wa Sallam), 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 (SallAllaho Alaihi wa Sallam) and showing gratitude on his birth [Al Hawi lil Fatawi, Vol. 1, Page 292, Published by Maktaba al Athriya, Beirut - Lebanon]

 

23. Imam Jalal al-Din Suyuti (Rahimuhullah) answers why celebrating on birth supersedes the sorrow of Prophet (SallAllaho Alaihi wa Sallam) passing away on same date?

The birth of Prophet (SallAllaho Alaihi wa Sallam) 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. Hence in light of rulings prescribed by Shariah one should rejoice in Rabi al-Awwal on birth of our beloved Prophet (SallAllaho Alaihi wa Sallam). [Al Hawi lil Fatawi, Vol. 1, Page 298, Published by Maktaba al Athariya, Beirut - Lebanon]

24. Imam Shams al-Din Dimishqi (Rahimuhullah) writes:

It is proven that Abu Lahab's punishment of fire is reduced on every Monday because he rejoiced on brith of Prophet (SalAllaho Alaihi wa Sallam) and freed the slave-woman Thuwaiba Radi ALLAHu Ta'ala Anha. When Abu Lahab, whose eternal abode is hell fire and regarding whom whole surah of Tabad Yada (i.e. Surah Lahab) was revealed, he gets Takhfif in his torment every Monday then Imagine the situation of a (momin) who has spent his life in rejoicing over birth of Prophet (SallAllaho Alaihi wa Sallam) and died as a Mawhid.

References:

1. Mawrid as Sadi fi Mawlid al Hadi by Imam al-Dimishqi
2. Imam Suyuti in Hassan al-Maqsad fi Amal al-Mawlid, Page 66

 

25. The great Mufasir and Sufi, Hadrat Ismail al-Hiqqi (Rahimuhullah) said:

To celebrate Mawlid is amongst the great tributes to Prophet (SalAllaho Alaihi wa Sallam), but the condition is that it should be clear of evil things. Imam Suyuti has said: It is Mustahab for us to be happy on birth of Prophet (SallAllaho Alaihi wa Sallam). [Tafsir Ruh al-Bayan, Vol. 9, Page 52]

 

— — —
May we be sacrificed at this Merriment O blessed month of Rabi' al-Awwal!!
Your joys surpass thousands of 'Eids; All in the world are rejoicing, except Shaytan

Mujaddid of the 14th Century | AlaHadrat Imam Ahmad Rida Khan al-Baraylawi Alaihir raHmah

The Reviver (Mujaddid) of the 14th Century
AlaHadrat Imam Ahmad Rida Khan Alaihir raHmah
 

Imam Ahmed Rida Khan [d. 1340h/1921 CE] was a champion of the Sunni World in the twentieth century as he defended the belief system of Sunni Muslims and rejected the false and deviant ways head on with support from the greatest Ulama worldwide.

He restored the deen to its original state in India when falsehood was being mixed with the truth and people were confused about Sunni beliefs and practices. Such a person is known as a "Mujaddid".

Hadrat Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) narrates the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings upon him) said:

"There will always be in my Ummah a group who safeguard the truth until Qiyamah comes" [Hakim's Mustadrak]

Hadrat Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him) narrates the Noble Prophet (upon him peace and blessings) said:

"Allah shall send for this Ummah at the head of every hundred years a person who shall revive their Deen for them"

Family History

Imam Ahmed Rida son of Mufti Naqi 'Ali son of Mufti Muhammad Rida. He was born in a scholarly family on the 10th of Shawwal (1856 CE) in Bareilly, India.

His forefathers were originally from Kandahar, Afghanistan, and migrated to and settled in India.

Studies & Discipleship

Imam Ahmed Rida studied twenty one traditional Islamic sciences under his father, and mastered over fifty traditional sciences most of which were poured into his heart from Allah Almighty as he mentioned in al-Ijaazat al-Mateenah.

He wrote his first ever fatwa on 14th Sha'ban 1286h on an issue of fostering (when he was only 13 years, 10 months and 4 days old!)
 
Imam Ahmed Rida took his spiritual pledge (bay'ah/ahd) and received khilafah in various Sufi pathways from his spiritual teacher , Sayyid Shah Aal-e-Rasul Ahmadi from Marehrah, India, in 1296H.

Travels to Hajj

First Hajj: In 1295h (1878 CE), at the age of 22, the great Imam traveled to perform Hajj with his father where he received Ijazahs (licenses to teach) in the traditional sciences from the great scholars of Makkah such as Sayyid Ahmad Zayni Dahlan and Mufti Abdullah bin Abd ar-Rahman Siraaj.

Event: It is narrated that Imam Ahmed Rida was near Maqam Ibrahim after Maghrib salah one evening that the Shafi'I Imam of Masjid al-Haraam Shaykh Salih Jamal al-Layl Makki (d.1320h/1884) greeted him and said: "I swear by Allah, I can see the light of Allah shine in your forehead" and presented Ijazahs to him.

Second Hajj: In 1323h (1950 CE), Imam Ahmed Rida travelled to the Two Holy sanctuaries for the second time in company of his brother, Mawlana Hassan Raza Khan and son, Mawlana Hamid Raza Khan.

Event: He wrote a book called "Al-Dawlah al-Makkiyyah" in Arabic in this journey in just over eight hours without using any books on a question proposed to him by the Sharif of Makkah on the Noble Prophet 's (may Allah give him peace and blessings) knowledge of the unseen (ilm al-gayb). This work received a tremendous acceptance in its recital gathering in the presence of the Sharif which was attended by the prominent scholars of the time.

In the same journey, he had numerous meetings of knowledge and circles with the great Ulama who were either teaching, living or traveling in Hijaz. He produced a number of books in Arabic due to these sittings and circles, among them are:

Hussam al-Haramayn (Sword of the Two Holy Sanctuaries on the throat of disbelief and falsehood) – his famous work in defence of the Sunni beliefs and refutation of deviant groups that had blasphemed Allah and His Messenger.

Al-Ijaazat al-Mateenah – His licenses to the scholars of Makkah and Madinah and letters to them

Kiflul Faqih – Fatwa on the legal status of the bank note in Islamic law

All three of the above mentioned books made Imam Ahmed Rida very popular in the holy lands of Hijaz, Syria and Yemen.

 

What his contemporary Arab scholars said about Him?

Major scholars of Makkah and Madinah praised him lavishly for his knowledge and piety. He was called:

"The absolute Shaykh of all teachers" by Shaykh Ismail Makki, Libarian of Makkah Haram Library

"The encyclopaedia of all sciences" by Shaykh 'Ali bin Hassan Maliki, Mufti of Makkah city

"A giant Imam and well learned man who is an expert in the sciences" by Shaykh Yusuf Nabhani, Mujaddid of Sham & Mufti of Lebanon.

[See: Al-Dawlah al-Makkiyyah & Hussamul Haramayn for more]

His Principles (Manhaj)

1. Love of Allah and His Messenger is before anything & everything

He said "If my heart was ever divided into two parts, one of them would have written on it "laa ilaaha illAllah" and on the other "Muhammadur Rasulullah"!!

2. Defending the Honour of the Noble Messenger (upon him peace & blessings)

He did not tolerate blasphemy (disrespect) of the Noble Messenger or of the pious companions or Awliya and stood strongly against the corrupted groups of his time for this reason.

3. Education and transmission of authentic knowledge

He was a dedicated teacher and some of the greatest Ulama of India were his students, among them are:

• His two sons, Hujjatul Islam (Proof of Islam) Hamid Rida Khan & Mufti-e-Azam Hind (the grand Mufti of India), Mustafa Rida Khan
• Sadrus Shariah (Front line scholar of Islamic Law): Amjad Ali al-A'zami
• Malik al-Ulema (King of the Ulama): Zafaruddin Bihari
• Sayyid Muhammad Muhadith-e-Kachouchwi
• Qutb-e-Madina: Ziya'uddin Ahmad al-Madani & others

4. Self-Purification

He followed the spiritual path (tariqa) of Shaykh Abdul Qadir Jilani and loved all the Sufiya (Awliya). He made thousands repent from sins in his gatherings  and his entire life was spent purifying hearts and summoning people to Allah Almighty

5. Praise of the Messenger through writing and poems

His Durood-o-Salam is recited all over the world after Jum'ua and at the ends of religious events in mosques and homes like the Qasidah Burdah. His most famous book of Na'ats is called "Hada'iq-e-Bakshish" containing some of the finest praises of Allah and of His chosen people.
 
6. Following the Sunnah of the Messenger (upon him peace & blessings) to the smallest detail

The character of the Noble Messenger (upon him peace & blessings) was imprinted in Imam Ahmed Rida's life. He staunchly practised the Sunnah and so did his disciples and students.

7. Uncompromising defence of the Ahlus-Sunnah beliefs and practises

He authored more than two hundred books on the teachings of the Ahlus-Sunnah and their defence.

His Books

Imam Ahmed Rida wrote more than a thousand books and commentaries in more than 55 sciences. A list of about 350 books is available titled "al-Mujmal al Mu'addid". A bulky 12 volume Hanafi fatwa collection: "Fataawa-e-Ridawiyyah" in Urdu/Arabic was recently published in Lahore (Pakistan) with an index in 33 volumes! His Fataawa are an ocean of knowledge and wisdom.

The Sunni Muslims of the sub-continent (India, Bangladesh, Pakistan and Afghanistan) remember the great Imam for his service to the Ahlus-Sunnah and consider him a saviour when the Sunni-way was at threat.

 

His Demise and Burial

Imam Ahmed Rida passed away on 28th October 1921 CE (25th Safar 1340h) at the age of 65, in his home at Jumu'ah time when the mu'adhin was saying "come to success" leaving behind two sons, Mowlana Hamid Raza and Mufti Mustafa Raza, and five daughters.

People from all over the world visit his blessed shrine in Bareilly Shareef every year on 25th Safar and attend the annual khatam (Blessed URS).

The great grandson who takes care of the affairs of the school of Imam Ahmed Rida in Bareilly is Mufti Akhtar Rida Khan, a fine scholar and graduate of al-Azhar University in Egypt. He is now visually impaired yet still teaches and dictates translations to books in Arabic and English, with good knowledge of English. May Allah preserve him and grant health.

———
Penned by
Munawwar Ateeq Ridawi
[Birmingham — United Kingdom]

94th URS-E-ALAHADRAT 1434H | Live Broadcast from Bareilly Sharif [in sha Allah]

We are very pleased to inform you that 94th URS Sharif of Sayyiduna AlaHadrat Ash-Shah Imam Ahmad Rida Khan al-Baraylawi Alaihir raHmah wa ar-Ridwan will go LIVE (Audio Only) from Bareilly Sharif under the blessed supervision of Hadrat Taaj al-Shari'ah Mufti Muhammad Akhtar Rida Khan Qadiri al-Azhari (may Allah preserve him), in sha Allah over

http://www.jamiaturraza.com/live

Kindly note the Schedule below:

1. Imam Ahmad Rida Conference — Tuesdasy (8th January 2013) at 21:00 [9:00 pm] IST
2. FatiHa wa Qul Sharif — Wednesday (9th January 2013) at 14:00 [02:00 pm] IST

*IST: Indian Standard Time i.e. GMT +5:30

Note:

Mobile Users may listen to the broadcast over
http://mobile.livestream.com/alahazrat

Android Users may use the following App
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.thesunniway.qanda

— — —
Regards,

Jamiat-ur-Raza
Centre of Islamic Studies
CB Ganj, Bareilly Sharif, U.P., India

11th Safar al-Muzaffar | Mufassir al-Aazam Shaykh Muhammad Ibrahim Rida Jilani Miyan Alaihir raHmah

Mufassir al-Aa'zam Hadrat Allama Jilani Miyan
Muhammad Ibrahim Rida al-Qadiri Alaihir raHmah


 

Grand Son of AlaHadrat, Qamr al-Aarifeen, Umdat al-Mufasireen, Mufassir al-Azam Hind Jilani Mia Hadrat Allama Mawlana Muhammad Ibrahim Rida Khan was born on the 10th of Rabi ul Aakhir 1325 Hijri (1907) in Bareilly Shareef. His birth pleased his grandfather AlaHadrat Alaihir RaHma dearly. Ala Hadrat Alaihir RaHma called the Azaan and Iqaamah in his ears and chewed a date and placed it in his mouth. AlaHadrat's Alaihir RaHma brother Ustaz-e-Zaman Hadrat Hassan Raza Khan Alaihir RaHma was also very pleased when he heard of his birth.
 
AQEEQA:
 
AlaHadrat Alaihir RaHma prepared a great feast for his Aqeeqah. All the students of the madrassa were fed according to their taste. In other words, those from Africa were fed according to their taste and those from India were fed according to their taste. AlaHadrat Alaihir RaHma made sure that all the students were very happy during this invitation.
 
NAME:
 
According to the family tradition, he was named Muhammad. His father then added the name Ibrahim. His mother always called him Jilani Mia, and his title was Mufassir-e-Azam Hind Alaihir RaHma.
 
HIS POSITION IN THE SILSILA:
 
Umdatul Mufassireen Hadrat Jilani Mia Alaihir RaHma is the forty second Imam and Sheikh of the Silsila Aaliyah Qaaderiyah Barakaatiyah Razviyah Nooriyah.
 
EDUCATION:
 
When he was four years, four months and four days old, then on a Thursday, the 14th of Shabaan 1329, AlaHadrat Alaihir RaHma held a programme for his Bismillah Khwaani (commencement of Islamic studies). AlaHadrat Alaihir RaHma also invited many people and Niyaz was distributed. He studied the Holy Quran and the Urdu language under the care of his beloved mother. When he was 7 years old, he was enrolled into the world renowned Darul Uloom Manzar-e-Islam in Bareilly Shareef. He studied under great Ulama such as Maulana Ahsaan Ali Saahib Muhadith Faizpuri, his father Hujjatul Islam Maulana Haamid Raza Khan and Hadrat Maulana Sardaar Ahmed Muhadith-e-Pakistan (Ridwanullahi Ta'ala Alaihim Ajmaeen). He qualified as an Aalim and Faadil at the age of 19 years and four months, in the year 1344 and Huzoor Hujjatul Islam Alaihir RaHma tied the turban on his head and blessed him with the Khilafat.

 

HIS HABITS & CHARACTER:
 
Hadrat was very kind and generous. His life was an example of the great Masha'ikh. He always oiled his hair and beard after taking a bath. He wore a loose Punjabi kurta. He sometimes wore a badami colored Kurta, but usually he wore white. His diet was roti, braised meat, Kalabash, herbs and Bhindi. He loved to use itar and if anyone gave him itar, he made sure that it was not some kind of contaminated perfume. He always used both his hands to apply the itar onto his chest and under his arms. He always slept on his right hand side. He never preferred anyone to lie flat on his or her face when sleeping.
 
HIS NIKAH:
 
Hadrat Mufassir-e-Azam Alaihir RaHma married the daughter of his uncle, Huzoor Mufti-e-Azam Hind Alaihir RaHma. AlaHadrat Imam Ahmed Raza Khan Alaihir RaHma arranged this marriage.
 
IJAAZAT AND KHILAFAT:
 
Once Huzoor Mufti-e-Azam Hind Alaihir RaHma said,
 
"When Huzoor Hujjatul Islam Alaihir RaHma passed away, then Jilani Mia Alaihir RaHma was not here. When he returned, then some people had reservations about his Khilafat, so I said, that if some of them have reservations concerning wheter his blessed father gave him the Khilafat, and I too hereby bestow the Khilafat upon him. Now, none should have any objections. Because of my support for him, many people now supported him and the Madrassa was given into his control."
 
ZIYAARAT OF HARAMAIN SHARIFAIN:
 
In 1372, he made Ziyaarat of Haramain Sharifain. The Ulama of Makkah al-Mukarrama and Madinah al-Munawwarah showed great respect to him, due to his relationship to AlaHadrat Alaihir RaHma and he was blessed with various Ijaazats, for Hadith, Dalaail-e-Khairaat and Hizbul Bahr etc.

 

 

AS A TEACHER:
 
He was a very well qualified and experienced teacher. After Fajr Salaah, he would spend some time reading his wazeefas etc. He would then take breakfast and go directly to his classroom. He always entered the Darul Uloom before the students prayed the Salaami to commence classes and he would join them in sending salaams to the Prophet ù. He would then make dua with great sincerity. He used to teach Muslim Shareef, Tirmizi Shareef and Mishkaat Shareef. He also presented the false beliefs of the Najdis and then refuted them with very bright proofs. When teaching Muslim Shareef, he often entered a very highly spiritual state. He used to speak most often in Arabic, and he encouraged the students to do the same.
 
A DYNAMIC ORATOR:
 
Hadrat was also a very dynamic orator. Once, there was a two-day programme. He delivered a very dynamic lecture on the first day, and then left. The next day, was the lecture of Hadrat Muhadith-e-Azam Kichauchwi Alaihir RaHma. He says, "In the morning, 20 wahabis, came to me and said that the lecture which was delivered the night before inspired them so much that they realized their beliefs were corrupt, so they made tauba and accepted the (true) Islam."
 
MONTHLY ALAHADRAT MAGAZINE:
 
He started the monthly AlaHadrat Magazine for the propagation of the teachings of the Ahle Sunnat. This magazine gained great success. Alhumdulillah, this magazine is still in circulation even today.
 
HIS KARAAMATS:
 
Hadrat Mufassir-e-Azam Alaihir RaHma was also a very powerful Saahib-e-Karaamat. A few Karaamats are being presented for Barkat. Once a man was bought to Hadrat who was dumb since birth. Hadrat made dua for him, and he began to speak immediately. Many of the tableeghis in that town saw Hadrat's karaamat and made tauba from their false beliefs.
 
Once, a couple came to Hadrat and said that their brother-in-law had been false accused of murder and that he was the breadwinner of the family. They requested Hadrat to make dua for his release. Hadrat asked if he was Sunni and they answered in the positive. Hadrat took a piece of paper and wrote the following on it: "Allahu Rabbu Muhammadin Sal'laa alaihi wa sal'lama Nahnu Ibaadu Muhammadin Sal'laa alaihi wa sal'lama" Hadrat said that the prisoner should learn this Durood and recite it in abundance. Hadrat then said that he should tie the taweez with the Durood on his right arm and if Allah Wills, then he will be released. Ten days later, both of them returned with sweets and Niyaz. They also brought a third person with them. They told Hadrat that he was their brother-in-law and that he had been released as he was found not guilty, but the two others who were with him have been given the life sentence. Hadrat entered them both into the Silsila and then advised them to continue with their Salaah and Durood Shareef.
 
BOOKS AND TREATIES:
 
Some of the books written by him are:

• Zikrullah
• Nematullah
• Hujjatullah
• Fazaail-e-Durood Shareef
• Tafseer Surah Balad
• Tashreeh Qasida Nau'mania

 

 

HIS CHILDREN:
 
Almighty Allah blessed him with five sons and three daughters.
 
Hadrat Allama Rehan Raza Khan (Rahmatullah Alaih): Born on the 18th Zilhajj in Bareilly Shareef. He is the Mureed and Khalifa of Huzoor Mufti-e-Azam Hind Alaihir RaHma. He was a great teacher, and a very powerful personality. He passed away on the 18th of Ramadaan 1405 (1985). And his Mazaar Shareef is in Bareilly Shareef.
 
Hadrat Allama Mufti Mohammed Akhtar Raza Khan Hafidhahullah: Taajush Shariah Allama Akhtar Raza Khan Qibla is the present Torch bearer of the Khandaan-e-AlaHadrat Alaihir RaHma. Huzoor Mufti-e-Azam Hind Alaihir RaHma appointed him as his successor during his lifetime. Hadrat still lives in Bareilly Shareef (India).
 
Dr. Qamar Raza Khan: He lives in Bareilly Shareef and is a very kind and loving personality. He resembles Taajush Shariah Allama Akhtar Raza Khan very closely.
 
Mawlana Mannan Raza Khan Manaani Mia: He is a very well read personality and is the founder of Jamia Nooria, a Darul Uloom constructed in memory of Huzoor Mufti-e-Azam Hind Alaihir RaHma.
 
Hadrat Tanweer Raza Khan: He was older than Hadrat Akhtar Raza Khan, and was always in a very highly spiritual state even as a child. He disappeared (Mafqood-ul-Khabr) as a child and has never be seen or heard from since.
 
GEMS OF WISDOM:
 
His words were always full of knowledge and wisdom. Mufassir-e-Azam Alaihir RaHma always said:

• My own faults stop me from finding faults in others
• Slight Absence makes the heart grow fonder and an extensive absence kills the love.
• The respect of every nation depends on its Ulama
• Allah gave us two ears and one tongue, so that we listen more and speak less
• Piety is through good character and not through family ties
• One who is not the beloved of Allah cannot be your beloved
• Sabr (patience) is more bitter than poison and sweeter than honey
• Knowledge without practice is a burden to ones soul
• Allah gives comfort in the world, to one who does deeds for the hereafter
• When you have done everything, then you should still think that you have done nothing

WISAAL:
 
He passed from this world on a Monday, the 11th of Safar 1385 Hijri (12 June 1965). The next day, his Janaaza Salaah was prayed at the Islamia Inter College. Mufti Sayyid Muhammad Afzal Hussain performed the Janaaza Salaah Mufti Muhammad Afzal Hussain, Maulana Muhammad Ahsaan Ali, Maulana Sayyid Aarif Ali, Janaab Sayyid Ijaaz Hussain and Janaab Muhammad Ghaus Khan lowered Hadrat into his Mazaar.
 
MAZAAR SHAREEF:
 
His Mazaar Shareef is in the Dargah of AlaHadrat Alaihi raHma wa ar-Ridwan in Bareilly Shareef.

— — —
Extracted from
Tadhkira Mashaikh-e-Qadiriyah Barakatiya Ridawiyah
Urdu: Mawlana Abdul Mujtaba Ridawi | English: Mawlana Aftab Qasim

 

6th Safar al-Muzaffar | The Rumi of Punjab -- Hadrat Baba Bulleh Shah Alaihir raHmah

Hadrat Sayyid Abdullah Shah Qadiri
Baba Bulleh Shah Alaihir raHmah

Hadrat Sayyid Abdullah Shah Qadiri also known as Hadrat Baba Bulleh Shah Alaihir raHma is universally admitted to have been the greatest of the Panjabi mystics. No Panjabi mystic poet enjoys a wider celebrity and a greater reputation. His kafis have gained unique popularity. In truth he is one of the greatest Sufis of the world and his thought equals that of Jalal al-Din Rumi and Shams Tabriz of Persia. As a poet Bulleh Shah is different from the other Sufi poets of the Panjab, and represents that strong and living pious nature of Panjabi character which is more reasonable than emotional or passionate. As he was an outcome of the traditional mystic thought we can trace some amount of mystic phraseology and sentiment in his poetry but, in the main, intellectual vedantic thought is its chief characteristic.

He was born in a Saiyyid family residing at, the village Pandoki of Kasur in the Lahore district, in the year A.D. 1680. This was during the twenty-first year of Emperor Aurangzeb's reign. According to C. F. Usborne he passed away in A.H. 1171 or A.D. 1785 (i.e. in the short reign of Alamgir the Second) at the ripe old age of 78.

A large amount of what is known about Bulleh Shah comes through legends, and is subjective; to the point that there isn't even agreement among historians concerning his precise date and place of birth. Some "facts" about his life have been pieced together from his own writings. Other "facts" seem to have been passed down through oral traditions.

Baba Bulleh Shah practiced the Sufi tradition of Punjabi poetry established by poets like Shah Hussain (1538 – 1599), Sultan Bahu (1629 – 1691), and Shah Sharaf (1640 – 1724) Alaihim ar-RaHmah.

Baba Bulleh Shah lived in the same period as the famous Sindhi Sufi poet , Shah Abdul Latif Bhittai (1689 – 1752). His life also overlapped with the legendary Punjabi poet Waris Shah (1722 – 1798), and the famous Sindhi Sufi poet Abdul Wahad (1739 – 1829), better known by his pen-name, Sachal Sarmast ("truth seeking leader of the intoxicated ones").

After completing his education, it is said that Baba Bulleh Shah went to Lahore. Of the two traditions, one says that, as was customary in those days, he came to Lahore in search of a spiritual teacher, while the other relates that he went there on a visit. Each of these two contradictory traditions has a legend to support it. The first relates that while he was busy searching the intellectual circles of Lahore to find out a competent master he heard of Shah Inayat's greatness and decided to make him his Murshid. He turned his steps towards the house of the Shah, and found him engrossed in his work in the garden. Having introduced himself, Baba Bulleh Shah requested that he might be accepted a disciple and taught the secret of Lord Almighty. Thereupon Hadrat Shah lnayat Alaihir raHmah said:

Bullhia rabb da pan ai
edharo puttan odharo lan hai.

O Bulleh! the secret of Almighty Allah is this; on this side He uproots, on the other side He creates.

'This', says the tradition. 'so impressed Baba Bulleh Shah that, forgetting his family and its status, he became Inyat Shah's disciple.'

The second tradition says that Shah Inayat was the head gardener of the Shalimar gardens of Lahore. When in Lahore, Baba Bulleh Shah visited them, and as it was summer, he roamed in the mango-groves. Desirous of tasting the fruit he looked round for the guardian but, not finding him there, he decided to help himself. To avoid the sin of stealing, he looked at the ripe fruit and said; 'ALLAHu Ghani'. On the utterance of these magic words a mango fell into his hands. He repeated them several times, and thus collected a few mangoes. Tying them up in his scarf he moved on to find a comfortable place where he could eat them. At this time he met the head gardener, who accused him of stealing the fruit from the royal gardens. Considering him to be a man of low origin and desirous of demonstrating to him his occult powers, Baba Bulleh Shah said ironically: 'I have not stolen the mangoes but they have fallen into my hands as you will presently see.' He uttered 'ALLAHu Ghani' and the fruit came into his hand. But to his great surprise the young Saiyyid found that Inayat Shah was not at all impressed but was smiling innocently. The great embarrassment of Bullhe Shah inspired pity in the gardener's heart and he said: 'You do not know how to pronounce properly the holy words and so you reduce their power.' So saying, he uttered 'ALLAHu Ghani', and all the fruits in the gardens fell on the lovely lawns. Once again he repeated the same and the fruit went back on to the trees. This defeat inflicted by the guardian, whom the young Saiyyid Bullhe Shah considered ignorant and low, revolutionized his whole thought. Falling at the feet of Inayat Shah he asked to be classed as his disciple and his request was immediately granted.

 

The above two traditions, though different in detail, come to the same conclusion, that Baba Bulleh Shah, impressed by the greatness of Inayat, became his disciple. Bullhe Shah in his verse often speaks of his master Inayat Shah and thanks his good luck for having met such a murshid.

Bulleh Shah ve nic kamini
Shah inayat tari.

 Says Bulleh Shah, O Almighty the Lord Inayat has saved me, low and mean.

And:

Bullhe Shah di suno hakait
hadi pakria hog hadait
mera murshid Shah Inayat
Uh langhaai par.

Listen to the story of Bullhe Shah, he has got hold of the peer and shall have salvation. My teacher, Shah Inayat, he will take me across.

In an account of the Panjabi poets it would perhaps be out of place to speak at great length of Shah Inayat who wrote in Persian. But the influence exerted by him through his teachings and writings has linked him with Panjabi literature. Baba Bulleh Shah the Rumi of the Panjab, came most directly under his influence and, having learnt from him, was inspired to write his remarkable poetry. It will therefore, be proper to give a short account of this wonderful man.

Hadrat Shah Inayat Qadiri and his School

Hazrat Shaykh Muhammad Inayatullah, generally known as Shah Inayat Qadiri, was born at Kasur in the Lahore district, of Arais parents. The arias in the Panjab were gardeners or petty cultivators. They are known to be Hindu converts to Islam and are therefore considered inferior.

He was educated after the manner of his time and gained a good knowledge of Persian and Arabic. As he was born with a mystic disposition he became a disciple of the famous Sufi scholar and saint Muhammad Ali Raza Shattari. After he had finished his studies he was created a khalifa. Later on he received the khilafat of seven other sub-sects of the Sufi Qadiri. Soon after this event he left Kasur and migrated to Lahore .The author of Bagh-i-Awliya-e-Hind says that the great enmity of the Hakim Hussain Khan compelled him to migrate, but his descendants assert that it was the order of his teacher that brought him to Lahore. Here after having quelled the jealousy of his famous contemporaries, he established a college of his own. To this college came men of education for further studies in philosophy and other spiritual sciences of the time.

Inayat Shah was a well-known Qadiri Sufi of his time. From the historical point of view the Qadiri Sufis can be traced back to the Sufi Saint Abdul Qadri Jilani of Bagdad. Jilani is also known by the names Peer Dastgeer and Peeran-e-Peer. Bulleh Shah himself has also given a hint that his "Master of Masters" was born in Bagdad but his own Master belonged to Lahore:

My Master of Masters hailed from Baghdad,
but my Master belongs to the throne of Lahore.
It is all the same. For He himself is the kite
and He himself is the string.

Such was the man whom Baba Bulleh Shah made his Murshid. This action of Baba Bulleh Shah, however, was highly displeasing to his family. His relatives tried to induce him to give up Inayat and find another murshid. But Baba Bulleh Shah was firm and paid no attention to them or to their wailings. The following will sufficiently demonstrate the indignation of the family:

Bulleh nu samjhawan aiyaan bhena te bharjhaiyaan
Aal nabi ullad Nabi nu tu kyun leekaan laaiyaan
Manlay Bulleya sada kehna chad de palla raiyaan

To Bulleh sisters and sisters-in-law came to explain (advise). Why, O Bulleh, have you blackened the family of the Prophet and the descendants of Ali? Listen to our advice, Bulleh, and leave the skirt of the aria.

To this reproach Baba Bulleh Shah firmly but indifferently replies:

Jehra sanu saiyad akkhe dozakh miln sazaiya
Jehra sanu rai akkhe bahishti piga paiya
Je tu lore bag bahara Bullhia Talib ho ja raiya.

He who calls me a Saiyyid, shall receive punishments in Hell, he who calls me an arai shall in heaven have swings; O Bulleh, if you want pleasures of the garden become a disciple of the aria.

Raeen saain sabhan thaain rab diyaan be parwaiyaan
Sohniyaan pare hataiyaan te khoojiyaan lay gall laiyaan

Arain and masters are born at every place, Lord Almighty does not discriminate against anyone.
Wise people don't care for such differences, only the ugly ones do

Je tu loorain baag baharaan chaakar hoo ja raiyaan
Bulleh Shah di zaat ki puchni shakar ho razaiyaan

If you seek to the gardens of heaven, become a servant to the 'Arains'. Why ask about the caste of Bulleh Shah? Instead be grateful in Allah's will.

Baba Bulleh Shah seems to have suffered at the hands of his family, as he has once or twice mentioned in his poetry. In the end, being convinced of the sincere love and regard of their child for Inayat Shah, the family left him alone. It is said that one of his sisters, who understood her brother, gave him her support and encouraged him in his search for truth.

After the demise of Hadrat Shah Inayat, Baba Bullhe Shah returned to Kasur. He remained faithful to his Beloved and to himself by not marrying. The sister who understood him also remained single and kept him company in his last years. He died in A.D. 1758 and was buried in Kasur, where his tomb still exists.

May Allah SubHanuhu wa Ta'ala elevate his Status and bless with a part from the Divine Love of Hadrat Sayyid Abdullah Shah Qadiri that he had for HIM (Almighty) and accept our remembrance of the Great Wali and the Sufi Master and make it a medium for us to receive his divine mercy and blessings… Aameen!!

5th Safar al-Muzaffar | Umm al-Mu'mineen Sayyidah Maymoonah bint al-Harith Radi Allahu Ta'ala Anha

Umm al-Mo'mineen Hadrat Sayyidah
Maymoonah bint al-Harith Radi Allahu Anha

Hadrat Umm al-Mo'mineen Sayyidatuna Maimoona Radi Allahu Ta'ala Anha was the last wife of the Holy Prophet (Sallallaho Alaihi wa Aalihi wa Sallam). She was the daughter of Harith bin Huzn and Hind bint Awf. She belonged to the tribe of Banu-Hilala. The Holy Prophet (Sallallaho Alaihi wa Aalihi wa Sallam) had another wife from the same tribe. The other wife's name was Sayyidah Zainab Radi Allahu Ta'ala Anha, commonly known as Ummul-Masakeen (Mother of the needy and poor). Maimoona was her second adopted name. Her first name Barra was changed by the Holy Prophet (Sallallaho Alaihi wa Aalihi wa Sallam) and the new name Maimoona was given. Her father Harith bin Hazam was one of the respected chief of tribe Banu-Hilala and he had sixteen daughters. One of his daughters namely Umm al-Fadhl was the wife of Hadrat Abbas Radi Allahu Ta'ala Anhu, who was the Holy Prophet's uncle. His another daughter namely Umm-e-Salma was married to Hadrat Hamzah Radi Allahu Ta'ala Anhu, another uncle of the Holy Prophet (Sallallaho Alaihi wa Aalihi wa Sallam). Another daughter Lubaba was the mother of Hadrat Khalid bin Walid Radi Allahu Ta'ala Anhu (A renowned General of Muslims who fought against Iranians and was given the title of 'Sword of Allah' by the Holy Prophet Sallallaho Alaihi wa Aalihi wa Sallam). Harith's some other daughters were later married to Hadrat Umar Radi Allahu Ta'ala Anhu, the second Caliph and Hadrat Ali Radi Allahu Ta'ala Anhu, the fourth Caliph. Another daughter Asma was married to Hadrat Jafar Radi Allahu Ta'ala Anhu. Thus most of Hadrat Maimoona's sisters were married to the pioneering revolutionary leaders of Islam.

Mazar Shairf of Hadrat Maimoona Radi Allahu Ta'ala Anha in 1901 before Demolition.
Pilgrims would gather here on their way to perform Hajj and then to Madinah al-Munawwarah.

The Prophet (Sallallaho Alaihi wa Aalihi wa Sallam) was about sixty years old at the time of his marriage with Hadrat Maimoona. She lived three years' married life with the Holy Prophet (Sallallaho Alaihi wa Aalihi wa Sallam). Prior to her marriage twice. Her first marriage took place with Masood bin Amr. Masood divorced her and then she was married to Abu Rahim bin Abdul Aza. Abu Rahim died in the seventh year of Hijra. After Abu Rahim's death the Holy Prophet's Uncle Hadrat Abbas persuaded the Holy Prophet Mohammad (Sallallaho Alaihi wa Aalihi wa Sallam) to marry Sayyidah Maimoona.

Maymuna or Barra as she was then called, yearned to marry the Prophet. She went to her sister, Umm al-Fadhl to talk to her about that and she, in turn, spoke to her husband, Sayyiduna Abbas Radi Allahu Ta'ala Anhu. Hadrat Abbas immediately went to the Messenger (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) with Maymuna's offer of marriage to him and her proposal was accepted. When the good news reached her, she was on a camel, and she immediately got off the camel and said,

"The camel and what is on it is for the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him)."

They were married in the month of Shawwal in 7 AH just after the Muslims of Madinah al-Munawwarah were permitted to visit Makkah Sharif under the terms of the treaty of Hudaybiyya to perform Umrah. Allah Almighty sent the following ayah about this:

وامراة مومنة ان وهبت نفسها للنبي ان اراد النبي ان يستنكحها خالصة لك من دون المومنين
...Any believing woman who dedicates herself to the Prophet if the Prophet wishes to wed her, that is only for thee and not for the believers... [Surah al-Ahzab, Verse 50]

The Holy Prophet (Sallallaho Alaihi wa Aalihi wa Sallam) was wearing Ihram (Ihram is the dress for performing Hajj or Umrah comprised of two sheets of cloth, one wrapped around the waist and the other around the shoulder. After putting on Ihram, one can not trim his hair, cut his nails, abuse or have intercourse etc.). In the same condition he sent five hundred Dirhams as Mehr to Hadrat Maimoona and the Nikah ceremony was Performed While on return after Umrah from Makkah Mukarramah to Madina Munawwarah, he stayed at a place called Saraf. This place is ten miles away from Makkah Sharif on way to Madina Munawwarah. At Saraf, the feast of Walima ( The feast, i.e. lunch or dinner offered to friends and guests on the next day of the marriage) was held.

A great event followed the marriage of Hadrat Maimoona's to the Holy Prophet (Sallallaho Alaihi wa Aalihi wa Sallam). Hadrat Maimoona's nephew Hadrat Khalid bin Walid embraced Islam. He was a very talented and brave man from the Quraysh tribe. He was also a great warrior and renowned soldier. After her marriage when Hadrat Maimoona went to Madina Munawwarah with the Holy Prophet (Sallallaho Alaihi wa Aalihi wa Sallam), Hadrat Khalid bin Walid addressed his tribe and declared, "I can no longer remain in your fold". Thus a great force in the shape of Hadrat Khalid came to Islam's side.

The Prophet gave her the name, Maimoona, meaning "blessed", and Sayyidah Maimoona lived with the Prophet for just over three years, until his death. She was obviously very good natured and got on well with everyone, and no quarrel or disagreement with any of the Prophet's other wives has been related about her. Hadrat Sayyidah 'A'isha said about her,

"Among us, she had the most fear of Allah and did the most to maintain ties of kinship."

It was in her room that the Prophet first began to feel the effects of what became his final illness and asked the permission of his wives to stay in Sayyidah Ayesha's room while it lasted.

Hadrat Maimoona had a great love for teaching and preaching of Islam. She has narrated forty-six traditions and according to some, seventy-six traditions. People used to come to her for the solution of their various religious problems and she always guided them with intelligent replies to their questions.

She was a kind and very pious lady. During her life, she set many slaves free. Once during the life of the Holy Prophet Sallallaho Alaihi wa Sallam, she set a slave free to enjoy the rights of a free citizen, the Holy Prophet (Sallallaho Alaihi wa Aalihi wa Sallam) praised her saying,

"Maimoona, Allah will reward you for this act".

She was also a great scholar of religion. Even her nephew Ibn Abbas who later became a great scholar interpreter and commentator of the Holy Quran, was her pupil.

After the beloved Prophet's passing away, (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) Sayyidah Maimoona continued to live in Madina Munawwarah for another forty years, passing away at the age of eighty, in 51 A.H., (may Allah be pleased with her), and according to Ibn Ishaq, She passed away in 63 A.H. being the last of the Prophet's wives to pass away. She asked to be buried where had married the Prophet at Saraf and her request was carried out.

Hadrat Ibn-e-Abbas Radi Allahu Ta'ala Anha led her funeral prayers. When her coffin was lifted and was carried towards the grave, Hadrat Ibn Abbas Radi Allahu Ta'ala Anha said:

"Don't shake her bed. Be respectful and carry her with ease. She is the wife of the Holy Prophet (Sallallaho Alaihi wa Aalihi wa Sallam)".

Qabr Sharif of Sayyida Maimoona Radi ALLAHu Ta'ala Anha after Demolition. The Tomb over the Blessed Grave of Sayyida was demolished and it was even planned to remove the Qabr Sharif as well to make the road over it but the Bulldozers went off whenever they try to bulldoze the Blessed Qabr Sharif of Sayyida Maimoona Radi Allahu Anha