Eid Milad un-Nabi ﷺ with Mufti Zahid Hussain

This lecture details the significance of commemorating the Mawlid (the birth of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ) and its role in performing Isal-e-Sawab (transferring the reward of good deeds) to the deceased. It emphasizes that celebrating this event brings spiritual benefits to believers, drawing a parallel to the account of Abu Lahab, who, despite being a non-Muslim, received relief from punishment in the grave due to his joy at the Prophet's birth and his act of freeing a slave, Thuwaybah. The work asserts that if such benefits are granted to a non-Muslim for this action, the rewards for the Ummatis (followers) of the Prophet ﷺ who celebrate with love and devotion are far greater.

The text also highlights the importance of foundational religious education, specifically the correct and fluent recitation of the Holy Quran with Tajweed. It advocates for strong early instruction to ensure long-term proficiency in students. The lecture incorporates various devotional recitations, including Tilawat (Quranic recitation), Naat (poetry in praise of the Prophet ﷺ), and Durood (salutations upon the Prophet ﷺ), as integral parts of the Mahfil (gathering).

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Key topics & takeaways

The Mawlid and its benefits

• Commemoration of the Mawlid — the work teaches that celebrating the birth of the Prophet ﷺ is a blessed occasion for the believers ▸0:46.
• Isal-e-Sawab — the Mawlid is identified as an ideal time to send the rewards of good deeds to the deceased, such as Haji Raja Bashir Ahmed, to benefit them in the grave and the hereafter ▸1:02.
• The account of Abu Lahab — the text cites the tradition that Abu Lahab, a non-Muslim, received a lightening of his punishment in the grave because he rejoiced at the birth of the Prophet ﷺ and freed his slave, Thuwaybah ▸1:30.
• Benefits for the Ummah — the work holds that if a non-Muslim can benefit from celebrating the Mawlid, the believers who love the Prophet ﷺ will receive immense spiritual benefits in this world and the hereafter ▸2:10.

Quranic recitation and education

• Foundation of learning — the work emphasizes that strong foundations in the early stages of Quranic education are essential for students to achieve fluency and correct Tajweed later ▸9:22.
• Quranic instruction — the text highlights the role of qualified teachers in guiding students through the Quran, noting that proper recitation is a priority for the institution ▸9:01.
• Private tuition — the work encourages those seeking to perfect their Quranic recitation to seek out private instruction from qualified teachers ▸9:47.

Devotional practices

• Tilawat — the gathering begins with the recitation of the Holy Quran to enlighten the hearts of the participants ▸2:42.
• Naat Sharif — the recitation of poetry praising the Prophet ﷺ is presented as a central element of the gathering ▸10:20.
• Durood Sharif — the work encourages the constant recitation of salutations upon the Prophet ﷺ as a means of devotion ▸22:02.
• Nara-e-Takbir and Nara-e-Risalat — the text includes the practice of chanting slogans of faith and love for the Prophet ﷺ and the scholars of the Ahl-e-Sunnat ▸15:51.

Key recitations

• Surah al-Fatiha — recited as part of the opening Tilawat ▸3:23.

• Surah al-Inshirah — recited during the Tilawat ▸4:19.

• Surah al-Hashr (verses 18-24) — recited during the Tilawat ▸5:11.

• Surah Ali 'Imran (verses 31-32) — recited during the Tilawat ▸7:05.

• Salutation upon the Prophet ﷺ — the work prescribes the following recitation for the gathering:

  ﷻ Dua· Salutation upon the Prophet ﷺ

  Sallallahu 'alaika ya Rasulallah, wa sallam 'alaika ya Habiballah.

  May the peace and blessings of Allah be upon you, O Messenger of Allah, and may the peace and blessings of Allah be upon you, O Beloved of Allah.

• Durood for the gathering — the work prescribes the following salutation:

  ﷻ Dua· Durood Sharif

  Sallay 'ala nabina, sallay 'ala Muhammadin, sallay 'ala shafina, sallay 'ala Muhammadin.

  Blessings be upon our Prophet, blessings be upon Muhammad, blessings be upon our intercessor, blessings be upon Muhammad.

• Quranic verse on obedience — the work cites the following verse regarding the necessity of obeying the Messenger:

  ۝ Qur'an· Surah Ali 'Imran, 3:32

  Wa ma mir-rasulin illa li, wa ma arsalna mir-rasulin illa li yuta'a bi idhnillah.

  And We have not sent any messenger except to be obeyed by the permission of Allah.