Celebrating the birth of the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) is but natural

It is human nature that when a person is hurt or in some sorrow or hears about somebody’s sorrow, then even that person’s face shows his/her gloomy emotions.  In the same way, when a person sees a beautiful scene or is granted a bounty, that person’s face showcases his/her joy.

 

That person mentions it to everybody.  There is no pressure on that person to do so, nor does anyone consider it unreasonable.  When the gain of a small worldly bounty elicits such natural joy, even though this world and everything in it is transitory and temporary, then the arrival of the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) is the greatest possible bounty.  All other bounties, whether they are of this world or of the hereafter are only through the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam).  How much should we express our happiness and joy on this occasion?

 

Thus, celebrating the birth of the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) and expressing happiness on it is not only human nature but the intent of Almighty Allah as well.  Almighty Allah says in the Holy Quran:

 

Say: (All this) is due to the bounty and mercy of Allah (bestowed upon you through raising Muhammad [blessings and peace be upon him] as the exalted Messenger). So the Muslims should rejoice over it. This is far better than (all that affluence and wealth) that they amass.  Surah Younus (10:58)

 

The person who celebrates the birth of the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) and expresses happiness on it is granted great reward by Almighty Allah.  There is a Hadith in Sahih Bukhari and in various other books of Hadith with some slight change of wording.  Some are brief versions and some are more detailed.  The following is the Hadith from Sahih Bukhari:

 

Translation: Hadhrat ‘Urwah says: Thuwayba was the slave of Abu Lahab.  Abu Lahab had set her free to nurse the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam).  After Abu Lahab died, some of his family members saw him in a dream in the worst possible state.  He was asked: What did you get?  Abu Lahab said: After separating from you, I never got any peace, but only because of setting Thuwayba free, I am refreshed through this (his finger).  (Sahih Bukhari, Kitab Un Nikah, Vol. 2, Pg No. 764, Hadith No. 5101)

 

In the explanation/commentary of this Hadith, the Imams, Hadhrat Allama Badruddin 'Aini and Imam Ibn Hajr 'Asqalani, narrate other lengthy versions of this Hadith on the authority of other books.  Here we present what our Hadhrat Badruddin 'Aini Hanafi (May Allah shower His Mercy on him) writes in his famous commentary on Sahih Bukhari, ‘Umdatul Qari, Vol. 14, Pg No. 45:

 

Translation: Hadhrat Abbas (May Allah be well pleased with him) says: I saw Abu Lahab in a dream 1 year after his death.  I saw him in the worst possible state.  He said: I didn’t get any relief after I separated from you.  However every Monday my punishment is lightened.  Hadhrat Abbas (May Allah be well pleased with him) says: That is because the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) was born on this day and Thuwayba had given this good news to Abu Lahab and he had set her free.  (‘Umdatul Qari, Vol. 14, Pg No. 45)

 

With a slight change in wording, this Hadith is present in the following books of Hadith:

 

Sunan Kubra, Hadith No: 14297

 

Musannaf Abdur Razzaq, Vol. 7, Hadith No: 13456

 

Jame’ Ul Ahadith Wal Maraseel, Hadith No: 43545

 

Kanz Ul ‘Ummal, Hadith No: 15725

 

As soon as the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) came, Hadhrat Thuwayba (May Allah be well pleased with her) was set free.  This is a sign that the Prophet who has come will free humanity from the shackles of slavery.

 

May Almighty Allah grant us the blessings of the Milad of the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam).  May the Lord Almighty guide us to love the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) with all our heart.  May He guide us to act upon His life and teachings in our lives.