Commemorating the Prophet Muhammad's Birthday: Its Virtues, History, and Recommendations

Maulid Nabi Muhammad SAW is an important celebration in Islam that commemorates the birth of Prophet Muhammad SAW, the last messenger of God to mankind.

This celebration is held by Muslims around the world every year in the month of Rabiul Awal, which is the month of the Prophet Muhammad's birth. The anniversary of the Prophet Muhammad's birthday has become a National Holiday based on a Joint Decree of 3 Ministers.

The Virtues of Commemorating the Birthday of the Prophet Muhammad SAW

Compassion for the Prophet Muhammad

Commemorating the Prophet's birthday is one way to express affection and love for the Prophet Muhammad SAW. He is a role model for all humanity, and the commemoration of his birth is an opportunity to get to know and honour him.

Getting Closer to Allah

Commemorating the Prophet's birthday is also a way to get closer to Allah. During this time, Muslims can reflect on the teachings and values passed on by Prophet Muhammad, which will help them to improve the quality of their spiritual lives.

As a Form of Gratitude

The birth of the Prophet Muhammad who guided the people in the days of Jahiliyyah is a moment that all Muslims should be grateful for today. The Prophet Muhammad SAW has become a role model who brought the revelation of Allah SWT, the Qur'an during his lifetime.

Reflecting on Islamic History

The commemoration of the Prophet's birthday allows us to reflect on the history of Islam and the great role played by the Prophet Muhammad in spreading the teachings of Islam. It can also strengthen Muslims' sense of identity and nurture Islamic heritage.

History of Commemorating the Prophet's Birthday

The tradition of commemorating the Prophet's birthday began to emerge in the early Islamic period and various forms of celebration have evolved throughout history. One of the oldest forms of commemoration is the sermon delivered by Caliph Abu Bakr, who described the Prophet's birth as a blessed day.

Over the centuries, various Muslim cultures developed unique ways of celebrating the Prophet's birthday, such as the reading of books about the Prophet's life, giving alms, and organising processions. Some celebrate by holding recitation assemblies, while others may focus more on the human aspect of the Prophet Muhammad by organising charity events.

Recommendations for Commemorating the Prophet Muhammad's Birthday

Although the celebration of the Prophet's birthday is not described in detail in the Qur'an, there are Hadiths that underline the importance of remembering and honouring the Prophet Muhammad. One of them is the recommendation to send blessings to His Majesty the Prophet Muhammad SAW which is a command from Allah SWT, as written in His words:

اِنَّ اللّٰهَ وَمَلٰۤىِٕكَتَهٗ يُصَلُّوْنَ عَلَى النَّبِيِّۗ يٰٓاَيُّهَا الَّذِيْنَ اٰمَنُوْا صَلُّوْا عَلَيْهِ وَسَلِّمُوْا تَسْلِيْمًًا

Meaning: "Verily Allah and His angels make peace upon the Prophet. O you who believe! Make peace upon the Prophet and greet him with honour. (Q.S Al-Ahzab:56)

Following the example of the Prophet Muhammad

Allah says in the Qur'an (Q.S. Al-Ahzab [33]: 21):

"A good example you have in the Messenger of Allah, for those who hope for the mercy of Allah and the Last Day, and who mention Allah much."

This shows the importance of following the example of Prophet Muhammad in our daily lives.

Doing Good and Giving Alms

Prophet Muhammad SAW was known as a very generous person. He encouraged Muslims to do good to others and give alms, as he said:

ما مِن يَومٍ يُصْبِحُ العِبادُ فِيهِ، إلَّا مَلَكانِ يَنْزِلانِ، فيَقولُ أحَدُهُما: اللَّهُمَّ أعْطِ مُنْفِقًا خَلَفًا، ويقولُ الآخَرُ: اللَّهُمَّ أعْطِ مُمْسِكًا تَلَفًا

"There is no day when a servant passes his morning except that two angels will descend upon him, and one of them will say: O Allah, provide a substitute for him who spends his wealth. The other one will say: O Allah, grant destruction to the one who withholds his wealth." (HR Bukhari)

Improving the Quality of Worship

Commemorating the Prophet's birthday is a good moment to deepen our worship of Allah. This can include recitation of the Qur'an, prayer, and dhikr.

Commemorating the Prophet Muhammad's birthday is a tradition cherished by many Muslims as a way to remember and honour the Prophet who became a role model for all mankind. The virtues, history, and recommendations from the Qur'an and Hadith remind us of the importance of keeping the teachings and example of the Prophet Muhammad in our daily lives.