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Lessons from the Birth Anniversary of Prophet Mohammad (PBUH)
Author : Dr. Hassan Abu_Arqoub
Date Added : 19-11-2018

Lessons from the Birth Anniversary of Prophet Mohammad (PBUH)

 

 

The birth anniversary of Prophet Mohammad is very close to the heart of every Muslim. Worldwide, Muslims dwell upon the Prophetic biography praising the Prophet (PBUH) in prose and poetry, sending prayers upon him and giving food in celebration.

 

His birth (Mawlid) teaches us that calling people to the way of Allah requires patience and is never a walk in the park. When a person undertakes this sacred task, he should expect aggression from the stupid and mockery from the common. He could even be attacked by the closest of kin. This is the situation that was experienced by the Prophets (PBUT) including Mohammad (PBUH). In simple terms, this is the legacy of Prophethood, and whoever continues this mission will have a taste of it.

 

We also learn that good morality has a great impact on people`s acceptance of this call and this is why the Prophet (PBUH) had the best of morals: merciful, lenient, kind, loving, pious, generous, truthful and honest. People loved him for these beautiful attributes and thus entered into Allah`s religion in crowds. In light of this occasion, the lesson that we should learn is that good morality for the one calling to the way of Allah is like the capital for the trader: once that capital is lost, the trade is rendered stagnant.

 

Moreover, such a person should have one face, be it with his household or society since, nowadays; we can notice that many people have two faces. This double personality wasn`t part of our Prophet`s morals and thus it doesn`t befit those who are entrusted with continuing his message. Accordingly, a caller to the way of Allah must have one face everywhere and at all times.

 

Further, we realize that this call entails the exertion of time, effort and wealth on the part of the caller and this is one of the best types of Jihad as calling to the way of Allah and guiding people to the right path become his one and only concern. By this, he alienates his ego and absorbs others because he means to guide them and achieve what`s best for them. 

 

In addition, we learn that companionship is of key importance, because a person is known by the company he keeps. If his companions are evil, he will be as such, but if they are good, he will be as such too. Accordingly, one should be extra careful when choosing his company, because, obviously, it has a direct effect on the life of the individuals as well as the society. When the Prophet (PBUH) wanted to build the nation of Islam, he was keen on choosing the company that was fit for that mission, and they did succeed in achieving that.

 

The Prophet`s birth isn`t a mere anniversary; rather, it is a lesson from his biography that we remind ourselves with so that it remains present in our minds. It is similar to a lighthouse that guides one though the pitch-black nights. The Prophet (PBUH) is our role model and the lantern of the truthful callers to Allah.

 

Celebrating this anniversary stresses the tight bond between the Muslim nation and its leader Prophet Mohammad (PBUH). Year after year, we renew our pledge of loyalty to this honorable Prophet (PBUH) and pray that Allah, The Almighty, gathers us with him on the Day of Resurrection, Amen to that.

 

 

 

The published article reflects the opinion of its author

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Summarized Fatawaa

Is it permissible for women to gather in one of their homes to pray Tarawih?

Yes, it is recommended (mustahabb) for women to pray Tarawih in congregation if they gather, even if it is not in the mosque.
In fact, praying at home is better for them, as it avoids the potential concerns associated with going to the mosque.

What are the categories of the livestock permissible for Udhiyah?

Praise be to Allah, and peace and blessings be upon the Messenger of Allah.
 
The Udhiyah (sacrificial offering) is not valid except from Al-An’am (livestock), which are: camels, cattle, and sheep/goats. Allah the Almighty says {what means}: "And for every nation We have appointed a rite [of sacrifice] that they may mention the name of Allah over what He has provided for them of beast-livestock." [Al-Hajj/34]
The best of them are camels, then cattle, then sheep/goats. A sacrifice of a camel or a cow avails for seven people. Jabir (may Allah be pleased with him) said: "We sacrificed with the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) in the year of Al-Hudaybiyah a camel for seven and a cow for seven." [Narrated by Muslim] And Allah the Almighty knows best.

How many rak‘ahs are there in Tarawih prayer?

The most complete form of Tarawih prayer consists of twenty rak‘ahs, excluding Shaf‘ and Witr. This is the opinion of the majority of scholars, both past and present, and it is the practiced tradition in the two Holy Mosques.
However, Tarawih is valid with any even number of rak‘ahs, even two rak‘ahs, as long as it is performed with the intention of Qiyam al-Ramadan.

What is the ruling on selling sacrificial animals (udhiyah) described with specific attributes and authorizing an agent to slaughter them?

Praise be to Allah, and peace and blessings be upon our Master, the Messenger of Allah.
 
Selling sacrificial animals (udhiyah) that are described with specific attributes is permissible. This falls under the category of a salam sale (forward sale) if conducted using the terminology of salam, and under the category of a regular sale if not using the terminology of salam.
 
As for authorizing the seller to slaughter the sacrificial animal, the basic principle is that it is permissible, because the agent (wakil) stands in the place of the principal (muwakkil) in achieving his objective. This is a contract that the principal (the buyer) is entitled to perform himself, so authorizing another (the seller) to do so on his behalf is valid.
 
However, it is a condition for authorization to slaughter that the intention (niyyah) is present either at the time of slaughter or at the time of handing over the sacrificial animal to the agent. The basic principle is that the sacrificial animal must be specifically designated, as it is an act of worship. It is not required to designate it at the time of slaughter; rather, it is valid to do so before that.
 
It is permissible for the principal either to delegate the intention to the agent or to formulate it himself when authorizing the agent to slaughter. However, the sacrificial animal must be designated, even if at the time of slaughter, by the agent.
 
It is obligatory to designate the sacrificial animals so that each person offering a sacrifice receives his own specific animal. Therefore, charitable organizations and companies must take this into consideration and establish a specific mechanism that ensures no mixing of sacrificial animals occurs, so that each person offering a sacrifice receives his own designated animal. And Allah Almighty knows best.