Articles

The Celebration of the Prophet's Birth and the Renewal of the Pledge with Allah
Author : The Grand Mufti, Dr. Ahmad Ibrahim Al-Hasanat
Date Added : 17-09-2024

Every year, in the radiant month of Rabi' Al-Awwal, the Muslim Ummah throughout the world renews its celebration of a noble and momentous occasion that is deeply cherished by every believing Muslim: the birth of the Master of Creation and the Beloved of Allah, our Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him. His birth illuminated the world with light and extinguished its darkness. Our celebration of the Prophet, peace be upon him, is not confined to a single day or month; rather, it is an enduring commemoration that spans generations. Our joy in him is a testament to our love for him. Allah Says in the Quran (What means): "Say, 'In the bounty of Allah and in His mercy, in that let them rejoice. It is better than anything they accumulate.'" [Yunus/58]. This love for the Prophet is an enduring, ever-renewing faith that is a hallmark of true belief. The Prophet, peace be upon him, said: "None of you truly believes until I am more beloved to him than his father, his child, and all people." [Agreed upon]. And when Umar Ibn Al-Khattab said to the Prophet: "You are more beloved to me than everything except myself," the Prophet replied: "No, O Umar, until I am more beloved to you than yourself." Umar said: "By Allah, you are now more beloved to me than myself." The Prophet said, "Now, O Umar." [Al- Bukhari]. Whoever fills their heart with love for the Prophet tastes the sweetness of faith. This sweet taste is experienced only by those whose hearts are filled with love for the Messenger of Allah. Love for the Prophet is not a mere optional act of devotion but a duty incumbent upon every Muslim. Indeed, everyone who truly knows the Prophet loves him, for he is the benefactor of this entire nation and of all humanity. Through him, we became a united nation that leads other nations and champions knowledge, civilization, and reason. He guided us out of the darkness of ignorance, superstition, and idol worship. He took humanity by the hand and invited them to the noblest of morals and values. He brought peace and balance to the human soul, ensuring harmony between its physical, spiritual, intellectual, and emotional aspects. He restructured social relations, eliminating disparities and class divisions, and established clear boundaries for rights and duties between leaders, institutions, individuals, men, and women. He established a just and equitable system that ensured equal opportunities for all. He built an economic system that preserved the nation's resources, eradicated poverty, and guaranteed a dignified life for the elderly, the disabled, widows, and orphans, both Muslim and non-Muslim. He eradicated harmful practices like usury, deceit, and hoarding. He established a political system and international relations based on strong foundations that ensured global peace. All of this and more is what we commemorate on the occasion of the Prophet's birth. Therefore, his birth was a pivotal point in the course of all humanity, and thus, loving him, peace be upon him, is obligatory upon everyone who knows him, for he is indeed a mercy to all the worlds. In addition, he worked to build individuals and, ultimately, a nation that was distinguished by its intellect and civilization, capable of leadership and pioneering in various fields. It became a model for other nations, fulfilling Allah's promise: "You are the best nation ever raised for mankind." [Al-Imran/110]. On the anniversary of his birth, we reflect on how he dealt with events, built the Islamic nation, confronted challenges and difficulties, planned for the nation's progress, and developed strategies and visions for the future. By celebrating his birth, we remember the glorious past of our nation, identify our shortcomings, seek remedies, and renew our determination. We follow the same path and approach that the Prophet, peace be upon him, and his noble companions charted. As a result, the nation united its goals, capabilities, and resources to achieve a dignified life for all humanity, befitting the divine honor bestowed upon them. The month of Rabi' Al-Awwal is a month for introspection. We examine our shortcomings, correct our course, and recommit ourselves to our mission. We identify our weaknesses and seek to address them. We learn from the reasons for the greatness of the Islamic nation and strive to emulate them. We discuss how the Prophet planned for this nation to be the leader of humanity and a pioneer in knowledge and civilization. Celebrating the Mawlid and commemorating the Prophet's attributes is not merely about singing his praises and expressing joy at his birth. Rather, it strengthens our resolve to adhere to his teachings and follow his Sunnah. It enables us to identify our problems and seek solutions in accordance with his methodology. Celebrating the Mawlid is a means of renewing our pledge to Allah and our covenant with the Prophet, always mindful of Allah's command, it Says (What means): "And say, 'Work, and Allah will see your work, and His Messenger, and the believers.'" (At-Tawba/105)."

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Summarized Fatawaa

What is the Islamic ruling on parents asking son to divorce his wife?

Praise be to Allah the Lord of the Worlds.

If their asking him to do so is justified in Sharia, then there is no blame on him to obey them. And Allah The Almighty Knows Best.

In the last verse of Surah At-Tin, Allah Says (What means): "Is Allah not the most just of judges?" [At-Tin/8]. Is it permissible for us, while performing congregational prayer, to respond after the Imam recites it by saying: "Indeed, and I am among those who bear witness to that." ?

It is recommended for the worshipper to say 'Indeed' (Bala) silently after reciting or hearing the verse (/What means): "Is Allah not the most just of judges?" [At-Tin/8]. This is part of reflecting on the Quran during its recitation or listening, as Allah Says (What means): "Then do they not reflect upon the Quran, or are there locks upon [their] hearts?" (Muhammad: 24). Doing so helps in achieving humility and focus in prayer. And Allah Knows Best

Someone asked me to pay off his debt on his behalf as a loan, without any compensation. When I went to the creditor, he told me that if I paid the full amount at once, rather than in installments, he would give me a certain discount. Is this permissible? And if he applies the discount, to whom does the deducted amount belong?

If part of the debt is paid and the creditor forgives the remaining amount, the waiver is valid, and the remaining debt is no longer the responsibility of the original debtor. The person who paid the debt on behalf of another has no right to claim any portion of the original debt. And Allah Knows Best.

Is it permissible to perform Tayammum for a month due to a medical condition that requires avoiding water?

Tayammum is permissible so long as the above excuse lasts. And Allah Knows Best.