MILAAD-UN-NABI
October 2023
Rabiul Awwal 1445 AH
Oh the white moon rose over us, from the valley of Wada
And we owe it to show thankfulness, where the call is to Allah
O you who has been sent amongst us,
You came with a command which must be obeyed
You have brought nobility to Madina, welcome! O best of callers
You’re a sun, You’re a moon
You are light upon light
You’re the lamp that illuminates the sky
O my beloved,
O Allah’s messenger, O Allah’s intercessor
Excerpt from a traditional Islamic poem first recited by the inhabitants of Madina to welcome the Holy Prophet upon his migration from Makkah.
The Holy Prophet Muhammad (S) was born in Makkah in the month of Rabiul Awwal 1453 years ago. On beginning the divine mission of Prophethood he succedded in welding together warring tribes and wandering bedouins into a civilized and powerful nation in less than two decades. He continues to be loved and cherished by Muslims and highly respected in other circles. Professor Ramakrishna Rao refers to the Prophet as ‘the perfect model for human life’. Sir Bernard Shaw wrote the following about him – ‘He was by far the most remarkable man that ever set foot on this earth. He preached a religion, founded a state, built a nation, laid down a moral code, initiated numerous social and political reforms, established a powerful and dynamic society to practice and represent his teachings and completely revolutionized the worlds of human thought and behaviour for all times to come.’
We have numerous authentic traditions teaching that were it not for the creation of the light of the Holy Prophet, Allah (SWT) would not have created any other thing. In Sura Al-Ahzab verse 56 of the Holy Quran, Muslims are commanded to revere the Prophet and send salutations and blessings on him.
اِنَّ اللَّهَ وَمَلآَئِكَتَهُ يُصَلُّونَ عَلَي النَّبِيِّ يَآ أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ ءَامَنُوا صَلُّوا عَلَيْهِ وَسَلّـِمُوا تَسْلِيما
‘Verily Allah and His angels send blessings on the Prophet, O you who believe! Send you also blessings on him, and you salute him with submission.’
To honour the birthday of the ‘Mercy to all the Worlds’ Milaad-un-Nabi celebrations were held at Bilal Muslim Mission of Kenya centres in and around the coastal region and at the Bilal Hall in Mombasa.
Function held at the Bilal Hall in Mombasa
On the morning of Saturday the 14th of October 2023, devotees gathered at the Bilal Hall in Mombasa for a lively event in commemoration of Milaad-un-Nabi.
Verses of the Holy Quran enlightened the hearts of the congregation. This was followed by Arabic Qaseedas in praise of the Holy Prophet’s moral excellence and attributes. The reciters sent blessings and salutations on the final messenger. Sayyed Twahir Muhammad of the Bilal Muslim Mission of Kenya then addressed the gathering. His speech included emphasis on authentic narrations and Quranic verses regarding the status of the Prophet as well as reflections on the situation in Palestine. He ended with a note on the importance of merging Islamic and secular education in our madrassas.
Sayyed Twahir Muhammad
Sounds of a vibrant Kiswahili Qaseeda filled the hall after which Ustaadh Anas, a Sunni speaker shared his thoughts on how vital it is for the Muslim Ummah to be united in order to uplift itself. He made calls for empathy, co-operation and consultation within the Ummah. It was a thought-provoking talk.
As the popular ‘Ya Nabi salam alaika, marhaban ya nooral aini, jaddal Hussaini marhaban’ echoed in the hall, perfume was applied for all the attendees. Subsequently, a befitting visitation of the Ahlulbayt was recited with special emphasis on the Imam of the time.
Sheikh Musa Shali then gave a detailed vote of thanks in which he appreciated, by name, the various Shiekhs together with the madrassas that had attended and participated. He acknowledged the role of the Bilal Muslim Mission in hosting and supporting such events. The sheikh gave some advice to the Muslims gathered there and those listening online, making special mention on the value of focusing on the much that they have in common, rather than the little that they disagree on. A special prayer was made for the plight of the Palestinians and the prevailing of Justice.
The program ended with Suratul Fateha and distribution of a take-away meal.
Celebrations held at Bilal-supported centres in and around the coastal region
Celebrations held for Milaad-un-Nabi are festive occasions in which all Muslims look forward to partake. These ceremonies provide opportunities for communities to express their solidarity with and affection for the Holy Prophet (S). Several events were held at different centres during the blessed month of Rabiul Awwal.
The Al Ridha centre in Mtongwe hosted a function on the morning of Sunday the 15th of October 2023 which commenced around 10am. The venue was aptly decorated for the festivity with tents and backdrops of colourful fabric and balloons. Invited guests included members of the Ahlulbayt centres at Shimoni and Likoni as well as those from the AhlulKisa centre in Kichaka. Sunni Muslims from Madrasatul Nur and Madrassa Zahariya also graced the event with their presence. Some of the attendees travelled very long distances to attend the celebrations.
Included in the program were the sounds of beautiful Quranic and poetic recitals which filled the atmosphere and speeches delivered by Sheikh Juma Shuguli and one by Sheikh Muhammad Karega who represented the sunni school of thought.
Appreciation
We are grateful to Allah (SWT) for giving us the ability and opportunity to celebrate the auspicious day of the birth of the Best of Allah (SWT)’s creation. We thank all those who volunteered, participated and attended to make this year’s Milaad-un-Nabii (S) season a memorable one.
SECRETARIAT
BILAL MUSLIM MISSION OF KENYA
MOMBASA – KENYA
14th November 2023 (29th Rabiul Aakhar 1445 A.H.)