REFLECTING ON BIRTH AND LIFE OF PROPHET MUHAMMAD (SAWA)

Speech delivered by Muhammad Khalid Sayed at the Celebration of the Birth of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (SAWA) and Imam Jaffar al-Sadiq (AS), Saturday 24 November 2018 at the Ahlul Bayt Mosque Complex, Cape Town

Respected brothers and sisters, on this night of joy and blessings I greet you with the universal greeting of mercy, Assalamu Alaykum Warahmatulaahi Wabarakatu – a concept which our beloved and Allah’s most beloved messenger, the Holy Prophet Muhammad (SAWA) best embodied for all of creation from the very beginning of the existence of this universe, during his birth, in every aspect of his life, through his eternal legacy as articulated by his dear Ahlul Bayt (AS), and through his continued spiritual blessings over all of Allah’s creation. On this, the blessed night of Mawlid al-Nabi we celebrate the sacred birth of Allah’s mercy unto the worlds.

This evening we celebrate the very reason for creation. This is not a night of lengthy discourses, but a moment to revive our love, appreciation and attachment to Allah’s most beloved. In so doing we draw inspiration and blessings to guide our journey as responsive South Africans who have a duty as lovers of Rasoolallah (SAWA) to interact with those around us in the best manner possible and build a better society, especially for those whom our Rasool (SAWA) was most sympathetic towards, namely the most vulnerable amongst us.

We therefore would like to take this opportunity to congratulate the Imam our time and our saviour, Imam Sahib al-Asr wa al-Zaman (AJ) on the birth of his beloved grandfather, Rasoolallah (SAWA) whose name he is blessed to share and whose mission he shall execute.

We also congratulate all of our Maraji and spiritual leaders on this sacred occasion and the entire Muslim community. Mawlid al-Nabi Mubarak to all of you, my fellow congregants at this beautiful mosque that was established to promote the pristine teachings of our beloved Rasool (SAWA) through his holy Ahlul Bayt (AS). We are indeed blessed that our mosque was officially opened last year at our Mawlid al-Nabi (SAWA) celebration.

The sixth Imam from the direct progeny of Rasoolallah (SAWA), Imam Jaffar al-Sadiq (AS) whose birth we are also celebrating this evening, narrated that the cursed Iblis used to go up until the seventh sky to hear the heavenly talks. When Nabi Isa (AS) was born, he was prevented from going up until three skies but he was going up until the fourth sky. When Rasoolallah (SAWA) was born, Iblis was prevented from reaching any sky and continued to be driven away by shooting stars. Rasoolallah’s very birth with its all-encompassing mercy represented a solid shield from Iblis and what he represents.

Imam Sadiq (AS) also reports that the thrones of all oppressive kings fell on the morning of Rasoolallah’s birth and all these kings became dumb and were unable to speak. He is indeed a mercy unto the oppressed and vulnerable.

The beloved mother of Rasoolallah, Sayyidah Amina (RA) says: “When the Holy Prophet was born, he put his hands on the ground raised his head to the sky and looked all around. A kind of radiance appeared from his body which lit up everything. In that light I saw the palaces of Syria and in its midst I also heard a voice as if someone was saying: The best of creation is born. Name him Muhammad”.

In fact when the new-born (SAWA) was brought to his grandfather, Abdul Muttalib he took him in his arms and said: “I praise and thank Allah who blessed me with such a handsome son who surpasses all children.” Then he put in the child’s neck an amulet containing the names of the pillars of the Kaaba and composed a poem praising the new-born’s grace. At that moment Iblis called his entire progeny. They came up to him and asked: “What has made you so restless?” Iblis replied, “Woe unto you. Throughout this night I was observing changes in the sky and the earth. Surely some great event is to occur because, ever since Isa went up to the sky such change was never observed. So all of you spread out and find out what has happened.” His progeny dispersed and soon they returned and reported: “We could not find anything.” The cursed Iblis said: “Now it is only for me to find out the great happening.”

Then Iblis left and passing through the whole world approached the Holy Kaaba. He saw that the house was surrounded by angels all around. He tried to enter Kaaba. The angels challenged him saying: “O cursed one! Go back.” He ran away from there, became small like a sparrow and entered from the direction of Mount Hira. Angel Jibraeel scolded him saying: “Get out of here.” He said: “O Jibraeel! Please let me know just what has happened in the world last night.”

Jibraeel said: “Last night Muhammad, the Messenger of Allah was born.” He asked: “Will I get any benefit from him?” He was informed in the negative. Then he asked: “Do I have a share in his blessings?” He was informed in the affirmative. Then he said: “I am happy.” Even the cursed Iblis shall share in the blessings of the mercy unto all of creation, Rasoolallah (SAWA).

It is mentioned in another tradition that Amina says: “When I conceived the Holy Prophet, no sign of pregnancy appeared in me and I did not experience those conditions which other women normally experience in this period. Once I saw in my dream that a man came to me and said: You have been carrying the best of creation. When the time of the birth of the Holy Prophet arrived he was delivered very easily. I did not experience any pain”.

Shaykh Tabarsi has, in his Ihtijaj, written that Imam Musa Kadhim (AS) said: “When the Holy Prophet came out of the womb he placed his left hand on the ground and raised his right hand to the sky and moved his lips to confess the Oneness of Allah and a radiance spread out from his holy tongue in the light of which Meccans saw the palace of Basra and its surroundings in Syria and they also saw red palaces of Yemen and its surroundings and the white palaces of Persia and its surroundings”.

When Allah sent our beloved Rasool (SAWA) to this earth, mankind was immersed in a state of degeneration. The messages of the past prophets had been distorted and ignored, civilisation was on the decline and humanity had slumped into an age of darkness, with disbelief, oppression and corruption rife everywhere. Rasoosallah (SAWA) came as a mercy to this humanity by seeking to transform its ways.

The Makkan society where our Holy Prophet (SAWA) opened his eyes was rife with vices and oppression. Like the rest of Arabia at the time, it was deeply divided on the basis of class – a division we sadly are still able to relate to as South Africans. Rasoolallah (SAWA) sought to destroy this division.

The Makkan society roughly speaking was divided into three classes as follows:

The Arrogant Wealthy:

In their hands was vested the wealth, authority and leadership of Makkah. It was this class which vehemently opposed Rasoolallah (SAWA) and his call to Islam. They terrorised and forbade people from believing him for fear of losing their unjust hegemony over Makkah. To this class belonged Abu Jahal, Abu Sufyan, Abu Lahab, Walid bin Mughira, Uqba bin Abi Moayyit, Aas bin Wael Sahm and others who had built up large fortunes by oppression.

2. The Deprived (slaves and the oppressed):

This class was composed of the downtrodden like Ammar and his parents Yaser and Sumaiyya, Bilal the Abyssinian, Suhaib the Roman, Khabbab bin Arat etc., who all eagerly hastened towards the call of Islam, because they found it to be the truth and a way of deliverance from oppression, slavery and disbelief.

3. The General Public:

These were neither part of the landed oligarchy nor were subjected to slavery. They could well be termed the middle class. Affiliated to their respective tribal chiefs or clan heads they blindly followed the path chosen by their leaders.

Rasoolallah (SAWA), right from his childhood was known for his virtue and lofty conduct. His noble character stood him out as the most impeccable one ever, to the point that the people called him 'as-Sadiq' (the Truthful) and 'al-Amin' (the Honest). They put their complete trust in him and always turned to him as an impartial judge in their frequent disputes. The Treaty of al-Hilf al-Fudhul is a perfect example in this regard.

Rasoolallah (SAWA) was a born believer whose heart was free from disbelief and polytheism. Never had he been near idols let alone worship them. His pristine purity was indicative of his future greatness, for how could people believe in him and put their trust in him if they see him prostrating before manmade objects and indulging in vices like any ordinary Arab of the day.

Rasoolallah (SAWA), though endeared and respected by Makkans for his wisdom and virtues, preferred solitude and kept his distance from the polytheist society. Disgusted with the corruption all around, he used to retire to the Cave of Hira, in a mountain a few kilometres from Makkah, meditating Allah's Majesty and worshipping Him. Initially he used to remain in the cave for a day or two and sometimes even 10 nights or more but the next few years saw him spending a whole month in that cave, praying to Allah and contemplating guidance for the deviated people. This underlines the importance of seeking moments of solitude so as to contemplate and draw nearness to the Almighty as we seek to transform situations which disgust us.

When he had reached the age of 40 and was engrossed as usual in communicating to Allah (SWT) at his retreat of cave Hira, suddenly that harbinger of Divine tidings, the Archangel Gabriel, appeared with the first verses of the Holy Qur'an:

"Recite in the name of your Lord Who created. Created man from a clot. Recite and your Lord is most Generous. Who taught (to write) with the pen. Taught man what he knew not." (96:1-5)

Despite the feverish attempts of the Arab infidels to suppress the call of truth, the young Muslim community began to grow in numbers, as more and more people flocked to the call of Islam.

The Holy Prophet's mission in Makkah can thus be classified under the following two periods:

At first Rasoolallah (SAWA) called people to Islam secretly. He began with his immediate kinsmen, the Bani Hashim, explaining to them his divine mission. For three consecutive days he discoursed with them, without much success, and only his young cousin Imam Ali (AS) stood up every time saying: “I bear witness Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah”. The other members of his clan either mocked at him or remained silent, perhaps needing time to ponder over his words.

Without feeling discouraged, Rasoolallah (SAWA) continued his work, encountering individuals and inviting them to Islam. The devoted group of Muslims increased around him, and he selected a secret secluded spot, to assemble the faithful and teach them the principles of Islam and the verses of Qur'an as they were gradually revealed. When the number of Muslims had reached 40, Allah (SWT) ordered Rasoolallah (SAWA) to shun the garment of secrecy and make public the invitation to Islam.

The Da'wah (Islamic Call) of Rasoolallah (SAWA) falls into two clearly discernible periods as follows:

1. The period in Makkah, beginning with the age of 40 till his emigration to Madina 13 years later.

2. The period at Madina, beginning with the Prophet's historical arrival till his sad demise 10 years later at the age of 63.

The Makkan period despite the persecution and hardships, was instrumental in laying the firm foundations of Monotheism, which were to flower in Madina. A revolution is indeed a process consisting of stages. The cultivation of strong and unwavering faith in the context of hardships and challenges is paramount in this regard.

Our society could never be a transformed one unless we sincerely tread the footsteps of Allah's final Messenger to mankind, heed his sayings, observe his glorious actions and attitudes, and most importantly of all follow them, as the faithful among his companions did.

Allah the most Glorious enjoins upon us to take the Prophet's behaviour as an example, because he guides us to virtue and righteousness:

"Certainly you have in the Messenger of Allah an excellent exemplar for him who hopes in Allah and the latter day and remembers Allah much."

Holy Qur'an (33:21)

Prophet Muhammad [s] always used to contemplate the Greatness and Majesty of Allah, the Glorious and the welfare of the human race. He closely followed the affairs of his people and the spreading of the light of Islam. He talked only when necessary and when he did, his speech was devoid of any rhetoric and unnecessary words. It was precise, to the point and full of great meanings.

He was punctual, active and energetic, and led an orderly life in the strict sense of the word. His day was divided into four periods:

A time for worship.

A time for his household (Ahlul-Bayt) and wives, during which he behaved like any ordinary family-man giving the finest example of social behaviour.

A time for rest and contemplation.

A time for public affairs such as receiving Muslims, looking into their needs and requirements, answering their questions, teaching them the tenets of Islam and expounding to them the glorious verses of the Holy Qur'an.

He was the finest embodiment of modesty, and deeply abhorred arrogance and haughtiness. Almost all of his companions in the early days were poor and oppressed people, as he was the champion of the downtrodden and the defender of the deprived masses.

He socialised with his companions as one of them: talking, listening, smiling and displaying a sense of humour. Sometimes he might join in their laughter to cheer their sprits up. He would visit them when they fell sick or accept an invitation for a meal irrespective of whether the person concerned was poor, a slave or any other. In case a companion of his died, he used to participate in the funeral procession, walking alongside the bier.

Owing to his great modesty, he normally preferred riding a mule while moving around, using a saddle made of date-palm fibre. Sometimes he also rode his she-camel. If he was riding and somebody wished to accompany him on foot, he would ask him either to mount behind, and if the man declined out of respect, he would ask him to go ahead and await him at the fixed place, because he did not like the sight of people following him on foot, while he himself was mounted.

So modest was he that he hated to see people rising to their feet when he entered an assembly. And on entering he used to sit at the nearest vacant spot, so that his companions might not think that he was sporting an air of superiority over them. His magnetic personality drew love and respect from all. He used to sit on the ground, even while eating, and slept on the ground with a simple mat serving as his bed. He greeted even small boys, as well as women. If some man shook hands with him, he would not unclasp his hand till the other did it first.

Once, a Christian chieftain named Adi bin Hatim al-Ta'i, came for an audience with the Prophet of Islam, who happened to be sitting on a cushion. On seeing the visitor he took the cushion from underneath and offered it to his Christian guest, himself preferring to sit on the ground. This admirable display of modesty by the great Prophet so deeply affected Adi bin Hatim al-Ta'i, that the Christian chief immediately embraced Islam.

The Messenger's social ties with his companions portrays the most wonderful picture of Islamic brotherhood ever heard of.

Anas bin Malik, who used to frequent the Prophet's assembly, says that whenever the Prophet missed any one of his companions for a period of three days, he used to inquire about that person, would pray for him and if he happened to be ill, would pay him a visit.

Another companion Jarir bin Abdullah, says that once the Prophet entered a house, and soon it was full of people. When Jarir went in, he found no vacant spot and therefore sat outside. The Prophet observing Jarir took a piece of his clothing, rolled it up and threw it, indicating him to spread it underneath him. Jarir says he caught hold of the clothing, put it on his face and kissed it.

The above actions of the Prophet provide us the finest example of a leader unaffected by power and position whereas when we look at the lives of despots and other petty potentates, we see them sporting arrogant airs, trying to humiliate people, and always keeping a distance from the oppressed and the downtrodden.

It will not be out of context here to cite another example from the Prophet's life. Once a man came to the Messenger of Allah but on entering his presence, started trembling with fear. Prophet Muhammad [s] seeing the visitor terribly shaken and nervous, smiled and comforted him with utmost tenderness, saying: "Be at ease. I am no king but the son of a Quraishite woman who used to eat dried meat"

His mercy was also embodied in his bravery and courage. He endured pain and sufferings for thirteen long years in Makkah, inviting people to Islam, without once being over-awed by the sheer force and numbers of arrogant Jahiliyah. And all these single-handedly without any group or supporters except his few weak but devoted followers.

After migrating to Madina he organised an army to defend against the idolaters and he himself led the faithful in many a battle against overwhelming odds, always coming out victorious. The Battles of Badr, Khandaq, Uhud, Khaibar, Hunayn and the conquest of Makkah were some of the epoch-making events.

His faithful and equally brave cousin Imam Ali [a], who was the standard bearer in several decisive battles and who while defending Islam and the Prophet, sent many obstinate bullies of ignorant Arabia to the eternal fire, describes the Messenger's bravery as follows:

"You have beheld me on the day of Badr, all of us took refuge with the Prophet [s], and he was the nearest one to the enemy ranks. He was on that day, the bravest of us all."

If we truly wish to be agents of change in our society, it is indeed important to consistently be reminded of the each and every aspect of the blessed personality of Rasoolallah (SAWA).

This joyous provides us not only with an opportunity to reflect on his character but to express our love and attachment to him. Going forward let us ensure that we revive the tradition of hosting the Mawlind of our Rasool (SAWA) in our homes as this it itself is a source of blessing.

When we also celebrate the birth of Imam Sadiq (AS) this evening we are also reflecting on the mercy and character of his great grandfather, Rasoolallah (SAWA) because Imam Sadiq’s life and mission was best to articulate the teachings of Rasoolallah (SAWA).

We sincerely pray that Rasoolallah (SAWA) and Imam Sadiq (AS) will cover us, our families, friends and all of humanity, especially the vulnerable with their blessings.

Wasalaamu alaykum warahmatullaahi wabarakaatu