Naqshbandiya Foundation for Islamic Education

The Naqshbandiya Foundation for Islamic Education (NFIE) is a non-profit, tax exempt, religious and educational organization dedicated to serve Islam with a special focus on Tasawwuf(Sufism),

Monday, March 30, 2009

Shaykh Abd al-Qadir al-Jilani's Books Part 2 by Fons Vitae



The Secret of Secrets
An Interpretative Translation by Sheikh Tosun Bayrak of Abd al-Qadir
al-Jilani’s Famous Work ,"Sir al-Asrar"
This book contains the very essence of Sufism, giving a Sufi explanation of the fundamental duties of Islam — prayer, fasting, alms giving and pilgrimage. Secret of Secrets forms a bridge between al-Jilani’s two famous works, Ghunyat al-talibin (Wealth for Seekers), which is meant to inspire men and women to be good practicing Muslims, and Futuh al-ghayb (Revelation of the Unseen), a late collection of lectures on mystical topics.
An interpretative translation by Shaikh Tosun Bayrak of Sirr al-Asrar by Hadrat 'Abd al-Qadir al-Jilani (1077-1166), considered by many to be one of the greatest saints of Islam and the eponymous founder of the Qadiriyya order. This book, appearing in English for the first time, contains the very essence of Sufism, giving a Sufi explanation of how the outward practices of Islam - prayer, fasting, almsgiving and pilgrimage - contain a wealth of inner dimensions which must be discovered and enjoyed if external actions are to be performed in a manner pleasing to God. When this is achieved the soul finds true peace and the spiritual life becomes complete.
Abd al-Qadir al-Jilani, born near the Caspian Sea, was the son of the great saint Fatima bint Abdullah al-Sawma’i. After a period of intense intellectual and mystical training he received the khirqa (robe of initiation) and was soon recognised as a saint and scholar, consulted, loved and revered by caliph and pauper alike. As one of the most venerated figures in Sufism his burial place in Baghdad still attracts numerous visitors from many countries.
'This work, which contains a biographical introduction to one of the author's least-known works, represents a valuable contribution to the field ... the translator's introduction provides an insight into the various personal qualities and divine graces which are recognised in combination as proof of sainthood...It is clearly and elegantly presented, accessible, and has the considerable merit of combining metaphysical doctrine with devotional ethics as encapsulated in the life and work of one of the most endearingly popular Sufis of all time.'
- Journal of Islamic Studies
'A book of great importance to Sufism ... Sheikh Tosun has done an admirable job in presenting not only a translation but a lucid interpretation of one of Jilani's most important works.'
- Gnosis http://www.fonsvitae.com/secretof.html

Sunday, March 29, 2009

Shaykh Abdal al-Qadir al-Jilani's Books,Part 1 by Al-Baz Publications



Revelations of the Unseen (Futuh al-Ghaib) - Discourses by Shaikh 'Abd al-Qadir al-Jilani. Perhaps the most well known collection of the great Shaikh's discourses, these short and powerful discourses cover topics of interest to every seeker of the spiritual path. A glimpse at the some of the topics covered will reassure the reader that the Shaikh is addressing issues that are as pertinent in this day and age as the day he spoke about them so many hundreds of years ago. Here is a small sample: On passing beyond the creation; On drawing near to Allah; On fear and hope; On trust and its stages; On how the contact [wusul] with Allah is attained; On not complaining; On the classification of the seeker's state; On the two conditions of the self [nafs]; On the reason for the trials borne by certain believers; On the seeker and the sought.

The Sublime Revelation (Al-Fath ar-Rabbani) - Discourses [Majalis] by Shaikh 'Abd al-Qadir al-Jilani in the guesthouse [ribat] and the schoolhouse [madrasa] in Bagdad, between the years AH 545 and AH 546. Longer than the discourses of Revelations of the Unseen, these profoundly moving lectures used to be attended by crowds of more than seventy thousand people. As we have been told in the Shaikh's biography, Necklaces of Gems, more than 400 inkwells would be used in one session by the scribes recording his every word. Treasured for centuries by those fortunate enough to have a handwritten copy, the entire 62 discourses are available in English for the first time. These discourses cover every aspect of the spiritual path necessary for those who aspire to attain to the nearness of Allah. Translated by Muhtar Holland.
Utterances of Shaikh 'Abd al-Qadir (Malfuzat) - $16.00In the original handwritten manuscripts the Malfuzat is usually found as an appendix or attachment to Al-Fath ar-Rabbani [The Sublime Revelation]. It is a collection of many pieces of wise advice that do not fit neatly into the discourses in that book. In it are answers to questions put to him by disciples and those who attended the discourse sessions, extemporaneous advice, and most importantly, the Shaikh discusses the high level of aspiration possible for the ordinary person, and the way to accomplish it. First translation into English, by Muhtar Holland
The Removal of Cares (Jala' al-Khawatir) - Discourses by Shaikh 'Abd al-Qadir al-Jilani. Translated into English from one of the few remaining copies that exist of this rare document, The Removal of Cares is a further collection of longer discourses on spiritual progress along the path [tariqa] by the great Shaikh. This collection could be considered an extension of The Sublime Revelation, having been recorded in the year 546 AH, although the dates of the discourses in Removal of Cares overlap somewhat those of that collection. Once again the reader will marvel at the extensive wisdom of Shaikh 'Abd al-Qadir and experience the transformative effect of the blessed grace that accompanied his spoken word. First translation of this work into English by Muhtar Holland
Sufficient Provision for Seekers of the Path of Truth(Al-Ghunya li-Talibi Tariq al-Haqq) - Set by Shaikh 'Abd al-Qadir al-Jilani (may Allah be well pleased with him) This encyclopedic work is a complete resource on the inner and outer aspects of Islam. The translation has been published in 5 volumes. Translated by Muhtar Holland into English for the first time, and over five and a half years in the translating, this work is undoubtedly the publishing event of this century and a treasure of unimaginable value to the believers. 1738 pages.
Fifteen Letters(Khamsata 'Ashara Maktuban, otherwise known as Maktubat) - Fifteen letters by Shaikh 'Abd al-Qadir al-Jilani to one of his disciples. Originally written in Persian, they were translated into Arabic by 'Ali Husamu'd-din al-Muttaqi (the Devout), who said of them, "... these letters comprise nuggets of wisdom and spiritual counsel, couched in various forms of allegory, metaphor, paraphrase and quotation, including approximately two hundred and seventy-five Qur'anic verses. They also contain allusions to the experiences [adhwaq] and spiritual states [halat] of the Sufis (may Allah's good pleasure be conferred upon them all). Translated into English by Muhtar Holland
Concerning the Affirmation of Divine Oneness (Risala fi't-Tawhid)by Shaikh Wali Raslan ad-Dimashqi (d. A.H. 540) - In the original handwritten manuscripts the Malfuzat is usually found as an appendix or attachment to Al-Fath ar-Rabbani [The Sublime Revelation]. It is a collection of many pieces of wise advice that do not fit neatly into the discourses in that book. In it are answers to questions put to him by disciples and those who attended the discourse sessions, extemporaneous advice, and most importantly, the Shaikh discusses the high level of aspiration possible for the ordinary person, and the way to accomplish it. First translation into English, by Muhtar Holland.
Necklaces of Gems(Qala'id al-Jawahir)by Shaikh Muhammad ibn Yahya at-Tadifi (d. A.H. 963) - Biography of Shaikh 'Abd al-Qadir al-Jilani (may Allah be well pleased with him); on the Marvelous Exploits of the Crown of the Saints, the Treasure-trove of the Pure, the Sultan of the Awliya', the Sublime Qutb, Shaikh Muhyi'd-din 'Abd al-Qadir al-Jilani.This is the life story of the man who has been called the Sultan of the Saints (awliya') of Allah. In the history of the Saints of Islam, Shaikh 'Abd al-Qadir stands out as being unique, in the broad scope of perfection that includes his lineage, his complete development, piety, knowledge of the religion and adherence to the Sacred Law (Shari'a), his intimate and direct knowledge of the Divine, and his establishment by the Lord of All the Worlds at the level of Reality (Haqiqa). In this extensive biography we are given vivid glimpses of his charismatic exploits (karamat), many of which seem to defy the ordinary rules of nature. The book is also a small history of more than forty of the Shaikhs of his time, his companions of that day and age, as well as a description of his children, grandchildren and descendants.Translated into English by Muhtar Holland.
Emanations of Lordly Grace(al-Fuyudat ar-Rabbaniyya)by Isma'il Muhammad Sa'id al-Qadiri - A collection of the work and explanations of Shaikh 'Abd al-Qadir al-Jilani (may Allah be well pleased with him), that includes definition and attributes of the seven selves [nafs], an explanation of the names of the seven stations [maqamat], the creed ['aqida] of the Supreme Helper (may Allah be well pleased with him), the meaning of the names of the Qadiriyya order, the remarkable virtues of al-Jilani the Qutb, the names of our master, 'Abd al-Qadir, litanies [awrad] for the taming of hearts and for emergency situations; how to offer the greeting of peace [salam] to the men of the unseen [Ghaib] and much much more.
The Book of the Secret of Secrets and the Manifestation of Lights(Sirr al-Asrar wa Mazhar al-Anwar)by Shaikh 'Abd al-Qadir al-Jilani - This is the Muhtar Holland English translation of this precious work. Although there has been previously published an English interpretation by respected Shaikh Tosun Bayrak, this is the first actual translation into the English Language and includes transliteration of all Arabic key words. The contents are too diverse to describe here, but include: The shops of the spirit in the body; Division of knowledge into knowledge on the tongue and knowledge in the inner core; The number of the sciences; Explanation of the Sacred Law [Shari'a], the Spiritual Path [Tariqa], Direct Knowledge [Ma'rifa] and Reality [Haqiqa]; Concerning the people of spiritual culture [tasawwuf]; The difference between the ascetics and the people of intimate knowledge; Meanings of the term tasawwuf; The five tokens of bliss; The tokens of misery; The four domains, the spirits, the manifestations, and the intellects and so on. This is a most important book for anyone traveling the spiritual path. Twenty-four sections.
The Summary of Religious Knowledge(Mukhtasar fi 'ilm ad-Din)by Shaikh 'Abd al-Qadir al-Jilani.This rare manuscript was obtained from the collection of manuscripts of the Vatican Library. So far as is known, it is the only copy of this work remaining in existence. The introduction reads as follows: Shaikh 'Abd al-Qadir al-Gilani (may Allah, the Independent Sovereign, ennoble him) wrote this Summary of Religious Knowledge [Mukhtasar fi 'Ilm ad-Din] for the benefit of worshipful servants ['abidin] and followers of the spiritual path [salikin]. He designed it to include two aspects, so that anyone who put it into practise would be equipped with a pair of wings. Allah is the Guide to the path of correctness, and to Him is the return and the journey home. Section 1: The science of the Sacred Law [Shari'a] deals with general principles and specific details concerning religious duty, under seven chapter headings. Section 2: The second section is concerned with knowledge of the Spiritual Path [tariqa], which is like a sheltered kernel, while the Sacred Law [Shari'a] is like a shell that keeps it safe and sound. That is why 'Ali (may Allah be well pleased with him) once said: "All the spiritual paths [Turuq] are closed to people, apart from those who follow the command of Allah's Messenger (Allah bless him and give him peace)." Translated by Muhtar Holland. http://www.al-baz.com/

Saturday, March 28, 2009

Shaykh Abd al-Qadir al-Jilani's Works & Al-Baz Publishing Inc.


About Al-Baz Publishing, Inc. How does a publishing company come into existence? Almost every company's birth has some story behind it and Al-Baz Publishing is no exception. Al-Baz was founded by Ruslan Moore in 1991, principally to provide English translations of the works of the great saints of Islam, and in particular the works of Shaikh 'Abd al-Qadir al-Jilani [died 561 AH], considered by many Muslims to be the greatest of the saints of Islam, hence his title "al-Ghawth al-A'zam" [the supreme helper]. In 1986, after acquiring manuscripts of some of the Shaikh's works and finding that there were almost no English translations available, Ruslan turned to an old friend of more than 30 years, Muhtar Holland, one of the foremost contemporary translators of classical Arabic alive today, and engaged him to make translations for his own personal use. On reading these translations, and being struck by the beauty and wisdom found in them, it became apparent that it would be selfish indeed to keep these for himself, and the idea of a publishing company which would be a means of sharing these gems was born. Al-Baz was set up almost as a hobby, owing its existence not to the principal notion of publishing books to make money, but rather for the purpose of supporting the Muslim community with books of truly worthy content in an age where the pressures of the world are very great, and Muslims are hard-pressed to find support for their faith. It is a fact that in the golden age of Islam, some 1000 years ago, Islam was blessed not only with great and wise scholars, but also with many saints whose spiritual stature and wisdom is such that their works touch the inner being of readers to this day, and whose spiritual support is sought by many. Al-Baz remains a small company, dedicated to providing the best of the "Treasures of Islam" for its readers, and it remains a company whose goal is to serve the community of Muhammad, upon whom be blessings and peace. We have tried to provide the best setting for these precious works, an offering to a Gracious Lord and to our brothers and sisters in Islam. We hope that you will find much benefit from these books and that your lives will be the better for having read them. One final word - If you know of the existence of any works of Shaikh 'Abd al-Qadir in Arabic that you don't see on our booklist, please be in touch with us. There are still several works known to exist where we have not been able to find the Arabic texts, and would greatly wish to obtain them. So Peace!
http://www.al-baz.com/aboutus.shtml

Friday, March 27, 2009

Salawaat: Shaykh Abdul Qadir Jilani (r.a) Part6


Salaams On The Beloved Prophet
It is apt to conclude by presenting the salaams of the Gauth u'l A'zam on the Holy Prophet Sallallahu 'alaihi wa Sallam as given in Mishkaat u's Salawaat (A Niche For Lit-Up Blessings) of Mawlana Muhammad Elyas Burney Rahmatullahi 'alaih.
Assalatu wa's Salaamu 'alaika Yaa RasulAllah
Assalatu wa's Salaamu 'alaika Yaa NabiyyAllah
Assalatu wa's Salaamu 'alaika Yaa SafiyyAllah
Assalatu wa's Salaamu 'alaika Yaa KhalilAllah
Assalatu wa's Salaamu 'alaika Yaa HabibAllah
Assalatu wa's Salaamu 'alaika Yaa man Sharrafahu'llah
Assalatu wa's Salaamu 'alaika Yaa man Karramahu'llah
Assalatu wa's Salaamu 'alaika Yaa man 'Allamahu'llah
Assalatu wa's Salaamu 'alaika Yaa man 'Adh-dhamahu'llah
Assalatu wa's Salaamu 'alaika Yaa man Zayyanahu'llah
Assalatu wa's Salaamu 'alaika Yaa Sayyidal Mursaleen
Assalatu wa's Salaamu 'alaika Yaa Khaatam an-Nabiyyeen
Assalatu wa's Salaamu 'alaika Yaa Imama'l Muttaqeen
Assalatu wa's Salaamu 'alaika Yaa Shafi'al Mudhnibeen
Assalatu wa's Salaamu 'alaika Yaa Rahmatallil 'aalameen
Assalatu wa's Salaamu 'alaika Yaa Khaira Khalqi'llah
Assalatu wa's Salaamu 'alaika Yaa Nura 'Arshi'llahSalawaatu'llahi wa malaaikatihi wa anbiyaaihi wa rusulihi Wa hamalati 'arshihi wa jami'e khalqihi'Alaa Sayyidina Muhammad-in wa 'alaa aalihi wa sahbihee ajma'eenIlaa yaumi'ddeen.
Blessings and salutations on you, O Messenger of AllahBlessings and salutations on you, O Prophet of AllahBlessings and salutations on you, O Sincere Friend of AllahBlessings and salutations on you, O Intimate Friend of AllahBlessings and salutations on you, O Beloved of AllahBlessings and salutations on you, O whom Allah has honouredBlessings and salutations on you, O whom Allah has made nobleBlessings and salutations on you, O to whom Allah has imparted knowledgeBlessings and salutations on you, O whom Allah has exaltedBlessings and salutations on you, O whom Allah has well-endowed Blessings and salutations on you, O master of MessengersBlessings and salutations on you, O last in the line of the ProphetsBlessings and salutations on you, O leader of those who are piousBlessings and salutations on you, O intercessor for sinnersBlessings and salutations on you, O mercy for all domains of existenceBlessings and salutations on you, O best of the creations of AllahBlessings and salutations on you, O light of the Throne of AllahMay blessings of Allah, and His angels, His Prophets and His Messengers,and the bearers of His Throne, and all whom He created, rest onour master Muhammad, on his family and all his companionstill the Day of Judgement.A Blessed Son Of The Blessed Prophet
Shaykh 'Abdul Qadir Jilani Rady Allahu 'Anhu was a descendant of the Holy Prophet, Sallallahu 'alaihi wa Sallam. His father, Hadhrat Abu Salih was a descendant of Hadhrat Imam Hasan ibn 'Ali Rady Allahu 'Anhu. His mother Ummul Khair Fatima was the daughter of Shaykh 'Abdullah Sumi who was a descendant of Imam Husain ibn 'Ali Rady Allahu 'Anhu. Thus Shaykh 'Abdul Qadir Jilani Rady Allahu 'Anhu is both Hasani and Husaini. He is a descendant of the Ahl u'l Bayt (The Prophet's Household) about whom Allah Ta'ala said in the Holy Qur'an Kareem:
Innamaa Yureedu'llahu liyudh-hiba 'ankumu'rrijsa ahla'l baytiWa yutahhirakum tat'heeraa
Allah only desires to keep away the uncleanness from you, O people of the House, and to purify you a thorough purifying. (33:33)
Besides the salawaat (blessings), Shaykh 'Abdul Qadir Jilani is famous for his awraad and azkaar (regular voluntary invocations); his qasaaid (hymns), the most famous of which is Qasida Gauthiyyah; and for his khutbas (sermons) and nasiha (advice) which have been compiled and handed down through centuries as classics of Muslim spirituality. His major spiritual works in this field are:
1. Sirr al-Asrar (The Secret of Secrets)2. Futuh al-Ghayb (Revelations of the Unseeen)3. Gunyat-u't-Taalibeen (Wealth For Seekers)4. Al-Fat'hu Rabbani (The Endowment of Divine Grace)
As we read these masterpieces and his salawaat, we are struck by the fact that his style of expression is different from that of any other Shaykh (spiritual master), 'aalim (learned scholar), or wali (saint). He is so saturated with the spiritual power of Tawheed and brimming with the realisation that the Holy Prophet Sallallahu 'alaihi wa Sallam is his ancestor, that his exposition and its flow has a spiritually confident personality all its own. Anyone who reads his khutbas and recites his salawaat, awraad and azkaar, spontaneously admits that he is the muhyuddeen (reviver of faith), the qutb u'l aqtaab (the spiritual authority of all spiritual authorities), the Shaykh u'l mashaaikh (the spiritual master of all spiritual masters), the Gauth u'l A'zam (the greatest spiritual helper) and much more..... a Shaykh who epitomises both mujaddidiyyah (faith revival) and wilayah (sainthood).
Shaykh 'Abdul Qadir Jilani Rady Allahu 'Anhu is truly a model of a Sufi saint. Through his nasiha, azkaar and salawaat, through giving a living reality to Islam, in his complete surrender to the Will of Allah and in his showing of tawakkul (trust in Allah), as well as through his teachings and preachings, he converted more than five thousand Jews and Christians to Islam. More than a hundred thousand ruffians, outlaws, murderers, thieves and bandits also repented and became devout Muslims and gentle derveshes, explains Shaykh Tosun Bayrak al-Jerrahi al-Halveti in his Introduction to Sirr al-Asrar, p.xxxi. The halaqa of zikr (congregations to remember Allah) which he instituted have continued to attract millions of people to Islam through centuries and will continue to do so Insha-Allah, till the Day of Judgement, Aameen Yaa Rabbal 'Aalameen.
The sahaba (companions) of the Holy Prophet Sallallahu 'alaihi wa Sallam are referred to as Rady Allahu 'Anhum wa Radhu 'Anhu (Allah is well pleased with them and they are well pleased with Him). According to Shaykh 'Abdul Qadir Jilani, his own position is equal to the dust under the feet of the sahaba; this should give us some idea of the stature of the blessed sahaba. Their spiritual stature derives from the fact that they were blessed with the opportunity of beholding the Holy Prophet Sallallahu 'alaihi wa Sallam with the eyes of Iman (faith). As this is the case, is anyone really capable enough to explain in full the sifaat (attributes) of Muhammad-i-'Arabi, Rasuli Rabbil 'Aalameen, Rahmatullil 'Aalameen? Only Allah Rabbu'l 'Izzat is fully aware of what he bestowed on the beloved Prophet, Allahumma Salli wa Sallim wa Baarik 'alaih.

Salawaat:Shaykh Abdul Qadir Jilani (r.a) Part 5


Shalawat Kanzul Azam.pdf | Western Philosophy | Theology
Kanzi'l A'zam
One of the salawaat present in both Kibriti'l Ahmar as well as As-Salaatu'l Kubra, is such a gem it is referred to as Kanzi'l A'zam (The Greatest Treasure). Khwaja Shaykh Abdur Rahman Chohravi Rahmatullahi 'alaih naturally chose to include it in his Majmu'ah Salawaat u'r Rasul and al-Hajj Ismail ibn as-Sayyid Muhammad Sa'eed al-Qadiri Rahmatullahi 'alaih had it printed separately in Fuyudhaat u'r Rabbaniyyah, identifying it as Kanzi'l A'zam. In it, Shaykh 'Abdul Qadir Jilani Rady Allahu 'Anhu pours his heart out in superlative praise of the Holy Prophet Sayyidina Muhammad al-Mustafa Sallallahu 'alaihi wa Sallam.
Allahummaj'al afdhala salawaatika abadanWa anmaa barakaatika sarmadanWa azkaa tahiyyaatika fadhlan wa 'adadan'Alaa Ashrafi'l haqaaiqi'l insaaniyyah wa'l jaanniyahWa majma'id daqaaiqi'l ImaaniyyahWa Turi't Tajalliyyaati'l IhsaaniyyahWa mahbati'l Asraari'r RahmaaniyyahWa 'Arusi'l mamlakati'r RabbaaniyyahWaasitati 'Iqdi'n NabiyyeenaWa muqaddami jayshi'l MursaleenaWa Qaaidi rakbi'l Awliyaa-i wa's SiddeeqeenaWa afdhali'l khalaaiqi ajma'eenaHaamili liwaai'l 'Izzi'l A'laaWa maaliki azimmati'l majdi'l asnaaShaahidi asraari'l azaliWa mushaahidi anwaari's sawaabiqi'l awwaliWa tarjumaani lisaani'l qidamiWa manba'il 'ilmi wa'l hilmi wa'l hikamiWa madh-hari sirri'l wujudi'l juz'iyyi wa'l kulliyyiWa insaani 'ayni'l wujudi'l 'ulwiyyi wa's sufliyyiRuhi jasadi'l kawnayni Wa 'ayni hayaati'd-daarainiAl mutahaqqiqi bi a'laa rutabi'l 'ubudiyyatiWa'l mutakhalliqi bi akhlaaqi'l maqaamaati'l istifaaiyyatiAl Khalil-i'l A'zam Wa'l Habib-i'l AkramSayyidina wa Mawlana wa HabibinaMuhammad ibni 'Abdillah ibni Abdi'l MuttalibSallallahu 'alaihi wa 'alaa aalihi wa as'haabihi'Adada ma'lumaatika Wa midaada kalimaatikaKullamaa zakaraka wa zakarahu'z zaakirunWa ghafala 'an zikrika wa zikrihi'l ghaafilunWa Sallim tasleeman daaiman kathiraa
O Allah! Confer for ever Your best blessings and ever increasing and never ending favoursand Your Purest and Gracious boons on him who is exalted in the realm of the realities of the nature of humans and jinns,and is fully aware of all subtleties of faith,and is the Mount Sinai recieving Divine Illuminationsand the place on which descend the mysteries of the All-Beneficentand who is a bridegroom in the Kingdom of the Lord,the centrally placed jewel in the chain of prophets,the first and the foremost in the front line of the army of Messengers,the leader of the caravan of the saints and the truthful,the most graceful of all creation,the bearer of the highest flag of honour,the owner of the keys to the shining gallery,the beholder of the secrets of eternity,the beholder of the pristine glow of Primal Light,the interpreter of the Divine Language,fountain-spring of knowledge, tolerance and wisdom,the manifestation of the existence of the secrets of the whole and its parts,and the person who is the (cause of the) existence of (everything) above and below,the soul in the body of both the worlds (that keeps them alive),the fountain of life of this world and of the world to come,the one who knows the reality of the high rank of servitude of Allahand is created with the highest spiritual stations of morality,the foremost among the friends of Allahand His beloved, highly honoured;our master, our patron, our beloved, Muhammad, son of 'Abdullah, son of 'Abdul Muttalib,Allah's blessings on him, his family and companions,in the number which is in Your Knowledge (O Allah)and as many times as Your Words,whenever You are remembered and he is remembered by those who rememberand whenever You are not remembered and he is not rememberedby the negligent,and abundant, never ending, complete salutations on him.
For sure, Kanzi'l A'zam is at such a high level in terms of 'ulum and 'irfaan (spiritual knowledge) that it is breath-taking and awe-inspiring. One of its interesting features is that it is in rhyming prose. We notice that in this salaat, the words "abadan", "sarmadan", and "'adadan" rhyme; the words "jaanniyah" , "Imaniyyah", "Ihsaaniyya", "Rahmaaniyyah" and "Rabbaaniyyah" rhyme; the words "Nabiyyeena", "Mursaleena", "Siddiqeena", and "ajma'eena" rhyme; the words "A'laa" and "asnaa" rhyme; the words "azali", "awwali", "qidami", and "hikami" rhyme; the words "kulliyyi" and "sufliyyi" rhyme; the words "kawnayni" and "daaraini" rhyme; the words "'ubudiyyati" and "istifaaiyyati" rhyme; the words "A'zam" and "Akram" rhyme; the words "ma'lumaatika" and "kalimaatika" rhyme; and the words "zaakirun" and "ghaafilun" rhyme. Eleven different rhymes in just one salaat. MaashaaAllah!
It must be remembered that this is only one of the remarkable achievements of this salaat. There are various other levels of 'ulum (knowledge) here, both manifest and hidden that call for more intensive study

Salawaat:Shaykh Abdul Qadir Jilani (r.a) Part 4


As-Salaat U'l Kubra
As-Salaat u'l Kubra or the "big salaat", is a spiritual mosaic of 33 salawaat, 25 verses of the Holy Qur'an Kareem and dua (invocation) interspersed among the salawaat. Among other kutub, it is also found in;
Fuyudhaat u'r Rabbaniyyah, compiled by al-Hajj Ismail ibn As-Sayyid Muhammad Sa'eed al-Qadiri.
Awraad u'l Qaadiriyyah Rahmaniyyah, compiled by Hadhrat al-'Allamah as-Sayyid Muhammad Tayyib Shah.
Awraad u'l Qaadiriyyah, compiled by Muhammad Salim Bawwab.
Afdhal u's Salawaat of Imam Yusuf ibn Ismail an-Nab'haani.
The very first of its 20 pages gives us a flavour of this spiritual masterpiece.
Bismillah ar-Rahman ar-RaheemLaqad ja'akum Rasulun min anfusikum 'azeezun 'alayhi maa 'anittumHareesun 'alaikum bi'l mumineena rauf u'r raheem
A'budu'llaha Rabbee wa laa ushriku bihi shay'aaAllahumma Innee ad'uka bi asmaaika'l husnaa kullihaaLaa Ilaaha Illaa Anta Subhaanaka
An Tusalliya 'alaa Muhammad-in wa 'alaa aali Muhammad-inKamaa sallayta 'alaa Ibrahima wa 'alaa aali IbrahimaInnaka Hameedun Majeed
Allahumma Salli 'alaa Muhammadi-nin-Nabiyyi'l ummiyyiWa 'alaa aalihi wa sahbihi wa sallim tasleemaWa Sallallahu 'alaa Muhammad-in wa 'alaa aali Muhammad-in Salaatan huwa ahluhaa
Allahumma Yaa Rabba Muhammad-in wa aali Muhammad-inSalli 'alaa Muhammad-in wa 'alaa aali Muhammad-inWajzi Muhammad-an Sallallahu 'alaihi wa SallamMaa huwa ahluhu
Allahumma Rabba's samaawaati's sab'i wa Rabbia'l 'Arshi'l 'AdheemRabbanaa wa Rabba kulli shay-inWa munzila'tTawraati wa'l Injeeli wa'z Zaburi wa'l Furqaani'l 'AdheemAllahumma Anta'l Awwalu falaysa qablaka shay-unWa Anta'l Aakhiru falaysa ba'daka shay-unWa Anta-dh-Dhaahiru falaysa fawqaka shay-unWa Anta'l Baatinu falaysa dunaka shay-unFalaka'l HamduLaa Ilaaha Illaa Anta Sub'haanaka Innee Kuntu Min-adh-Dhaalimeena Maashaa Allahu kaana wa maa lam yasha' lam yakunLaa Quwwata Illa Billah
Allahumma Salli 'alaa Muhammad-in 'Abdika wa Nabiyyika wa RasulikaSalaatan Mubarakatan Tayyibatan kamaa amarta an nusallee 'alaihWa Sallim tasleemaa

With the name of Allah, The Most Beneficent, The Most Merciful.Certainly, there has come to you a Messenger from among yourselves,grievous to him is your suffering, full of concern for you,to the believers (he is) compassionate, merciful (9:128).
I worship Allah who is my Lord and do not associate anything with Him.O Allah! I ask of You for the sake of Your Most Beautiful Names
None is to be worshipped except You, Glory be to You (21:87).
Shower Your blessings on Sayyidina Muhammadand on the family of Sayyidina Muhammadas You showered Your blessings on Sayyidina Ibrahimand on the family of Sayyidina Ibrahim.Surely, You are The Praiseworthy, Glorious.
O Allah! Bestow Your blessings and complete peace on Sayyidina Muhammad,The Prophet not taught by any human (but directly by You, O Allah)and on his family and companions.And may Allah's blessings rest on Sayyidina Muhammadand on the family of Sayyidina Muhammad,such blessings which they deserve.
O Allah! O Lord of Sayyidina Muhammad and the family of Sayyidina MuhammadBestow blessings on Sayyidina Muhammad and on the family of Sayyidina MuhammadAnd reward Sayyidina Muhammad, Allah's blessings and peace be on him,as he deserves it.
O Allah! The Lord of the seven skies and the Lord of the Great ArshOur Lord and the Lord of everything,and the One Who sent the Tawraat, the Injeel, the Zabur and the Great Qur'an.O Allah! You are The First without beginning and You are The Last without endand You are The Manifest with nothing above Youand You are The Hidden with nothing below YouAll praise belongs to You.
None is to be worshipped but You.Glory be to You; surely, I have been unjust. (21:87)
Whatever Allah wished, happened.Whatever Allah did not wish, did not happen.There is no power except with Allah.
O Allah! Bestow blessings on Sayyidina Muhammad,Your servant, the Prophet sent by You, Your Messenger,favourable, agreeable blessings,as You have ordered us to invoke blessings on himand grant him complete peace.
We notice that As-Salaatu'l Kubra begins with verse 128 from Surah at-Tawba, then invokes Allah with his Most Beautiful Names, follows this up with As-Salaatu Ibrahimiyyah and two other salaat, after which there is dua, verse 87 from Surah al-Anbiyaa, praise of Allah, and more salawaat, and so it continues. As-Salaatu'l Kubra ends with this verse of the Holy Qur'an Kareem.
Da'waahum Feehaa Sub'haanaka'llahumma Wa Tahiyyatuhum Feehaa SalaamWa Aakhiru Da'waahum Ani'l Hamdu Lillaahi Rabbi'l 'Aalameen
Their prayer therein will be "Sanctity to You, O Allah",and their greeting therein will be "peace",and the end of their prayer will be, "all praise be to Allah, the Lord of the Worlds". (10:10)
In total, there are 25 verses of the Holy Qur'an Kareem in As-Salaatu'l Kubra. Some of these verses in which Allah Ta'ala Himself praises the Holy Prophet Sallallahu 'alaihi wa Sallam are:
Yaa SeenWa'l Qur'an i'l HakeemInnaka Lamina'l Mursaleen'Alaa Siraatin Mustaqeem
Yaa SeenBy the Qur'an full of wisdomMost surely, you are one of the Messengers. On a straight way. (36:1-4)
Laqad Mann'Allahu 'ala'l mu'mineenaIz ba'atha feehim rasulan min anfusihimYatlu 'alayhim aayaatihi wa yuzakkeehimWa yu'allimuhumu'l kitaaba wa'l hikmahWa in kaanu min qablu lafee dhalaalin mubeen
Certainly, Allah conferred a great favour on the believerswhen He sent among them a Messenger from among themselveswho recites to them His revelations, and purifies themand teaches them the Book and the Wisdomalthough before that they were surely in manifest error. (3:164)
Wa Idh Akhadh'Allahu meethaaqa'nnabiyyeenaLamaa aataytukum min kitaabin wa hikmatinThumma ja'akum rasulun musaddiqun limaa ma'kumLa tu'minunna bihi wa latansurunnahQaala a'aqrartum wa akhaztum 'alaa dhaalikum isreeQaalu aqrarnaaQaala fa'sh-hadu wa ana ma'kum minash-shaahideen
And when Allah took the Covenant of the Prophets(He said): (Behold) what I have given you of the Book and Wisdom.Afterward, there will come to you a Messenger confirming what is with you;you shall believe in him and you shall help him. He said: do you agree and take this my Covenant as binding on you?They said: We agree.He said: Then bear witness. And I am with you among the witnesses. (3:81)
Wa maa arsalnaaka illaa Rahmatallil 'aalameen
And We sent you not but as a mercy for all the worlds (21:107)
These verses are interspersed in an intricate pattern among the salawaat (blessings) and dua (invocations), with dua following one or more salawaat, as in this instance.
Allahumma Salli wa Sallim 'alaa 'abdika wa Nabiyyika wa RasulikaSayyidina wa Nabiyyinaa Muhammad-i-nin Nabiyyi'l Ummiyyi wa'r Rasuli'l 'ArabiyyiWa 'alaa aalihi wa as'haabihi Wa azwaajihi wa dhurriyyaatihi wa ahli baytihiSalaatan takunu laka ridhaa wa lahu jazaa-an wa lihaqqihee adaa-anWa a'tihi'l waseelata wa'l fadheelataWa'sh sharafa wa'ddarajata'l 'aaliyata'r rafee'ataWab'ath-hu'l maqaama'l MahmoodAlladhee wa 'adtahu Yaa Arhama'r Raahimeen.
Allahumma innaa natawassalu bikaWa nas'aluka wa natawajjahu ilaykaBikitaabika'l 'Azeezi wa Binabiyyika'l KareemiSayyidina Muhammad-in Sallallahu 'alaihi wa SallamWa bisharafihi'l majeediWa biabawayhi Ibrahima wa IsmailaWa bisaahibayhi Abi Bakr-in wa 'Umar-aWa Zinnuraini 'Uthmaan-a wa aalihi Fatima-ta wa 'Aliyy-un Wa waladayhima'l Hasan-i wa'l Husain-iWa 'ammayhi'l Hamza-ti wa'l 'Abbas-iWa zaujatayhi Khadija-ta wa 'Aishah.

O Allah! Bestow blessings and peace on Your servant, the Prophet sent by You, Your Messenger,our master, our Prophet Muhammadwho was not taught by any human (but directly by You, O Allah), The Messenger who was an Arab,and on his family and companionsand his blessed wives, and offspring and his blessed household;such blessings as may please You, reward him and fulfil his rights,and (O Allah), give him the Wasilaand distinction, and nobility and the highest exalted positionand raise him to the highest Praised Stationwhich You have promised him,O The Most Merciful of those who show mercy.
O Allah! Indeed, You are our only Meansand we beg of You and we turn our faces towards Youwith the means of Your exalted Bookand through the means of the gentle Prophet sent by You,Sayyidina Muhammad, blessings and peace of Allah be on him,and through the means of his glorious nobilityand through the means of his forefathersSayyidina Ibrahim and Sayyidina Isma'iland through the means of his companionsSayyidina Abu Bakr and Sayyidina 'Umarand the possessor of the two lights Sayyidina 'Uthmanand the family members of Sayyidatna Fatima and Sayyidina 'Aliand their two sons Sayyidina Hasan and Sayyidina Husain,and his uncles Sayyidina Hamza and Sayyidina 'Abbasand his blessed wives Sayyidatna Khadija and Sayyidatna 'Aishah.
In this salaat and the dua following it, the Gauth u'l A'zam not only shows his deep love for the blessed Prophet Sallallahu 'alaihi wa Sallam, but also for the ahlu'l bayt (his blessed household) and his glorious sahaba (companions). In the salaat, he includes the dua that is recited after the azan. We notice that this entire dua is in honour and praise of the beloved Prophet Sallallahu 'alaihi wa Sallam. In the dua that follows, he invokes Allah using the wasila (means), of Allah Ta'ala Himself, of the Holy Qur'an Kareem, the noble Prophet Sallallahu 'alaihi wa Sallam, Nabi Ibrahim and Nabi Ismail Alayhimussalam, the ahlu'l bayt and the sahaba, Rady Allahu 'Anhum Ajma'een.
Sallu 'ala'r RasulAllahumma Salli wa Sallim 'alaih.

Salawaat:Shaykh Abdul Qadir Jilani (r.a) Part 3


Kibriti'l Ahmar
Kibritil Ahmar which means "the Philosopher's Stone" is also included in many kutub some of which are:
Fuyudhaat u'r Rabbaniyyah, compiled by al-Hajj Ismail ibn as-Sayyid Muhammad Sa'eed al-Qadiri.
Awraad u'l Qaadiriyyah Rahmaniyyah, compiled by Hadhrat al-'Allamah as-Sayyid Muhammad Tayyib Shah.
Awraad u'l Qaadiriyyah, compiled by Muhammad Salim Bawwab.
Mishkaat u's Salawaat (A Niche For Lit-Up Blessings) of Mawlana Muhammad Ilyas Burney.
Majmu'ah Wazaaif Ma' Dalaail u'l Khairaat (Compilation of Regular Voluntary Invocations Together With Dalaail u'l Khairaat), translated into Urdu and compiled by Pir Muhammad Karam Shah.
Kibriti'l Ahmar is truly magnificent. It weaves verses of the Holy Qur'an Kareem together with Asma-u'n-Nabi Sallallahu 'alaihi wa Sallam (his attributive names of praise), dua (invocation), and five salawaat, three of which are famous. These are:
(a) As-Salaatu Kanzi'l A'zam, the salaat with which Kibriti'l Ahmar begins and which will be observed in more detail later,
(b) As-Salaatu'l Gauthiyyah, which we have already looked at, and
(c) As-Salaatu'l In'aam, which is now presented.
As-Salaatu'l In'aamAllahumma Salli wa Sallim 'alaihi wa 'alaa aalihi'Adada na'maaillahi wa ifdhaalihi
O Allah! Bestow blessings and peace on him and on his familyAs many times as Allah's bounties and Grace.
Kibriti'l Ahmar ends with the following verses of the Holy Qur'an Kareem.
Sub'haana Rabbika Rabbi'l 'Izzati 'Amma YasifunWa Salaamun 'ala'l MursaleenWa'l Hamdu Lillaahi Rabbi'l 'Aalameen
Glory to your Lord, the Lord of Honour and Power(He is free) from what they ascribe to HimAnd peace be on the Messengers.And praise be to Allah, the Lord of all the worlds (37:180-182

Salawaat Shaykh Abdul Qadir Jilani (r.a) Part2



As-Salaatu'l Gauthiyyah
This salaat of the Gauth u'l A'zam is so famous that many mashaaikh (spiritual masters) choose to include it in their kutub (books) as part of the awraad and azkaar (regular voluntary invocations). Some of the kutub that contain this salaat are:
Dalaail u'l Khairaat (Proofs of Goodness) of Imam Muhammad bin Sulayman al-Jazuli.
Hizb u'l A'zam (The Great Supplication) of Hadhrat Mulla 'Ali al-Qaari.
Majmu'ah Salawaat u'r Rasul (Compilation of Blessings On The Messenger, Sallallahu 'alaihi wa Sallam) of Hadhrat Khwaja Shaykh Abdur Rahman Chohravi.
Afdhal u's Salawaat (The Best Blessings) of Imam Yusuf ibn Ismail an-Nab'haani.
Awraad u'l Qaadiriyyah (Regular Voluntary Invocations of the Qaadiriyyah), compiled by Muhammad Salim Bawwaab.
Durood Shareef (Noble Blessings) (in Urdu) by Khwaja Nithaar Ahmad.
Fazaaile Durood Shareef (The Benefits of The Noble Blessings) (in Urdu) by al-Allamah Habibu'l Bashar Khairi Rangooni.
Here then is As-Salaatu'l Gauthiyyah, shining as distinctly as the north star.
Allahumma Salli 'alaa Sayyidina Muhammad-inAs-Saabiqi li'lkhalqi nuruhuWa Rahmatullil 'aalameena dhuhuruhu'Adada man madhaa min khalqiqa wa man baqiyaWa man sa'ida minhum wa man shaqiyaSalaatan tastagriqu'l 'adda wa tuhitu bi'l haddiSalaatan laa gaayata lahaa wa laa muntahaa wa lanqidha'aSalaatan daaimatan bidawaamikaWa 'alaa aalihi wa sahbihi wa sallim tasleeman mithla dhaalik
O Allah! Bestow blessings on our master Muhammadwhose light was created first,and whose appearance is a mercy for all the worlds, as many times as the number of Your creations past and yet to comeamong those that are blessed and those that are unfortunate;such blessings that are unlimited and unbounded,countless, endless, never finishing;such blessings as everlasting as You,and on his family and companions,and in the same manner complete salutations as well.
In this salaat, Shaykh 'Abdul Qadir Jilani Rady Allahu 'Anhu declares his aqeeda (belief) loud and clear that before Allah Sub'hanahu wa Ta'ala created anything else, He created Nur-e-Muhammadi, the Nur of Sayyidina Muhammad Sallallahu alaihi wa Sallam. Sub'hanAllah!

Salwaat of Shaykh Abdul Qadir Jilani (r.a) Part 1



Salawaat of Gauth u'l A'zam Muhyuddeen Shaykh 'Abdul Qadir Jilani (r.a)
Gauth u'l A'zam Muhyuddeen Shaykh 'Abdul Qadir Jilani al-Hasani wa'l Husaini, Rady Allahu 'Anhu (470-561 A.H/1077-1166 C.E) who was born in Jilan, Persia and whose shrine is in Baghdad, Iraq was so profuse in reciting salawaat (blessings) on our beloved Prophet Sayyidina wa Mawlana Hadhrat Muhammad al-Mustafa Sallallahu 'alaihi wa aalihi wa Sallam that their compilation could easily fill a volume. Most of these salawaat are contained in Fuyudhaat u'r Rabbaniyyah (Overflowing Abundance From The Lord) which is a compilation of his salawaat (blessings), his awraad and azkaar (regular voluntary invocations), his aqeeda (creed), his nasiha (advice) and his qasaaid (hymns).
Three salawaat of the Shaykh (spiritual master), who is lovingly referred to by millions across the world as the Gauth u'l A'zam (the greatest spiritual helper), are well-documented. These are:
1. As-Salaatu'l Gauthiyyah, also known as As-Salaatu's Sughraa or the "small salaat". This salaat, although short in length, is so famous that it has lovingly been named after him as As-Salaatu'l Gauthiyyah (Durood Gauthiyyah in Urdu).
2. Kibriti'l Ahmar, also known as As-Salaatu'l Wusta or the "medium salaat". This is a spiritual combination of five salawaat, one of which interestingly, is As-Salaatu'l Gauthiyyah itself. Kibriti'l Ahmar means "the Philosopher's Stone", or something that is rare to come by.
3. As-Salaatu'l Kubra or the "big salaat". This is a spiritual combination of 33 salawaat, 25 verses of the Holy Qur'an Kareem, and dua (invocation) covering about 20 pages.

Shaykh Abd al-Qadir al-Jilani (r.a)


Onlooker's Delight, Bio Of Shaykh A Qadir Jilani By Ibn Hajar
The Shaikh's Life in Baghdaad
Through the mists of legend surrounding the life of Shaikh 'Abd al-Qadir al-Jilani, it is possible to discern the outlines of the following biographical sketch:
In A.H. 488, at the age of eighteen, he left his native province to become a student in the great capital city of Baghdaad, the hub of political, commercial and cultural activity, and the center of religious learning in the world of Islaam. After studying traditional sciences under such teachers as the prominent Hanbalii jurist [faqiih], Abuu Sa'd 'Alii al-Mukharrimii, he encountered a more spiritually oriented instructor in the saintly person of Abu'l-Khair Hammaad ad-Dabbaas.
Then, instead of embarking on his own professorial career, he abandoned the city and spent twenty-five years as a wanderer in the desert regions of 'Iraaq. He was over fifty years old by the time he returned to Baghdaad, in A.H. 521/1127 C.E., and began to preach in public. His hearers were profoundly affected by the style and content of his lectures, and his reputation grew and spread through all sections of society. He moved into the school [madrasa] belonging to his old teacher al-Mukharrimii, but the premises eventually proved inadequate.
In A.H. 528, pious donations were applied to the construction of a residence and guesthouse [ribaat], capable of housing the Shaikh and his large family, as well as providing accommodation for his pupils and space for those who came from far and wide to attend his regular sessions [majaalis].
He lived to a ripe old age, and continued his work until his very last breath, as we know from the accounts of his final moments recorded in the Addendum to Revelations of the Unseen.
In the words of Shaikh Muzaffer Ozak Efendi: "The venerable 'Abd al-Qadir al-Jilani passed on to the Realm of Divine Beauty in A.H. 561/1166 C.E., and his blessed mausoleum in Baghdaad is still a place of pious visitation. He is noted for his extraordinary spiritual experiences and exploits, as well as his memorable sayings and wise teachings. It is rightly said of him that 'he was born in love, grew in perfection, and met his Lord in the perfection of love.' May the All-Glorious Lord bring us in contact with his lofty spiritual influence!" (Al-Baz Publications)

Virtues of Rabi al-Thani



Virtues of Rabi al-Thani
The fourth month of the Islamic calendar is Rabbi al-Akhir (thani). In this very month is the anniversary (11th Rabi al-Thani- Urs) of Hadrat Ghawth al-A'zam, Sayyadina Shaykh Muhiyuddin, Abd'al-Qadir al-Jilani, al-Hassani w'al-Hussaini, Bhagdadi (Radi Allahu ta'ala Anhu). Muslims all over the world gather for Essal e Thawab. "Essal e thawab"means conveying the reward of. In this respect there is a Hadith reported by Hadrat Anas bin Malik (Radi Allahu ta'ala Anhu) that he asked the Most Beloved Prophet (Salla Allahu ta'ala Alaihi wa Sallam) : "Oh Messenger of Allah, when we give charity on behalf of our dead and perform Hajj on their behalf, do they receive the reward of these actions?" The Beloved Prophet (Salla Allahu ta'ala Alaihi wa Sallam) replied: "Without doubt they do receive their rewards. Not only that, but they become very happy, just as any one of you would become happy on receiving gifts."
In a second Hadith the the most Beloved Messenger (Salla Allahu ta'ala Alaihi wa Sallam) of Allah says: "Anyone who recites Surah Ikhlas 11 times and then conveys its reward to the departed souls, Allah Ta’ala will shower rewards on such a person equal to the number of these souls…………"

Qasidah:Mawlana Khalid al-Baghdadi (r.a)



Mawlana Khalid al-Baghdadi (Kuddisa sirruh),
the mujaddid of the thirteenth century expressed his love as follows:
O the most beautiful of the beautiful,
you burn me with your love!
I care nothing; always with your dream is my mind!
You are the Shah of "Kaba Qawsain", and me a disobedient slave,
How can this confused speak of being a guest of you?
When you glanced once with pity, you enlivened dead hearts,
Refuging your endless mercy, I knocked at your door.
The source of goodness, the ocean of pity you are!
Favor me a drop, I am at a loss of remedy!
Everybody comes to Mecca, Kaba, Safa and Marwa.
As for me, for you I passed over mounts and hills.
Last night I dreamt of my head touching the skies,
I felt as if your servants had stepped on my neck.
O Hadrat Jami, the nightingale of my darling!
From amongst your poems, I selected this couplet:
'Like many dogs, with tongues hanging down,
Hoping a tiny drop, to your ocean of favor I came'."

Thursday, March 26, 2009

Qasidahs in Praise of the Prophet (saws):Hassan bin Thabit(radi'Allah)



Hassan bin Thabit (d. 40/661), known as the "poet laureate" of the Prophet(saws)

My eyes have not seen more beautiful person than you
No women has given birth to a more beautiful person than you
You have been created without any weakness and blemish
As if you have been created as you wished to be created
Wa Ah’sanu Minka Lum taraqattu Aienee
Wa Ajmalu Minka Lum Talidin Nisa’u
Khuliqta Mubarra’am Min Kulli Aie’bin
Ka’Annaka Qud Khuliqta Kama Tasha’u
Qasida in praise of the Prophet attributed to Hassan ibn Thabit
When I saw his light shining forth,
In fear I covered my eyes with my palms,
Afraid for my sight because of the beauty of his form.
So I was scarcely able to look at him at all.
The lights from his light are drowned in his light
and his faces shines out like the sun and moon in one.
A spirit of light lodged in a body like the moon,
a mantle made up of brilliant shining stars.
I bore it until I could bear it no longer.
I found the taste of patience to be like bitter aloes.
I could find no remedy to bring me relief
other than delighting in the sight of the one I love.
Even if he had not brought any clear signs with him,
the sight of him would dispense with the need for them.
Muhammad is a human being but not like other human beings.
Rather he is a flawless diamond and the rest of mankind is just stones.
Blessings be on him so that perhaps Allah may have mercy on us
on that burning Day when the Fire is roaring forth its sparks.



Mevlidi Sherif - Suleyman Chelebi


Hashtag #mevlids Instagram Posts, Photos and Videos | Instapiks.com
Mevlidi Sherif - Suleyman Chelebi


Welcome,O high prince,we welcome you!
Welcome,O mine of wisdom,we welcome you!
Welcome,O secret of the Book,we welcome you!
Welcome,O medicine for pain,we welcome you!
Welcome,O sunlight and moonlight of God!
Welcome,O you not separated from God!
Welcome,O nightingale of the Garden of Beauty!
Welcome,O friend of the Lord of Power!
Welcome,O refuge of your community!
Welcome,O helper of the poor and destitute!
Welcome,O eternal soul,we welcome you!
Welcome,O cupbearer of the lovers,we welcome you!
Welcome,O darling of the Beloved!
Welcome,O much beloved of the Lord!
Welcome,O Mercy for the worlds!
Welcome,O intercessor of the sinners!
Only for you were Time and Space created ...

(From: And Muhammad is His Messanger,The Veneration of the Prophet in Islamic Piety,by: Annemarie Schimmel)

Mawlana Rumi's Devotion for the Prophet (saws)

MAULANA'S LOVE AND DEVOTION FOR PROPHET MUHAMMAD (saws) Ibrahim Emiroglu, PhD Maulana Jalaluddin Rumi was profoundly devoted to the Prophet. Maulana’s deep love, respect and devotion to Muhammad (pbuh) were based on these reasons: The greatness of his name and worth. His superior, worthy, respectable and influential personality. His beautiful virtue, his being subject to divine grace and favor, and the universality of the great mission and message he brought.
Maulana Jalaluddin Rumi (1207-1273) is a soldier and volunteer (on the path of Truth) who dedicated his life to knowledge, wisdom, and virtue, in short, to Allah and the people. Taking the beautiful morality of the Prophet as his example, he attempts to teach man the roads to virtue and excellence in all of his works.Maulana frequently touches on the prophets, their struggles and the beauty of their virtue in his works. He mentions by one means or another almost every prophet who is named in the Quran. He bases his description of the Prophet mainly on the Quran, hadiths, historical events and narrations. By adding poetical expressions of his profound love to this material, Rumi presents a rich discourse. We see that he refers to and describes our prophet in this order: Ahmed, Muhammad, Mustafa, Prophet, Messenger, Ahmed-i Muhtar, Nebi, Ambassador of Allah, Highest of the Prophets, Sultan, Padishah and Yasin.

Rumi's Love of the Prophet (saws)



Mawlana Rumi’s love of the Prophet(phub)
08 Mart 2009 02:58
Şefik Can

Rumi has a special place in his heart for the Prophet of Islam because he proposed a high level of ethics for humanity, such as freeing slaves and taking care of the poor. Historically speaking, there is no historical personality like Muhammad who brought freedom to the slaves and the lower classes. Therefore, not only Muslim saints but philoso­phers like Thomas Carlyle and the German poet Goethe have fallen in love with Prophet Muhammad because of his service to humanity throughout his life. In their books, they have expressed their reverence for Prophet Muhammad. Very recently, Michael Hart has written a book about the hundred most influential his­torical personalities and ranked Muhammad number one. Throughout the history of Islam, Muslim scholars and poets have expressed their love for the Prophet of Islam. These poems and writings have constituted a tremendous amount of literature about the love of the Prophet in Islamic literature. Rumi is one of the prominent Islamic mystics and poets, who wrote on the same subject. When he writes about the Prophet, his poetry receives an excitement and warmness because the poem involved in the love of the Prophet is illuminated by his light. For example, in the following poem, he speaks of the love of God, and he immediately jumps to the love and remem­brance of the Prophet.
We hear all the time the voice of divine love from right and left.
With the influence of this voice we are ascending to the heavens.
Who has the capacity of watching us?
Before coming to this world we were in heaven.
We were friends of the angels.
There is our real homeland,
and we will return to it.
How distant are the pure pearl of the divine and the dirty world of the soil.
Without thinking of your honor, you came to this lower world.
Pick up your properties and tie up your bur­den.
This place is not ours.
We have to migrate.
The young chance is our friend.
Sacrificing the soul is our job.
And the head of our caravan is Mustafa,
the Prophet, of whom the whole universe is proud.
Mustafa, peace and blessings be upon him,
is so high a being that the moon did not dare to see his face and split.
The fragrance of the wind of this spring comes from his blessed hair.
The shining of our imagination comes from his beauty'
which reminds us of the newly rising sun.
In these poems, Rumi remembers the Prophet and his love. He speaks of the Prophet sometimes with the name of Ahmad and sometimes with the name of Muhammad and sometimes with the name of Mustafa. These are honorable names of the Prophet. As well known, every saint in Islam has his own way and focus on specific things. As far as Rumi's way is concerned, love, love of God, and love of humanity because of their mani­festation of God's love are all emphasized. Because of Rumi's great love for humanity, he tolerated the mistakes of people. Therefore, one has to consider Rumi's love for the Prophet from this perspective. The well-known title of Prophet Muhammad is Habib (of) Allah or the Beloved of God. The Prophet is the ide­al model of all human beings. Therefore, his love for the Prophet is based on this principle. In his famous poem, Rumi says:
I am the servant of the Qur'an as long as I live.
And I am the soil where the foot of Muhammad stepped.
With this Rumi expresses his deep love for Muhammad. Therefore, Rumi can be considered one of the great poets who emphasized the love of the Prophet in his poems. In some of his poems, he dedicates the entire ghazal to the Prophet. These are called na't in which the attributes of Muhammad are narrated. In some cases, Rumi, while speaking about various things, sud­denly refers to the love of the Prophet. For example, while speaking of the relationship between the heart and love, Rumi refers to Prophet Muhammad and his great Companion Abu Bakr, Rumi says:
Heart and love have become friends,
like Ahmad and Abu Bakr became friends in the cave.
These two friends' names were di­ferent,
but their spirits was one.
In another poem, Rumi expresses Prophet Muhammad's light, as the light enlightening the whole world.
The light of Muhammad has become distributed in millions of pieces and has encompassed the whole world.
The Prophet was like the lightening of that light.
When it strikes, all veils of unbelief are torn, and thousands of monks are influenced by Muhammad and run toward him.
In another poem, Rumi speaks of unbelief in the light of Prophet Muhammad.
When Muhammad's light came,
unbelief put on its black clothes.
When the period of the eternal kingdom came,
the unbe­lievers hit the drum to prevent death.
The whole face of the earth had become green.
The heavens envied the earth and tore its sleeve.
The moon had become split.
The earth received life and became alive.
Last night, there was a big commotion among the stars
because a peerless star had descended to the earth.
Rumi speaks of the love of the Prophet in his monumental work, the Mesnevi. He says the following:
If the face of Muhammad is reflected on a wall,
the heart of the wall will become alive.
The wall, through his blessed reflection,
will have such great happiness that even the wall will be rescued from hypocrisy.
It was a shame for the wall to have two faces while the pious and the pure had only one.
In another poem, Rumi speaks of Prophet Muhammad's intercession in this world and in the other world.
The honorable Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him,
is the intercessor in this world and the other.
This world is the world of religion and the other world is the world of paradise.
He shows them the way in this world,
and in the other world, he shows them his moonlike face.
Muhammad's secret and evident prayer was to say:"O my Lord, show my followers the right path. In fact, they don't know.
"With his blessed breath, the doors of the two worlds were opened.
His prayer had been accepted in both.
No one like him has come to the world, and no one like him will come.
According to Rumi, as indicated in one of his poems, all Muhammad's words came from the ocean of reality. He says:
His words totally are pearls from the ocean of reality
Because his heart was united with the ocean of truth.
In another part of his Mesnevi, Rumi narrates miracles of Muhammad in several of his poems with great enthusiasm.
It has been narrated from Anas, son of Malik, that a certain per­son became his guest.
He (that person) related that after the meal Anas saw that the table napkin (was) yellow in hue,
Dirty and stained; and said, "O maid-servant, throw it into the oven at once.
"Thereupon the intelligent (maid) threw it into the oven, which was full of fire.
All the guests were astounded there at:
they were in expec­tation of (seeing) the smoke of the (burning) napkin.
After a short time she took it out of the oven,
clean and white and purged of that filth.
The party said, "O venerable Companion, how didn't it burn, and how too did it become cleansed?"
He replied, "Because Mustafa (Muhammad) often rubbed his hands and lips on this napkin.
"O heart afraid of the fire and torment (of Hell), draw nigh unto such a hand and lip as that!
Since it (the Prophet's blessing) bestowed such honour upon a lifeless object,
what things will it reveal to the soul of the lover!
Inasmuch as he (the Prophet) made the clods of the Ka'ba the qibla,
do you, O soul, be (as) the dust of holy men in (your) war {against the flesh).
Afterwards they said to the maid-servant, "Witt not you tell (us) your own feelings about all this?
Why did you (so) quickly cast it (into the oven) at his behest?
I suppose he was acquainted with the secrets,
(But) why did you, mistress, throw such a precious napkin into the fire?"She answered,
"I have confidence in the generous: I do not despair at their bounty.What a piece of cloth?
If he bid me (myself) go without regret into the very essence of the fire,I, from perfect confidence (in him), will fall in:
I have great hope of them that are devoted to God.
I will throw myself, not (only) this napkin, because of my confidence in every generous one who knows the mystery
"O brother, apply thy self to this elixir: the faith of a man must not be less than the faith of a woman.
The heart of a man that is less than a woman is the heart that is less (in worth) than the belly.
Rumi in a poem in his Divan-i Kabir, speaks of the influence of the Prophet of Islam on his Companions and how they were amazed by his personality and teachings."
In another poem from his Divan, Rumi speaks of the light that Muhammad brought to humanity, and how people that were bewildered in the darkness of disbelief came to life with the light brought by Muhammad. In another poem, again in his Divan, Rumi speaks of Islam that Muhammad revealed to humanity and the strength that remained in this religion even after centuries. In the Mesnevi, Rumi speaks of the Prophet of Islam and the Qur'an, which have remained unchanged as a promise of God. This displays the strength of Islam and its Prophet, according to Rumi.

Mawlid Poem. Fariduddin Attar (r.a)


Tomb of Attar Neyshaburi | Travel to Iran
Tomb of Fariduddin Attar (r.a) 1120 - 1220

Fragrances perceived upon the Prophet’s Birthday(saws)
by Fariduddin Attar (r.a)
English Translation by Abdal Hakim Murad
The crown of all the kings is he,
with joyful heart declare!
The lord of all the Prophets he,
his acts beyond compare!
How would he be the Leader of the Poor,
if the slightest of desires had stained his heart?
Poor he remained,
because that man’s a Poor,
whose wedding gifts his bride from him do part.
Because he had nothing,
he sat on the sand;
Because he was hungry he tied stones to his waist.
Absolute poverty’s proof was in him,
Absolute wealth was his secret within.
The trusted of Prophets,
the proof of the Way;
The king with no seal,
no crown for his sway.
What more can I say?
For thy Qualities’ Array
Past ken of mind and soul,
O’er a hundred worlds hold sway.
If the poet’s reward is the dust on your road,
he receives in each mote a new sun.
He has praised with his soul the dust of your road,
Let him Join it, magnanimous one!
All Prophecy lacked the estate of one Brick,
A gap of greatest sanctity!
Our Prophet said: ‘That precious Gap,I close for all eternity.’
During his Ascent, heaven’s veil was rent
Because he was God’s intimate for ever.
The very Firmament wished to offer him a Gift,
So God adorned the night with Stars forever.
Paradise is but a single Draught
Sipped from his crystal glass.
From the two M-Letters of his Name
Two worlds have come to pass.
When his religion gave light to the world,
The other rites halted and stayed, as God knows;
For what may become of the myriad Stars
When over the world a new Sunrise glows?
His miracles Astounding cannot rightly be described.
His essence cannot rightly be explained.

Mawlid in English. Abdal Hayy Moore


MUHAMMAD’S BIRTH (saws)
About his birth the whole world knows in the depths of its atoms.
Amina bore him and he was immediate in his praise of Allah.
Some say he first did sajda, others that he spoke the shahada and then was silent.
Already at birth he was the Prophet of Unity, the movie played backwards from its glorious end.
His father Abdallah, from the tribe of Hashim,died without seeing him.
The wet nurse Halima took him to her heart and their goat’s milk flowed.
All the desert burst into sumptuous flower from his singular presence.
The nighttime covered him with its spangled blanket.
The day fluffed the wool of its sides for him to tend it like huddled sheep.
A cloud went with him to shade him from the heat at the desert saint’s surprise banquet.
(He could see the Prophet’s space among thecaravan leaders andcalled out for him to fill it –“Where is the boy who has come, by Allah,to show me the Prophet’s seal?” – a mole it is said, between his shoulder blades, with circling hairs like a horse’s mane.)
He grew up trustworthy among men for whom this was a difficult quality.
He took from the cloth of Unity the Black Stone of Eternity
and placed it bodily in the side of God’s House,
cornerstone finality,
stone we kiss
out of awe of God’s Majesty!
(from Maulood) Read at NFIE International Mawlid un Nabi Conference,Chicago,Illinois.USA
See Video at Youtube

Wednesday, March 25, 2009

Mawlid in Malaysia


Massive gatherings mark Prophet Muhammad’s birthday
PETALING JAYA: Muslims from all walks of life came together in massive gatherings to celebrate Maulidur Rasul yesterday.At the Dataran Merdeka in Kuala Lumpur, the Yang di-Pertuan Agong Tuanku Mizan Zainal Abidin reminded Malaysians to remain united as solidarity was crucial to the development of a nation.In George Town, some 3,000 Muslims took part in a 2.6km-long procession along the main streets led by Deputy Chief Minister (II) Mohammad Fairus Khairuddin.Religious teacher Abdul Aziz Abdul Rahman, 73, who formerly taught various state muftis, was conferred the Tokoh Maulidur Rasul. In Seremban, the Yang di-Pertuan Besar Tuanku Muhriz Tuanku Munawir led more than 9,000 people in the state-level Maulidur Rasul procession at the Seremban Municipal Council field. Remembering the Prophet: Some of the participants reciting a prayer during the national-level Maulidur Rasul procession at Dataran Merdeka yesterday. In Ipoh, Sultan Azlan Shah said one should start by telling the truth when preaching. Regent of Pahang Tengku Abdullah Sultan Ahmad Shah told Muslims in Kuantan that everyone could preach and propagate Islams’ good life values because it was not a job restricted only to preachers. In Kuala Terengganu, some 3,680 people joined a procession from the Sultan Ismail Nasiruddin Shah Stadium to the state stadium in Jalan Sultan Mahmud. In Malacca, some 7,000 people joined the Yang di-Pertua Negri Tun Mohd Khalil Yaakob and Chief Minister Datuk Seri Mohd Ali Rustam in a 3.5km procession. In Alor Setar, Kedah Sultan Tuanku Abdul Halim Mu’adzam Shah called on Muslims to appreciate the teachings of Islam in facing whatever difficulties and surrender themselves completely to Allah. In Kota Kinabalu, more than 7,000 Muslims joined the Yang di-Pertua Negri Tun Ahmadshah Abdullah in a procession from Padang Merdeka to the Islamic Religious Council building in Sembulan. In Kota Baru, Tengku Mahkota Tengku Muhammad Faris Petra Sultan Ismail Petra attended the state-level celebration at Masjid Muhammadi
MAULIDUR RASUL, LAHAD DATU, SABAH ,MALAYSIA

Tuesday, March 24, 2009

Mawlid in Nigeria

Nigerian Muslims also join their counterparts across the world to celebrate this year's Milad-un-Nabi. Edo State governor in Nigeria, Comrade Adams Aliyu Oshiomhole, has urged Nigerian Muslims to emulate the exemplary life and teachings of the Holy Prophet.

Mawlid in Afghanistan


Wolesi Jirga (Afghan Parliment) celebrates Milad Ul Nabi (the birthday of the great messenger of Islam Prophet Mohammad (PBUH) today. This celebration began with Quran Kareem’s recitation and Mohammadd Younis Qanooni the speaker of WJ warmly congratulated the arrival of this auspicious day to all Afghan Muslim Nation and said: this is the day when the Prophet Mohammad Mustafa (saws) the great messenger, savior of humanity, the overlord of the universe entered this world. From the first moment of his birth ,God’s endowments and miracle took place and the palace of Kasra ruined, the fire temple of Zoroastrians snuffed and the idols of Kaabah collapsed. These phenomenons were the signs of the Lord’s mercy for human salvation from the darkness towards the light of monotheism and the way to salvation for the humanity by Islam and the Messenger of God (saws).

Mawlid in Bangladesh




Eid-e-Miladunnabi Observed in Bangladesh
By Zahurul Alam Dhaka10-March-2009

Eid-e-Miladunnabi, commemorating the birth of Prophet Muhammad(saws) is celebrated across the country with due religious fervor.
On this day, the 12th of Rabiul Awal of the Hijri calendar, Prophet Muhammad (saws) was born with divine blessings and messages of peace for mankind. President Zillur Rahman, prime minister Sheikh Hasina and opposition leader Khaleda Zia have given separate messages on the occasion. Urging all to follow the ideals of Prophet Muhammad (saws), Zillur said his ideals for peace and human wellbeing have inspired the people for ages. The president recalled the unique examples set by the prophet of Islam (saws)by showing respect and tolerance to others and establishing truth and justice in society.
Eid E Milaad Un Nabi (SAW) Song - Mujahid Bulbul (Bangla)
Today is Eid-E-Miladunnabi, the day is for Miladunnabi (SAW.)
Our dear Prophet arrived on this earth With the message of our redemption.
Today is Eid-E-Miladunnabi, the day is for Miladunnabi (SAW.)
Trees, animals, birds and all other creatures Sang aloud:Marhaba Marhaba.
The destitute and the tortured ones put on a smile
The flute of equality was heard on the desert in a different style
The sweet fragrance erupted from the dry desert
Our dear Prophet arrived on this earth With the message of our redemption.
All the darkness was gone from the sky high up
All lights poured on Earth to show up
And to banish all worshipers of Idols And all misconception.
The truth found its ground, Allahs regime was all over.
The world found the true way From the life on stray.
Today is Eid-E-Miladunnabi, the day is for Miladunnabi (SAW).

Mawlid in Sri Lanka

PROPHET MUHAMMAD'S (PBUH) WISDOM BRINGS TO LIGHT NON VIOLENCE AS THE BEST WAY, SAYS SRI LANKAN PRESIDENT COLOMBO, March 10 (NNN-GOVT PORTAL) -- “This year we celebrate Milad-un Nabi after establishing democracy in the East, and liberating the North is in the offing. This underlines the fact that Islamic followers living in the East and North have something to be more hopeful in their celebrations,” President Mahinda Rajapaksa said in a message on Prophet Muhammad’s birthday. President in his message among others said:It’s with pleasure that I extend my warmest greetings to muslims, as they celebrate Milad-un Nabi or Prophet Muhammad’s (PBUH) birthday together with their brethren all over the world.Prophet Muhammad’s (PBUH) wisdom laid emphasize on peace and harmony, built significant religious and cultural traditions, and fostered developments in education, science and research. And, muslims focus on Prophet Muhammad’s (PBUH) wisdom on this holy day.Islam endeavors to guide the humanity to the correct path of brotherhood, mutual understanding, corporation and tolerance. And, Prophet Muhammad’s (PBUH) wisdom highlights non violence as the best way towards peace denouncing terrorism and violence that threaten civilized societies.Milad-un Nabi is celebrated as a national festival in Sri Lanka, and taking this national importance into consideration, the government made all arrangements to celebrate Milad-un Nabi in Matara with due attention to religious and cultural activities inherent with the Holy Prophet’s (PBUH) birthday.We celebrate Milad-un Nabi after establishing democracy in the Eastern province, and liberating the North is in the offing. This underlines the fact that the Muslim community living in the East and North are more zealous and passionate in their celebrations. I send my warm greetings to the followers of Islam in Sri Lanka on this important day; I share in their prayers for the restoration of peace throughout the island, and the spread and tolerance and understanding among all our people, said the President among others -- NNN-GOVT PORTAL
Meelad Ceremony in Colombo 2007

Sunday, March 22, 2009

Mawlid in Eritrea



Eritrea: Maulid Celebrated Nationwide
9 March 2009
Asmara — Eid Maulid Anebi Asherif was today celebrated nationwide in a colorful manner. Speaking at a gathering within the premises of Jimie Al-Kulafa Al-Rashideen Mosque here in the capital in which ministers, senior government officials, religious leaders, diplomats and thousands of the faithful took part, the Eritrean Mufti, Sheik Al-Amin Osman, congratulated the Eritrean people at home and abroad. He further wished peace and prosperity to fellow citizens.
The secretary general of the Awkaf congress in Asmara, Mr. Mohammed Berhan Ahmed, on his part expressed happy Maulid to all followers of the Islamic Faith and wished a year of peace and prosperity.Students presented various spiritual songs, poems and dramas on the occasion, thus adding color to the celebrations

Friday, March 20, 2009

Mawlid in Brunei



Maulidur Rasul a bridge to Divine Mercy
Gabriel Haddad,BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN
Monday, April 14, 2008
A Blessed Quranic verse often mentioned in Maulud celebrations over the world conjures us, "In the bounty of God and in His mercy: therein alone let them rejoice — It is better than what they hoard!" (10:58). The greatest exegete Ibn Abbas said: "The bounty of God is The Science, and His mercy is The Prophet." Accordingly, the two months of Rabiul Awwal and Rabiul Akhir (March-April this year) see many Bruneians take to special gatherings in mosques and homes in which they recite, among other zikir texts, Maulid Syaraful Anam (The Birth of the Pride of All Creatures) and Maulid Daybai (compiled by the Yemeni scholar Abdur Rahman al-Daybai). This practice is rooted in the very beginnings of Islam.The historian Ibn Sayyid al-Nas relates that when the Prophet conquered Mekah, he turned to his poet Hassan bin Thabit and asked him to recite something extemporaneously, whereupon Hassan replied:
Pillar of those who rely on you,
Immunity of those who seek refuge in you,
Resort of those who seek herbiage and rain,
and Neighbouring Protector of those in need of shelter —
You whom the One God has chosen for His creatures
by planting in him perfection and purity of character —
You are The Prophet! You are the best of Human Kind.
Open-handed one, like the outpouring of a swelling sea —
Both Mikal and Jibril are with you,helpers to victory,
sent by One Mighty, Irresistible!
Thus, the recitation of poetic praise of the person (and not just qualities) of Prophet Muhammad, upon him blessings and peace, began in his very lifetime at the hands of his Companions, who left no stone unturned in fulfillment of the Divine command in the Holy Qur'an to "invoke abundant blessings and lavish salutations of peace on him" (33:56) and rejoice in his blessed person. Whoever hears his name and is not instantly moved to bless him, in fact, is characterised in the Hadith as a rank miser.Blessing him was — and is — an easy command to fulfill, since it was the very person of the Prophet and the very fact that he had been created which impelled those who knew him to extol him to their fervent utmost — not with noses buried in booklets as we tend to do today, but with thundering emotions and unbridled, hyperbolic joy. Thus did al-Abbas bin Abd al-Muttalib, the Prophet's uncle and one of the major Companions, explicitly refer to the Prophet's Birth when he addressed him before the crowd of the Sahaba:
When you were born, the sun rose over the earth and the horizon was illumined with your light.
So we — in that radiance, that light, those paths of guidance — can pierce through!
In the wake of the early generations, the Ulema of Islam through the centuries similarly vied in poetic and historical praise of the Prophet. Uniquely famous in the genre is the 162-line poem formally entitled al-Kawakib al-Durriyya bi-Mad-hi Khayr al-Bariyya, "The Stellar Pearls in Homage to the Best of All Creation" but commonly known as Qasidat al-Burda or "The Mantle Poem" by the pious Moroccan littérateur Sharafuddin al-Busiri. This masterpiece of Arabic sensibility is sung from East to West in countless gatherings, especially at this time of the year, and contains lines of unsurpassed beauty among panegyrics, though virtually untranslatable:(Muhammad) Whom lofty mountains endeavoured to turn from himself with offerings of gold, whereupon he showed them greater loftiness,
And what confirmed that he renounced them was his need:
Even dire need has no sway over those God makes immune!
For how can need attract to the world the one were it not for whom the world would not have come out of the void?
The title of this great poem is derived from two incidents, one historical, the other a dream. The first took place when an earlier lover of the Prophet, the Companion Kaab ibn Zuhayr, recited a similar poem before the Prophet which contained the line inna al-rasula la-nurun yustada'u bihi, "Verily the Prophet is a light from which one's light is sought". Upon hearing this moving line, the Prophet rose and placed his mantle on Kaab's shoulders as a gift of appreciation. The dream was experienced almost seven centuries later when al-Busiri (d 696 H), at the time partly paralysed by a stroke, was visited by the Prophet who, in the same gesture, placed his mantle on al-Busiri's shoulders in appreciation of the latter's poem, whereupon he woke up hale and sound.One of the last caliphs of the Ottoman State, the pious Sultan Abd al-Hamid Khan ibn al-Sultan Ahmad Khan looked back to al-Busiri's lines when he began his own poem in praise of the Prophet with the line Ya sayyidi ya rasulallahi khudh bi-yadi ("My liegelord, Messenger of God, take my hand!"). This poem was calligraphied in full on the walls of Lady Aisha's room where the Prophet(saws) was laid to rest in Madinah. Al-Busiri himself had looked back to Hassan ibn Thabit both in form and content: both the Burda and Sultan Abd al-Hamid used the kamil or "perfect" metre chosen by Hassan ibn Thabit in the four lines he had improvised for the Prophet.The perennial theme is the Prophet as humanity's last and greatest hope. The Qur'an names the Prophet "nothing but a Mercy to the Worlds" and the Prophet describes himself in the Hadith as "nothing but a Gift of Mercy". Maulid poems seek to capture the direct experience of that Divine Mercy. In the following lines from al-Daybai's Maulid Eulogy we recognise the longing cry familiar to visitors to Madinah:
There stands the Green Dome wherein is found a Prophet whose light dispels pitch darkness!True has his good pleasure with us proved, as communion grows nearand commendation greets us from all sides.
Say to your soul: Enough delay! Today from the Beloved no veil blocks us.
Your fill of the Beloved take, therefore, to all intents.Felicity is ours, banishing opposites!Similarly we hear, among the delicate lines of Brunei's oft-recited Maulid Syaraful Anam:
Best of all those who trod the earth, whom all creatures seek for intercessor,
By him break the shackles of every sinful slave,There is no one like him, by whom triumph all followers;
Whoever dies loving him reaps every imaginable prize!
The Qur'an compares human hearts to hard rocks but adds that water is known to gush even from rocks. Our own hearts may also melt when we experience poetry praising our Beloved Prophet the way he deserves to be praised, and tap its treasures for the refreshment of our souls.The Brunei Times
This morning on the 9th March 2009, Brunei Darussalam celebrated birthday anniversary of Prophet Muhammad SAW with mass gatherings and processions in all four districts. The theme for this year is “Kedewasaan Bernegara Dengan Zikir” (Maturing of Brunei as a Zikir nation)In conjunction with Maulud (Birth of the prophet), gathering and procession in the Belait District was held at the Kuala Belait Municipal Field.
Majlis Maulidur Rasul yang diadakan setahun sekali di Taman Sir Omar Ali Saifuddien

Mawlid in Kashmir


Muslims in the Himalayan region of Kashmir celebrated on Tuesday, March 10, the birthday of Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him). Book fairs were organized to shed more light on the life of the prophet and special prayers were offered in all big and small mosques. A hair from the prophet's beard was put on display at Hazratbal Masjid, Kashmir’s biggest mosque

Mawlid in India

Milad-un-Nabi celebrated in Andhra Pradesh Hyderabad, Mar 10 : Eid-e-Milad-un-Nabi, the birth anniversary of Prophet Mohammad (saws), was celebrated in Hyderabad and other parts of Andhra Pradesh today with traditional festivity and religious fervour. The annual procession of Eid-e-Milad-un-Nabi (''Peace be upon him'') was taken out with religious fervour and Milad celebrations were in full swing with special congregations at mosques and religious seminaries.Public meetings and rallies were held where speakers exhorted Muslims to strictly follow 'seerat-e-tayyaba' or the holy life of the Prophet. Feeding the poor programme was organised by individuals and organisations to mark the occasion.Mosques, shops and houses were illuminated and decorated in the Muslim-majority old city of Hyderabad and parts of Secunderabad.Green flags were seen on buildings, traffic signals, lamp posts and high-rise structures.Thousands attended the annual 'Jalsa-e-ahmatullilalameen', organised by the Majlis-e-Tameer-e-Millat, at the sprawling exhibition grounds in the heart of the city.The Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (MIM) also organised a massive meeting at Darussalam, the party headquarters, last night.Processions started from various parts of the city and the main congregation was held at Mecca Masjid.
Hyderabad - Eid Milad un Nabi 2009 -Video 3

Mawlid in Turkey


Milad un nabi (Turkey) - YouTubeTurkey celebrated Mawlid al-Nabi (Mevlid Kandili), a celebration of the birthday of the Prophet Muhammad (saws), with special programs by state-run TV, TRT, in Kurdish and also through connections to Kirkuk, Lefkosa, Sarajevo and Istanbul. Mawlid al-Nabi is a celebration of the birthday of the Prophet Muhammad. TRT Ses Mawlid program was shot at historic Ulucami Mosque in Diyarbakır. The program included prayers, Quran recitation and sermons by muftis. The sermon called for brotherhood between Muslims and said racism has no place in Islam. The Ulucami sermon is the first time the state Directorate of Religious Affairs has issued one in Kurdish. The program was met with enthusiasm by many, people filled the Ulucami Mosque in Diyarbakır. TRT also broadcasted a special religious sermon in connection with mosques in four different cities around the world. During the broadcast, TRT aired live sermons from Kirkuk, Istanbul, Lefkosa and Bosnia. TRT`s special Mawlid program was broadcasted on TRT 1, TRT 2 and TRT INT also. Mawlid al-Nabi was observed by Muslims in mosques across Turkey with prayers. After the prayers, congregation performed evening prayer.
STV Mevlid 2007- Salavat (Video)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VtGhJMStux4&feature=related

Mawlid in Syria


G a Twitter: "Baghdad Street, Damascus today for Eid Mawlid al ...Hamidiyyeh Souk, the famous traditional market in Old Damascus, is all dressed up for the Mawlid al-Nabawi, the Birthday of the Prophet Muhammed. For the next couple months, mosques and private residents will be sponsoring commemorations of the Prophet's birth in which they recite the Qur'an, devotional poems and other religious works.
Mawlid in Syria (video)