The Milad:Celebrating the birthday of the Beloved (saws).Dr Musharraf Hussain al-Azhari

The birth of the Beloved Prophet (saws) is a universal day of celebrations. “We sent you as a Mercy for the universe.”(Surah Anbiya, ayah 102) The Beloved Messenger (saws) was undoubtedly Allah's most special gift to mankind. His coming is therefore an occasion to be remembered and celebrated. Many great scholars such as, Ibn Jawzi and Imam Sakhavi ,Shah Wali Allah have written about the permissibility, history and their personal experience of Milad.
Imam Abu Shama, the teacher of Imam Nawawi, (the great commentator of Sahih Muslim) vividly captures the mood of the people on Milad celebrations in the Seventh Century (AH). He says: “One of the good innovations of our times is celebrations of the blessed Prophet’s (saws) birthday every year. There are celebrations, people give charity and decorate their homes and streets. This has many benefits; the poor and needy are generously treated and people express their love and respect of Al-Mustafa (saws). Above all, Allah has sent the Messenger (saws) as a Mercy for the entire universe and this is one of his greatest favours on mankind.”
(Seerat-ul-Halbiya, vol 1, p80)