Eid Milad-un-Nabi: A Celebration of Mercy, Gratitude, and Spiritual Awakening

By Kaniz Fatma, New Age Islam 5 September 2025 The month of Rabi' al-Awwal holds a unique and tender place in the hearts of Muslims around the world. It was in this blessed month that Allah Almighty gifted humanity with the birth of the most beloved of all creation, Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), the light of guidance, the mercy to the worlds, and the final messenger of truth. Eid Milad-un-Nabi (peace be upon him) is not simply a commemoration of a historical moment; it is a spiritual renewal, a call to reconnect with the message of Islam, and a reminder of the love that binds the Muslim Ummah with the Prophet (peace be upon him). Let this not be just a celebration; let it be a transformation. Gratitude for the Greatest Blessing In the Qur’an, Allah says: “Indeed, Allah has bestowed a great favour upon the believers when He sent among them a Messenger from themselves...” (Surah Aal-e-Imran, 3:164) The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) brought us the Qur’an, guided us to faith, and taught us mercy, justice, and humanity. His birth is not merely an event — it is the arrival of divine mercy into our world. And Allah commands us: “Say: In the bounty of Allah and in His mercy — in that let them rejoice. It is better than all they accumulate.” (Surah Yunus, 10:58) What greater mercy can there be than the Messenger of Allah himself (peace be upon him)? The Prophetic Example of Commemoration It is recorded in Sahih Muslim that the Prophet (peace be upon him) was asked about fasting on Mondays. He replied: “That is the day I was born.” This shows us that even the Prophet (peace be upon him) acknowledged the significance of his birth, not with extravagance, but with worship and gratitude. Even more striking is the tradition about Abu Lahab, an enemy of Islam, who receives some relief from punishment every Monday in the afterlife because he expressed joy at the Prophet’s (peace be upon him) birth by freeing his slave girl, Thuwaiba, when she brought him the news. If a non-believer is rewarded for expressing joy, imagine the reward for a sincere believer who celebrates with love and reverence. A Tradition of Scholars and Saints Great scholars across history supported gatherings that honoured the Prophet’s (peace be upon him) life and message. Allama Jalaluddin Suyuti affirmed the permissibility and virtue of Mawlid celebrations that include Qur’an recitation, remembrance of the Prophet (peace be upon him), and charity. Allama Ibn al-Jawzi and Imam Nawawi noted how Muslims across regions expressed happiness in Rabi' al-Awwal with community events and public expressions of joy. Shah Waliullah Dehlawi, a spiritual giant of the Indian subcontinent, spoke of divine lights and spiritual presence he experienced in Mawlid gatherings in Makkah. These were not celebrations for entertainment; they were gatherings of love, knowledge, and remembrance. Why We Celebrate: The Moral Purpose Behind Mawlid Eid Milad-un-Nabi (peace be upon him) is not about decoration or spectacle. Its true value lies in the spiritual lessons it carries. It is a time to ask ourselves: How closely are we following the Prophet’s (peace be upon him) example? How much of his character lives in our homes, our dealings, our hearts? 1. Fostering Love for the Prophet (peace be upon him) “None of you truly believes until I am more beloved to him than his father, his child, and all of mankind.” (Sahih al-Bukhari) When love for the Prophet (peace be upon him) becomes central to a believer’s heart, their life transforms. Mawlid gatherings help rekindle this love through stories of his compassion, patience, humility, and mercy. 2. Reviving the Sunnah Through Action “Say, [O Prophet], ‘If you love Allah, then follow me. Allah will love you.’” (Surah Aal-e-Imran, 3:31) Love without obedience is empty. Celebrating the Prophet (peace be upon him) means striving to follow his Sunnah — in prayer, honesty, care for others, and trust in Allah. 3. Teaching Our Children to Love Their Prophet (peace be upon him) “Teach your children three things: love for your Prophet, love for his family, and recitation of the Qur’an.” (Al-Jami’ al-Saghir) Mawlid provides a chance to involve children in joyful religious learning. Through stories, songs, and gatherings, children grow up with emotional connections to the faith — the kind that lasts a lifetime. 4. Spreading Knowledge and Reviving Da’wah Mawlid events are powerful tools for spiritual education and outreach. They remind us of the Prophet’s (peace be upon him) mission: to spread justice, peace, and truth. When delivered with sincerity, these gatherings can awaken hearts and bring communities together. “Let there arise among you a group inviting to all that is good…” (Surah Aal-e-Imran, 3:104) 5. Serving the Poor and Sharing Joy The Prophet (peace be upon him) was the most generous of people. Mawlid should be a time to give to those in need, share meals, and uplift hearts — not just with words, but with action. 6. Seeking Allah’s Pleasure The celebration of the Prophet’s (peace be upon him) life is ultimately an act of devotion and gratitude to Allah. Sending blessings upon him is itself a divine command: “Indeed, Allah and His angels send blessings upon the Prophet. O you who believe, send blessings upon him and greet him with peace.” (Surah Al-Ahzab, 33:56) Every Salawat you send, every tear you shed out of love, every act of remembrance — they all reach the Prophet (peace be upon him), and they all bring you closer to Allah. Spirituality Through Simplicity and Sincerity Celebration must come from the heart, not from display. Shah Waliullah narrated that his father, unable to afford a large Mawlid gathering one year, simply distributed roasted chickpeas in the joy of the Prophet’s (peace be upon him) birth. That night, he saw a dream of the Prophet (peace be upon him), happy and smiling, with the chickpeas before him. The message? It is not the grandeur of what you do, but the sincerity in how you do it. A Call for Renewal, and Not Just Celebration In an age of distraction and disconnection, Mawlid offers us a chance to return to the roots of our faith; love, service, humility, and remembrance. It is not about lights and sound, but guidance and heart. Let us not allow this sacred moment to pass without reflecting on what it truly means to be a follower of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). Let it inspire us to purify our hearts and homes, elevate our character, and serve our communities with sincerity and love. Eid Milad-un-Nabi (peace be upon him) is not merely a ritual to observe, but a guiding light to live by, a reminder to recommit ourselves to his path, strengthen our bond with Allah, and raise the next generation with faith, love, and purpose. As the poet beautifully said, “Through the strength of love, raise every lowly soul, and let the name of Muhammad (peace be upon him) light up the world whole.” May our lives be forever illuminated by his blessed example, not just in Rabi’ al-Awwal, but every day that we seek to walk in his noble footsteps. ----- Kaniz Fatma is an Islamic scholar, and a regular columnist for New Age Islam. URL: https://www.newageislam.com/islamic-society/eid-milad-un-nabi-mercy-gratitude-spiritual-awakening/d/136728 New Age Islam, Islam Online, Islamic Website, African Muslim News, Arab World News, South Asia News, Indian Muslim News, World Muslim News, Women in Islam, Islamic Feminism, Arab Women, Women In Arab, Islamophobia in America, Muslim Women in West, Islam Women and Feminism