by M. R. Bawa Muhaiyaddeen

Source: http://www.bmf.org/wisdom/maulids.html

Introduction
Maulid is an Arabic word meaning the celebration of a birthday, especially that of a prophet or saint.

In this discourse, M. R. Bawa Muhaiyaddeen (Ral.) is referring to two celebrations: one for the birth of Prophet Muhammad (Sal.) during the month of Rabï-ul-Awwal, and one for Qutb Muhyiddïn ‘Abdul-Qädir al-Jïlänï (Ral.) during the month of Rabï-uth-Thänï. Because Qutb Muhyiddïn (Ral.) was born during Ramadän, the month of fasting, the celebration of his life is commemorated around the anniversary of his death.

The maulids last for eleven or twelve days, beginning after the late afternoon prayers (‘asr) and lasting for about three hours. During that time numerous prayers of remembrance (dhikr), traditional stories (ahädïth), and verses of praise (salawät) are recited.

In the following discourse, M. R. Bawa Muhaiyaddeen (Ral.) explains the purpose and benefit of observing these maulids – to honor the wise ones who are our helpers and to praise Allah for sending them to guide us.
Read the rest of this entry »