Meelad Sharif-Kiyam Sharif
What is Milad Sharif?
Milad Sharif (Mawlid-un-Nabi) is the celebration
of the blessed birth of the beloved Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).
Muslims commemorate this significant day with profound respect and devotion.
The day includes the recitation of the Holy Qur'an, singing of Na'at (poetry in praise of the Prophet),
discussions about his noble life, and special prayer gatherings (Du'a). It is a heartfelt expression of love
and obedience towards the Prophet (peace be upon him).
Milad
Sharif in Sufi Tradition
In the Sufi tradition, Milad Sharif is observed
as a deep spiritual gathering, where love and reverence for the Prophet (peace
be upon him) are expressed from the heart. It is not merely a formal ceremony,
but a spiritual reunion in which the soul is purified through the remembrance
of the Prophet. The ceremony usually includes:
·
Repeated recitations of Durood (salutations upon the Prophet)
·
Renditions of Qasida,
Hamd, and Na’at (praises and eulogies of the Prophet)
·
Spiritual Qawwali
performances, particularly in regions like India and Pakistan
·
Lectures and reflections on the Prophet’s life,
attributes, and spiritual teachings
Why is
Milad Sharif Important?
Milad Sharif provides a unique opportunity to
renew one’s love for the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) and commitment to
his teachings. It also serves to educate the younger generation about the noble
ideals and rich history of Islam.
Historical
Foundations of Milad and Qiyam Sharif
Milad and Qiyam Sharif were observed during
the time of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), the embodiment of divine
light (Nur-e-Mujassam) and the beloved
of Allah (Habibullah), as well as his
noble companions (Sahabah). The term
“Milad” means praising the Prophet and sending salutations upon him. Hence, it
is part of the Sunnah (prophetic tradition), supported by Allah, His Messenger,
and the noble Companions.
The way we currently organize Milad gatherings – in the form of assemblies and spiritual sessions – is rooted in practices that existed during the time of the Prophet and his Companions.
What is Qiyam Sharif?
Qiyam
literally means “standing.” Qiyam Sharif is a spiritual custom where attendees
stand in reverence to remember the moment of the Prophet’s (peace be upon him)
blessed arrival. This is usually done at the conclusion of Milad Sharif. During
Qiyam, everyone stands and recites salutations upon the Prophet (peace be upon
him) as a gesture of love and honor.
Qiyam
in the Sufi Perspective
According to Sufi teachings, Qiyam Sharif is a
moment of immense reverence, symbolizing the spiritual presence of the Prophet
(peace be upon him). Many Sufi orders believe that the Prophet's spiritual
essence (Ruhaniyat) manifests during
this moment. Participants stand and feel in their hearts the presence of the
Prophet, proclaiming, "Muhammad (peace be upon him) has arrived!"
while reciting salutations.
Sufi Belief: “Wherever the name of the Prophet is mentioned, his light (Nur) is present.”
Importance in Islamic
History
Milad and Qiyam Sharif have been practiced in
the Muslim community for centuries. Especially within Sufi traditions, these
events are held in high regard. The declaration “Muhammad (peace be upon him)
has come” during Qiyam stirs emotions of devotion and love in the hearts of the
believers.
Evidence
from Hadith
A Hadith narrates that Hazrat Abdullah ibn
Abbas (may Allah be pleased with him) once recounted the events of the
Prophet’s (peace be upon him) birth to a gathering of Companions at his home.
They expressed joy and praised Allah while reciting salutations. During this
gathering, the Prophet (peace be upon him) appeared spiritually, and the
attendees stood in his honor (Qiyam).
The Prophet then said, “My intercession is now incumbent upon you.”
(Subul al-Huda fi Mawlid al-Mustafa,
Haqiqat-e-Muhammadi wa Milad-e-Ahmadi, p. 355)
Another Hadith from Hazrat Abu Darda (may
Allah be pleased with him) mentions that when the Prophet (peace be upon him)
entered the house of Hazrat Abu Amir Ansari (may Allah be pleased with him), he
found that he was recounting the story of the Prophet’s birth to his family and
neighbors. As the Prophet appeared spiritually, everyone stood in Qiyam and
recited salutations. The Prophet (peace be upon him) then said:
“Indeed, Allah has opened the doors of His
mercy for you. All the angels are praying for your forgiveness. And whoever
practices this tradition till the Day of Judgment, like you, shall also receive
salvation and virtue.”
(Kitab al-Tanweer fi Mawlid al-Bashir
al-Nadhir, Subul al-Huda fi Mawlid al-Mustafa)
How is it Celebrated?
·
Home or
mosque gatherings: Decorated with lights and flowers
·
Na'at and
Durood recitations: Sermons on the Prophet’s (peace be upon him) life
and virtues
·
Distribution
of Tabarruk (blessed food): Shared among the attendees
· Supplication and Du'a: Prayers for the peace and prosperity of the Muslim Ummah
Sufi Philosophy of Milad and
Qiyam
·
Expression
of Love: Not just knowledge, but devotion is the path to Allah – the
core of Sufism
·
Spiritual
Purification: These events are a means to cleanse the soul and focus
on divine love
· Wasilah (Intercession): Love for and remembrance of the Prophet is a means of seeking closeness to Allah
Sufi-style Milad
Celebrations
Sufi khanqahs
and shrines observe Milad Sharif in a deeply spiritual manner, often including:
·
All-night Dhikr (remembrance) sessions
·
Qawwali
musical performances
·
Ritual cleansing and supplication for the
deceased (Isal-e-Sawab)
· Charitable service to the poor and needy
Conclusion
Sufism teaches that a heart without the love
of the Prophet is like lifeless soil. Milad and Qiyam Sharif revive our hearts,
illuminate them with the light of love, and spiritually bring us closer to the
presence of the beloved Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).
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