Dubai Islamic department marks Prophet's birthday anniversary

Grand Mufti of Dubai Dr Ahmed Al Haddad (middle) during the celebrations of the Milad Al Nabi. Supplied photo

The department of Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities in Dubai has marked the birthday anniversary of Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) at the Grand Rashidiya mosque.
The auspicious festivity, also known as Milad Al Nabi, witnessed a big number of scholars, senior officials, dignitaries, media people, and the public as is the case every year. 
Yusra Al Qaud, manager of religious guidance with the department, said the Milad Al Nabi is one of the most auspicious occasions in the Islamic Calendar that is celebrated on an annual basis. 
"It is a precious opportunity to refresh our faith and live anew the teachings of this great prophet who has been a savior to all mankind that we all need to read about him and know how merciful he was with living and non-living things."   
The function started with a beautiful recitation of the holy Quran by Shaikh Alaa Hamza, followed by a spiritually inspiring speech by the Grand Mufti of Dubai Dr Ahmed Abdulaziz Al Haddad. 
"Marking the Prophet's birthday anniversary is aimed to live the supreme principles of tolerance, as well as love, respect, sympathy and peaceful coexistence with all mankind as always advised by Prophet Muhammad (PBUH)." 
To live the ethics and teachings of Prophet is the best way to celebrate this important occasion, he added. "This way, we will find relief, comfort, and happiness in life and the Hereafter."
Dr Mohamed Afarkhas, a senior preacher with the department, said the prophet's method was all about tolerance, and that was his way of teaching his companions and followers. "Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) was a mercy to all creatures." 
Islamic researcher Dr Mohammed Ashmawy said: "To celebrate this occasion is not only by exchanging greetings, sweets, and gifts, but rather by following the ethics of the Prophet (PBUH) who was a role model in all good manners." 
Celebrating the Milad Al Nabi is not only for one single day, he added. "It is rather all the year round, or even a lifestyle based on tolerant, honest and respectful dealings." 
This year, Abu Khalid, Syrian, said he collected his children and grandchildren in his house. "I briefed them on the Prophet's biography, enlightened them about his ethics, and then we recited some chapters of the holy Quran, and gives prayers and praise to the Prophet (PBUH)."  
"As was the case with the Prophet (PBUH) whose ethics were a true reflection of the good manners promoted in the Holy Quran, we should all mirror these refined principles," said Sherif Al Wakeel, Egyptian. 
Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) is widely believed to have been born in Mecca, in present day Saudi Arabia, in AD 570. Though the precise date of his birth remains unclear, Muslims around the world celebrate his birthday, also known as 'Milad Al Nabi' or 'Mawlid', on 12th day of the lunar month of Rabi'al-awwal every year. 
Dr Ashmawy said that the way to celebrate the auspicious occasion is still an issue of argument, mainly as the prophet himself never celebrated his birthday. "The Prophet's companions and early followers did not celebrate this day as well." 
Accordingly it is recommended to mark the day by adhering to his ethics, rather than exchanging gifts, eating sweets, and marching, he underlined. "Also, the best way to celebrate the occasion is to devotedly learn the teachings of the Prophet (PBUH), teach them to others, particularly our children, and closely follow and observe them." 
Dr Omar Al Khatib, executive director of the department of Islamic affairs and charitable activities in Dubai for Islamic affairs sector, said the Prophet (PBUH) was and shall always be a shiny exemplary model for good ethics everywhere and at all times. 
"His good manners, mercy, tolerance, discipline, compassion, as well as his reasonable and attractive way of dealing with people speak volume that the non-Muslims and even enemies of Islam could not help praise him."
ahmedshaaban@khaleejtimes.com