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Prophet's (PBUH) birthday not about sweets - emulate him

Dubai - To live, adopt and always observe the refined ethics of Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) is the best way to celebrate his birthday anniversary, according to scholars here.

Forbearance, sound intellect, kindness, good morals, manners and ethics, politeness, honesty, sincereity and this list can go on for a few pages when it comes to summing the personality of Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him), whose birthday was celebrated by millions of Muslims around the world on Wednesday, 12th day of the Islamic month of Rabi Al Awwal.
Since the exact date of his birth remains unclear, the nationwide celebrations of the birthday anniversary of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), widely known as Milad Al Nabi or Mawlid, have not ended yet, Muslims here commemorate the auspicious occasion in a different way.
If you idolise someone then the best way to prove your loyalty is by emulating him and following his teachings in your life and not just by celebrating his birthday.
To live, adopt and always observe the refined ethics of Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) is the best way to celebrate his birthday anniversary, according to scholars here.
One cannot be a true follower of Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) by just verbally praising him or by just praying for him at times, according to prominent scholar Dr Mahmoud Saleh.
"This occasion is not only to be celebrated by exchanging greetings, sweets, and gifts, but rather by following the teachings of the Prophet (PBUH) who was a role model for all mankind," said Sherif Al Wakeel, an Egyptian Muslim here.
Celebrating the Milad Al Nabi is not only for one single day, he added. "It should be a life long thing, with a lifestyle based on tolerance, honesty 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 praised our dear Prophet (PBUH)."
"Prophet Muhammad's (PBUH) way of life was a true reflection of the excellent manners promoted in the Holy Quran, and we should all mirror refined principles if we are true Muslims," Saleh said.
Islamic researcher Dr Shaikh Mohammed Ashmawy said that the way to celebrate the auspicious occasion is still an issue of argument, mainly as the Prophet (PBUH) himself never celebrated his birthday. "The Prophet's companions and early followers did not celebrate this day as well."
Accordingly we should mark the day or month by adhering to his principles, rather than exchanging gifts, eating sweets, and marching, he said. "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: "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."
Meanwhile, the department of Islamic affairs and charitable activities in Dubai on Wednesday celebrated Milad Al Nabi by conducting religious lectures and recitations of the Quran.
ahmedshaaban@khaleejtimes.com