Indulge in Milad Spirit

Here are some things that you can do to get closer to the essence of the Prophet (pbuh) to commemorate the days of Milad. What better way but to remember him through accounts of his life and through a recollection of his praise over generations!

BOOKS TO READ:

The Sealed Nectar by Safiur Rahman Al Mubarakpuri

One of the most read books on the life of Prophet (pbuh). This is the book you'd encounter the most in a bookstore for Prophet's (pbuh) biography. Written by Sheikh Safi-ur-Rahman al-Mubarkpuri, it was awarded the first prize by the World Muslim League. It is a great book to start learning about the life of Muhammad (pbuh) in a holistic manner.

Muhammad: His Life Based on the Earliest Sources by Martin Lings

Preferred by many, Martin Lings’ biography of Muhammad is a trustworthy and detailed book on the life of Prophet (pbuh). It is internationally acclaimed for the depth and veracity of its contents. Based on the sira, the eighth- and ninth-century Arabic biographies that recount numerous events in the prophet’s life, it contains original English translations of many important passages which revealed the presence and impact of Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) through the world and the people he encountered.

Muhammad by Maxime Rodison

Maxime Rodinson's Muhammad is considered a classic in the scholarship on the life of prophet (pbuh). From appearance, personality, background and society — it speaks vividly about the history of how Islam spread and Muhammad's (pbuh) life.

Enwrap by Zirrar

A collection of poetry and prose, this book, "brings together conversations, reflections and supplications from man to his Creator and to his beloved Prophet Muhammad".

Beautifully crafted, its verses create an immersive bliss for the readers as they encounter their own love for the most beloved (pbuh). This effect can be summed up in the author's note which goes thus:

"One thousand three hundred and eighty-seven years have passed since our beloved Prophet (pbuh) left us. Enwrap is the unfolding of our mantle. Enwrap is a request to our Mustafa to pull us in, to cloak and envelop us. Enwrap is an attempt to reflect our place on this caravan, Enwrap asks for hands to be clasped in supplication as the burden has become too weighty. For who is better to ask for intercession than our Mustafa, our al-Shafi (intercessor)?"

YOUTUBE SERIES TO WATCH:

Meeting Muhamad by Yaqeen Institute

A 33 episode series on all things about the Prophet (pbuh). From “his appearance”, to “attending his Khutbah”, “praying behind him”, “sitting in his circles”, “with him in the trenches”, “his blessed demeanor” - This series covers it all. It is extremely detailed and makes one feel as though one were transported into the times when the Prophet (pbuh) lived.

Seerah- Biography of Prophet (Pbuh) by Yasir Qadhi

A very detailed series on the life of the Prophet (pbuh) which is easy to understand and detailed at the same time.

The Life of Prophet by Hamza Yusuf

This is yet another detailed series on the life of Prophet (pbuh). Its 40 parts are detailed accounts which cover a wide array of aspects allowing one to get acquainted to the details of the life of Muhammad (pbuh).

SHUFFLE PLAY:

Tala’Al Badru Alayna

Tala’Al Badru Alayna is a nasheed which was reportedly sung by the Ansars upon the arrival of Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) at Medina.

It goes thus:

The full moon rose over us

From the valley of Wada‘

And it is incumbent upon us to show gratitude

For as long as anyone in existence calls out to Allah

Oh our Messenger amongst us

Who comes with the exhortations to be heeded

You have brought to this city nobility

Welcome you who call us to a good way

Qasida Burda

One of the most popular ode to Muhammad (pbuh) especially in South Asia. Qasīdat al-Burda, or al-Burda for short, is a thirteenth-century ode of praise for the Islamic prophet Muhammad composed by the eminent Sufi mystic Imam al-Busiri of Egypt.

You may recognise it by the lines:

Mawla Ya Salli Wa Sallim Daa’iman, Abadan

‘Ala Habeebika Khaiyril Khalqi Kullihimi.

Muhammadun Sayyidul Kawnayni Wath-Thaqalayn

Wal Fareeqayni Min ‘Urbiw-Wa Min ‘Ajami

Faslon ko Takaluf

Yet another classic in South Asia, this naat is a household tune. It was written by Professor Iqbal Azeem. Interesting trivia: It seems that Iqbal Azeem had written “Qaflon” instead of “Faslon” and this oversight got a permanent living out of reciter Qari Waheed Zafar Qasmi’s rendition of the naat.

Here are the iconic verses:

‘Faaslon Ko Takalluf hay hum se agar, hum bhi bebas nahin bay-sahara nahin’.

If distance despises us, mind you that we are not powerless and helpless

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