"Gar Arzo Sama ki Mahfil Me Laulaka Lama ka Shor Na Ho
Ye Noor Na Ho Saiyyaaroon Me Ye Rang Na Ho Gulzaaroon Me"
(Were the earth and the heavens not be astir with the sound of Laulaaka Lama There would, then, be neither light in the planets nor splendour in the meadows).

On page 182 of his book "Meelaadun Nabi (Sallal Laahu Alaihi wa Sallam)" published by Kutub Khaanah Jameeli, Model Town, Lahore), Janab Ashraf Ali Thanvi declares: '`The blessing of the light of the holy Prophet (Sallal Laahu Alaihi wa Sallam) is this. The entire universe came into being with his light (Sallal Laahu Alaihi wa Sallam)."

The day when this blessed personality came into this world is by far the first and the greatest joyous day for the Musalmaans. For it is only through his blessing that we came into existence, and received our religion, our belief in it, our Qur'aan, our Ramadaan and our recognition of the True Deity, our Eid-ul-Fitr and our Eid-ul-Adha festivities. The day when blessings and enjoyment are conferred upon us is surely the day of 'Eid. The Holy Qur'aan itself testifies to this when the Prophet of ALLAH, revered Hazrat 'Isa (Alaihis-Salaam), supplicates to ALLAH to send a food table (Maa'idah) to him so that it should be a day of rejoicing for the present as well as the future generations. The words of Hazrat 'Ieesaa, according to the Holy Qur'aan, were:
"Rabbana Anzil Alaina Maa'idatam Minas-Samaa'i Takoonu-Lana leedal L'Awwalina Wa Aakhirina"
(O my Rabb! Send to us from heaven a food table, so that it (the day of the descent of the food table) may be a day of Eid (rejoicing) for the present as well as the future generations). *

* The desire to make the day when the food table (Maa'idah) descended as the day of feed was expressed by Hazrat 'Ieesaa (Alaihis Salaam) and it cannot be imagined about a Prophet that he expressed a wrong desire. Hazrat Ieesa's prayer proves the correctness of celebrating a day on which a blessing descends as the day of Eid. After this proof given by the Qur'aan, there can be doubt in the minds of men of faith and love that the birth of the greatest of ALLAH's graces, the holy Prophet (Sallal Laahu Alaihi wa Sallam), should be regarded as the day of joicing, of Eid.

Therefore, it is proved from the Qur'aan itself that the day when a blessing descends from heaven is a day of Eid. We are enjoined by the Qur'aan to rejoice at having received a blessing. The Qur'aan says:
"Qul Bi fadlil-Laahi Wa Bi Rahmatihi Fabi Zaalika Fal Yafrahu"
(Say O Prophet! you should rejoice at receiving A-Laah's grace and blessing)

Revered Shah Abdul Azeez Dehlvi (may ALLAH have mercy on him) in his "Tafseer Azeezi" holds that to rejoice on receiving ALLAH's grace and mercy is a very good and an altogether beneficial act. In Aayat 69 of the Holy Qur'aan Soorah Aa'raaf, Allah says:
"Fazkuroo Aalaa' Allahi La' allakum Tuflihoon.
(Remember Allah's blessings so that you may profit)"
And in Aa'yat 74 it is said:
"Fazkuroo Aalaa' Allahi Wala Ta'sau Fil Ardi Mufsideen
(So remember ALLAH's blessings, and do not spread corruption in the earth)"
And in Soorah Ad-Duha:
"Wa Amma Bini'mati Rabbika Fahaddis"
(And remember and proclaim the blessings of your Rabb)"

These Divine exhortations make it clear that the truth is that remembering the blessings of ALLAH, rejoicing on their bestowal and proclaiming them, all these are laudable acts. On the other hand, not celebrating them, not remembering them and prohibiting their proclamation, all this tantamount to spreading corruption in the earth. Thus it is proved from the Holy Qur'aan that people who give thanks for ALLAH's blessings, rejoice at their bestowal and proclaim them, they are the people who are liked by Allah, while those who prevent proclamation of such bestowal are the corrupters and the ingrates. On page 512 of his tafseer "Baynan-ul-Qur'aan", Janab Ashraf Ali Thanvi, commenting on "Wa Zakkir Hum Bi AiyYaamil-Laah"

Translates it thus: "And remind them of the affairs of ALLAH (blessing and torment), and they will be thankful to ALLAH by remembering them", and on page 49 of his book Meelaad-un-Nabi (Sallal Laahu Alaihi wa Sallam) as "a fulfilment of this promise, so we should learn the lesson that we should daily remember his coming. If someone says that his coming is remembered during a recitation of the Holy Qur'aan, the answer would be that there it is not mentioned in detail and so most people do not get to know of the details".

On page 150 of the same book, he says: "Thus it becomes clear that rejoicing on the holy Prophet's (Sallal Laahu Alaihi wa Sallam) blessed birth is not only permitted but is a blessing. Thus it is that we do not deny the act of rejoicing. In fact, we keep ourselves busy in practising it all the time".

On page 278 of his tafseer, Janab Shabbeer Ahmad Usmaani says: "Rejoicing on a blessing conferred is a good act since it has come to us from ALLAH", and on page 779, he says: "To celebrate the blessings of the Benefactor by way of expressing thanks is a good act in Shariyat", while on page 205, he says: "We must remember them and be dutiful and thankful to ALLAH for the blessings already mentioned and for countless others".

Dear readers! Every Muslim seeks ALLAH's blessings and every Muslim also knows that the greatest grace and blessing of ALLAH is nothing but the birth of the holy Prophet (Sallal Laahu Alaihi wa Sallam) and that ALLAH Himself is conscious of sending such a great blessing upon us. It is, indeed, a great thing that even being the Creator and Deity of the holy Prophet (Sallal Laahu Alaihi wa Sallam) ALLAH is all praise for him, his holy life, his blessed city, the age in which he lived, swears by his sayings, and commands us to honour him, and teaches us how to behave in his presence, and makes it clear to us that had He not created our holy Prophet (Sallal Laahu Alaihi wa Sallam) He would not have created the earth and the heavens.

Anybody aware of this reality would be, every moment of his life, engage himself in giving thanks for this great bounty and yet would not be able to give adequate thanks. This is only by the grace of our Rabb that we are, in some measure, able to celebrate the birthday of the holy Prophet (Sallal Laahu Alaihi wa Sallam) by remembering the great qualities of his life, by sending salutations to him in gatherings; by putting up some illuminations and by making some alms-giving and by distributing food
items. We are able to do all this so that people may become attached to this great bounty from ALLAH and so that they may benefit from it in this world and in the Hereafter.

While expressing our joy on the occasion, we do not countenance any such acts which might be against the Shari'ah, for we do this at the command of ALLAH and to earn the grace of ALLAH, which cannot be attained by any unauthorised means.
Thanvi Sahib himself has observed that since ALLAH has called the birth of the holy Prophet His greatest blessing upon us, for, by so doing, He let man have His most beloved creation for whose sake He created all beings. It is incumbent upon man to rejoice and to celebrate this blessing.

How strange that the followers of Hazrat 'Ieesaa (Alaihis-Salaam) should rejoice at the sending down of a (Maa'idah) food-table and celebrate the event as their Eid, but we should not celebrate the coming, in our midst, of the blessed personality but for whose creation neither Hazrat 'Ieesaa (Alaihis-Salaam) nor the food-table, nor the Qur'aan itself would have been there!

The sending down of the Holy Qur'aan occurred only once, on one Lailatul-ul-Qadr, but the night on which it descended became blessed till Doomsday. The Isma'ieli-Deobandi-Wahaabi propagandists also participate in "celebrations on the sending down of the Holy Qur'aan" every year, and that, too, only in the month of Ramadaan and not in any other month of the year. Let us ask them, does the Qur'aan descend every year? And they will say, no, it is not so. Then why do they celebrate the sending down of the Qur'aan every year? And why do they do so in their self appointed manner?

Why, then, these people observe the death anniversaries of their muftis and days of the founders of their madaaris (religious schools) every year with particular attention to date, place, programme and other details?

How is it that these people can float institutions and build structures dedicated to them, hold various gatherings yearly, and hold all manner of demonstrations?
Not only this, but, in South Africa, they can celebrate Christmas, Easter, Holi and Divali with greater fervour than the Non-Muslims. And yet they are not (bid'ati) "innovators" but erstwhile Muslims! Strangely enough, however, the "Fataawa" of being (bid'ati) "innovators" are hurled against true Sunni Muslims for celebrating the 'Eid-e-Meelaad-un-Nabi (Sallal Laahu Alaihi wa Sallam).

In Pakistan, the Isma'ieli-Deobandi-Wahaabi propagandists not only hold all sorts of demonstrations and rally (Jalsah, Juloos) and illuminations on the occasion of the Eid Meelaad-un-Nabi (Sallal Laahu Alaihi wa Sallam) on their own, but also participate in rallies organised by others.

The "Thanvi family" is prominent in rally held by Shi 'as on the occasion of "Yaum Husain" (may ALLAH be pleased with him). (For details and pictures, readers should see my pamphlet entitled (Apni Ada Dekh "Behold your own antics").

Everybody knows (in Pakistan) about the pomp with which Yaum-e-Siddeeq Akbar (may ALLAH be pleased with him) and the days of the three most revered companions of the holy Prophet (may ALLAH be pleased with them) and of other companions of the holy Prophet are held each year under the auspices of the Isma'ieli-Deobandi-Wahaabi propagandists. It is another matter though that celebrating the day of the fourth caliph, Saiyyidina Ali (Karramal Laahu Wajhahu) is an "innovation" (bid'at) in their eyes!

These people, also, fully observe the first ten days of Muharram, organise large gatherings at pre-set times and publicise the occasion of Faatihah and death anniversaries, hold Qur'aan Khawaani (recitation from the Qur'aan), eulogies are paid, food is distributed and all such things are done. Doing all these things is all right for the Isma'ieli Deobandi Wahaabi propagandists and it does not put their faith in Islam in jeopardy. But by the touch of Shaitaan their Muftees are perhaps benumbed, and so they do not issue any fatwa.

But if the true Sunni Muslims celebrate the day of their holy Prophet (Sallal Laahu 'Alaihi Wa Sallam), every Deobandi Mufti springs to action and begins to issue "fatwa" of (Shirk-Bid'at) paganism and innovation, and of doing forbidden and unauthorised things. Can they really call themselves "Ulama-Haq" on account of what they do?

The ideologue of the Isma'ieli-Deobandi-Wahaabi propagandists, Ashraf Ali Thanvi Sahib, used to hold special functions in the blessed month of Meelaad Nabi (Sallal Laahu Alaihi wa Sallam). His speeches on these occasions have been collated in a book "Meelaad-un-Nabi (Sallal Laahu Alaihi wa Sallam). *

*In India, it has been published under the title "Irshandul 'Ibaad Fi Eid-e-Meelaad" from Sadhora, Ambala.

First published in Pakistan on behalf of the Deobandis. On page 19 of this book, Thanvi Sahib himself says: "The holy Prophet (Sallal Laahu Alaihi wa Sallam) had, all his life, spoken but little about his blessed birth but had dealt at length with the commands Following his tradition it would be but meet and proper that you talk about his blessed birth only as much he has talked about it, and you talk about the commands as much as he had talked about it'.

Strange, indeed, that Thanvi Sahib should fabricate this rule only to be applied to Meelaad, and not to any other affair!
His followers at Honey Dew" might be able to answer this. But these people are altogether indifferent to Meelaad and do not follow the tradition of the holy Prophet (Sallal Laahu Alaihi wa Sallam) and so would be hardly expected to follow the sayings of Thanvi Sahib.

These people should read page 47 of the self same book, "Meelaad-un-Nabi (Sallal Laahu Alaihi wa Sallam), where Thanvi Sahib says: "I say that it (talking about Meelaad) should be done as a Wazeefah (that is as daily routine), and making it a Wazeefah is mentioned at several places in the Qur’aan, for example."Laqad Ja'a Kum Rasoolum Min An Fusikum and Qad Ja'a Kum Minal Laahi Noorun Wa Kitaab". And, likewise, at other places.

Thanvi Sahib first asks people to mention his birth only as much as the holy Prophet (Sallal Laahu Alaihi wa Sallam) himself had done so. Then, he says that mention of Meelaad should be made a Wazeefah, that is done daily, and he has proved this to be in ALLAH's tradition as revealed in His Own Book.

Such contradictory views expressed by Thanvi Sahib have placed the Deobandis in deep trouble. Not only this. For the purpose of making speeches at Meelaad Shareef functions, he has written a special book, according to him, based on correct traditions (Saheeh Riwaayaat) called "Nashr-ut-Teeb", whose contents have made the confusion worse confounded for the Isma'ieli-Deobandi-Wahaabi propagandists.

The "Honey Dew" people should tell us why the disciples of Thanvi Sahib designate true Sunni Muslims as "innovators" for celebrating Meelaad-un-Nabi (Sallal Laahu Alaihi wa Sallam), who all the year round hold functions on the occasion and not only make mention of the blessed birth but also make profuse mention of the commands, and Thanvi Sahib has held such an act on the part of Ahle Sunnat Wa Jama'at to be a correct one. Refusal of the Isma'ieli-Deoband-Wahaabi propagandists to recognise it as such, is, indeed, a misfortune for them.

All Deobandis acknowledge Janab Rasheed Ahmad Gangohi to be their (Mutaa'ul-kul "overall sovereign", and Janab Mahmood Hasan Deobandi, the mentor of Ashraf Ali Thanvi Sahib, has composed a hyperbolic elegy (Marsiyah) and other poems eulogising him. But Shah Abdul Ghani Dehlvi, the mentor of this very Gangohi Sahib, in his book "Shifaa-Saa'il" writes:
"Wahaq Aanast keh Nafse Zikre Wilaadat Aan Hazrat (Sallal Laahu Alaihi wa Sallam) Wa Suroor Faatihah Namoodan Yatni Isaal-Sawaub Baroohe Pur Futooh Saiyyidus Saqalain Az Kamoal Sa'a'dat-lnsaan Ast".
(And the truth is that mankind's total good lies in commemorating the birth of the holy Prophet (Sallal Laahu Alaihi wa Sallam), in reciting Faatihah Shareef for the sake of his requital, and in rejoicing at his birth)".

What would the "Honey Dew" propagandists now say about Shah Abdul Ghani Dehlvi, the mentor of their own Gangohi Sahib, who calls celebrating the birth of the holy Prophet (Sallal Laahu Alaihi wa Sallam) as being of infinite good to mankind? If the Isma'ieli Deobandi-Wahaabi propagandists and their associates are deprived of the infinite good" then they should mourn their deprivation, and not heap more degradation upon themselves by issuing unreasonable Fataawa against those who are so blessed.

The Wahaabi-Deobandi people, in their ignorance, allege that "the 12th of Rabi-ul-Awwal is the date when the holy Prophet (Sallal Laahu Alaihi wa Sallam) was born, and also died, and that neither the holy Prophet (Sallal Laahu Alaihi wa Sallam) himself, nor his Caliphs, nor the great divines nor the Imaams have designated 12th, of Rabi-ul-Awwal as "Eid" day, nor there is any mention of it in any authentic book. Thus, those who celebrate Eid-e-Meelaad are innovators who would be denied a drink from "Kausar". Therefore, all those who observe death anniversaries or Meelaad or Giyaarhveen (in honour of Hazrat Shaikh Saiyyid Abdul Qaadir Jeelaani) must wake up to reality".

In reply, let me say this. O you who get celebrations on the occasion of the centenary of Daarul Uloom, Deoband, inaugurated by a Mushrikah Hindu woman and O you who observe the death anniversaries of your Muftees and O you who let Mushrik Hindus sit on the pulpits of mosques!. If it is at all possible for you to do so, give up intransigence and jealousy and enmity, open your eyes and your closed minds and look at the realities, and reflect.

This servant of Ahle Sunnat would like to know whether they have any definite proof to substantiate their notion that the holy Prophet (Sallal Laahu Alaihi wa Sallam) departed from this world on 12th of Rabi-ul-Awwal. I can state with certainty that it was Monday all right when the holy Prophet (Sallal Laahu Alaihi wa Sallam) left us for his heavenly abode, but, according to calendar, it is not definite whether Monday was the 12th of Rabi-ul-Awwal in the year in which this happened.*

* The holy Prophet (Sallal Laahu 'Alaihi Wa Sallam) departed from this world on 1st or 2nd of Rabi-ul-Awwal See Tabqaat-Ibne Sa’ad Vol. 2, Page 316; Al Bidaayah Wan Nihaayah Vol. 2, Page 340; Seeratun Nabee by Shiblee Nu'maani Page 171 Vol. 1; Rasool-Rahmat by Abul Kalam A'zaad, Page 254; Daa'irah Mu'aarif-lslamiyah by Dr. Muhammad Hameedul Laah and others Vol. 19, Page 76 and Tafseer Mazhari by Allamah Qaazi Sana'ul Laah Paani Pati, Vol. 2, Page 110. Kaukab Noorani Okarvi.

On the margin of page 203 of his book "Nashr-Teeb", Ashraf Ali Thanvi Sahib writes: "And the date has not been established, and the popular notion that it was the 12th of Rabi-ul-Awwal is not correct according to calendar, since that year the 9th of Zil-Hijjah fell on Friday and the proven day of death is Monday. Thus it cannot be that 12th of Rabi-ul-Awwal would be Monday when the 9th of Zil-Hijjah was a Friday". The Deobandis ought not to feel reluctant to accept this after their own Thanvi Sahib's testimony. Even so, I challenge them to prove that according to calendar the 12th of Rabi-ul-Awwal that year fell on a Monday

I would further submit that the birth of Hazrat Aadam (Alaihis-Salaam) occurred on a Friday and he departed on a Friday, but the rejoicing at the birth (Meelaad) of Aadam (Alaihis-Salaam) was retained and Friday was declared a day of Eid for Muslims. Would the people at "Honey Dew" like to tell us whether Muslims rejoice at the birth of Hazrat Aadam (Alaihis-Salaam) on Friday every week or do they mourn his death? It is strange that while Meelaad-e-Aadam should be celebrated as Eid day by all, celebrating the birth of that great personality for whose sake Hazrat Aadam (Alaihis-Salaam) was created should cause so much horror in the minds of those who deny Eid-e-Meelaad-un-Nabi.

The "Honey Dew" people say that no authentic book mentions the day of "Meelaad-un-Nabi" (Sallal Laahu 'Alaihi Wa Sallam) as the day of "Eid". For the present, I will only say with regard to the authenticity of the book which I have with me (in South Africa) that Ashraf Ali Thanvi Sahib and all other Ulama of Deoband have referred to it again and again in order to give weight and greater credence to their own writings, and the book "Nashr-ut-Teeb" is studded with references to it. For further satisfaction of the people at "Honey Dew", I must state that the Urdu translation of the Arabic text of this book has been eulogised by the Ulama of Deoband. This book is called "Mawanhibul Ladunniyah" and the translation is also called the "Seerat Muhammadiyah (Life of Muhammad, Sallal Laahu 'Alaihi Wa Sallam)".

This book by Imaam Ahmad Bin Muhammad Bin Aby Bakr Khateeb Qastalaani (may ALLAH have mercy on him) is 500 years old. A commentary on it, "Sharah Zurqaani", has been written in eight volumes by Allamah Abu Abdul Laah Muhammad Zurqaani and is much valued among learned people. Among those who wrote laudatory articles on the book in 1338 A.H. were:
(I) Janab Muhammad Ahmad, Superintendent, Daarul Uloom, Deoband, and Mufti
Of the Supreme Court of the Kingdom of the Nizam, Hyderabad (Deccan);
(II) JanabMuhammad Habeeb Rahmaan, Assistant Superintendent, Daarul Uloom, Deoband;
(III) Janab I'zaaz Ali, teacher, madrisah Deoband;
(IV) Janab Siraaj Ahmad Rasheedi, teacher, Daarul 'Uloom, Deoband; and
(V) Janab Muhammad Anwar, teacher, Daarul Uloom, Deoband.

On page 75 of his book, Imaam Qastalaani says: "May ALLAH bless a person who celebrates Eid on the nights of the blessed month of the holy birth of the Prophet (Sallal Laahu Alaihi wa Sallam), so that it hurts them the most who have a serious disease in their hearts and who suffer from an incurable ailment on account of the blessed birth". The "Honey Dew" people would have now found the required word "Eid" in such an authentic book. If they do not agree with the writings of Imaam Qastalaani, then thy should condemn the above named Ulama of Deoband who have called this book the best and of great virtue.

For the sake of enhancing my readers in their faith, I quote below some more passages from the same page of the book. After recording the benefits earned by Aboo Lahab in his grave every Monday*

*Aboo Lahab was an uncle to the Prophet (Sallal Laahu Alaihi wa Sallam). The event, which Imaam Qastalaani has referred to, is this. When a maid of Aboo Lahab (Abdul 'Uzza) named Suwaibah informed him of a son being born to his brother Abdul Laah (may ALLAH be pleased with him), he (Aboo Lahab) was so delighted at herring this that he pointed his finger to her in a manner which signified her emancipation for carrying the good news to him But when the holy Prophet (Sallal Laahu Alaihi wa Sallam) declared his Prophethood, he (Aboo Lahab) did not accept him as a Prophet but became a most severe enemy to him and remained so all his life. In condemnation of him a whole Soorah of the Holy Qur’aan descended. After his death, people of Aboo Lahab's household saw him in a dream, and asked him how he had fared. To this, Aboo Lahab said that after departing from them he did not meet with any good but was being given water every Monday from the finger with which he had indicated the emancipation of Suwaibah, and this water lessened his torment.This event his also been related in Bukhaari Shareef, Fathul Baari Sharah Bukhaari. Madaarij-un-Nubawwat, Umadatul Qaari. In his famous book "Madaarij-un-Nubawwat", after relating this even, Hazrat Maulana Shah Abdul Haq Dehlvi says: "This event provides a clear proof to those who celebrate Meelaad Shareef by rejoicing and alms giving on the night of the birth of the holy Prophet (Sallal Laahu Alaihi wa Sallam)" page 19/2. And on page 14 of volume 2 of the book he says: "People of Makkah gather on 12th Rabi-ul-Awwal to is it the house in which the Prophet (Sallal Lanhu 'Alaihi Wa Sallam) only because he was his nephew, he has been receiving, inspite of this being an idolater, the benefits of thus rejoicing in his grave every Monday, then how much more blessing will fall to the lot of him who acknowledges the Prophet (Sallal Laahu Alaihi wa Sallam) as the beloved of ALLAH and His true Prophet, and celebrates Meelaad Shareef repeatedly. As the poet says:
"Dostaan Ra Kujaa Kunee Mahroom
Tu Keh Ba Dushmanaan Nazar Daree"
(How would you (Sallal Laahu 'Alaihi Wa Sallam) leave out friends?
You, who feel great compassion, even for your enemies).

Due to the rejoicing he made at the birth of the holy Prophet (Sallal Laahu Alaihi wa Sallam), Imaam Qastalaani says: "How would anyone of the Urnmah the holy Prophet (Sallal Laahu Alaihi wa Sallam) fare, who is a Muslim and is steadfast in his belief in the unity of Allah and rejoices at his (Sallal Laahu Alaihi wa Sallam) birth and who spends whatever he can afford for the love of him (Sallal Laahu Alaihi wa Sallam)? I swear by my life, that Allah, out of His Grace, will not reward such a person but by entering him into the Gardens of Bliss.

This Is a matter for the propagandists at "Honey Dew" to disprove. Those who celebrate Eid-un-Meelaad will not only be drinking from "Kausar" but drink to their hearts' content, and proof of this is being presented from a book praised by their own "big wigs"

Consider with attention this writing of Imaam Qastalaani. He says: "During the month in which the holy Prophet (Sallal Laahu Alaihi wa Sallam) was born, Muslims always hold functions, take pains to organise them, feed the people and give alms according to their capacity, especially at night, express their joy, engage themselves in doing greater good deeds, relate stories regarding his (Sallal Laahu Alaihi wa Sallam) birth. Doing all this results in immense good to the Musalmaans. Among proved special benefits that accrue from holding a Meelaad function are that the year in which it is held is a year of peace and prosperity and fulfilment of the innermost desires of the Musalmaans".

The propagandists of "Honey Dew" and all Isma'ieli-Deobandi-Wahaabi propagandists should also pronounce a "Fatwa" against the five Ulama to the effect that they would be denied drinks from the "Kausar,' since these five Ulama have endorsed Imaam Qastalaani's view that all Muslims always hold Meelaad functions and those who do not do so are those who have an incurable "ailment" and whose hearts suffer from a disease of the worst sort, and, in fact, are worse even than Abu Lahab.

Let them listen to this description by Imaam Qastalaani of the greatness and virtues of the night when the holy Prophet (Sallal Laahu Alaihi wa Sallam) was born. On page 72 of his book, "Mawaahib Ladunniyah", he says: "The night when the holy Prophet (Sallal Laahu Alaihi wa Sallam) was born excels "Lailatul Qadr" for three reasons. Of these, one is that it was the night on which the holy Prophet (Sallal Lanhu 'Alaihi Wa Sallam) was manifested and Lailatul Qadr was bestowed on him. Now, the thing, which receives its excellence on account of the person on which it is conferred, would be definitely more excellent than the thing conferred. There is no controversy about this proposition (all men of wisdom accept it). Because of this, the night when he (Sallal Laahu Alaihi wa Sallam) was born is more blessed than Lailatul Qadr.

The second reason is that Lailatul Qadr is blessed because on this night Angels descend and the night on which he (Sallal Laahu Alaihi wa Sallam) was born is blessed because he was made manifest. The personality because of whom the night of his birth became blessed is superior to those on account of whom Lailatul Qadr became blessed, that is Angels. This is the true and accepted religion. (The entire body of the Ahle Sunnat unanimously holds that every Prophet is superior to Angels and our Prophet (Sallal Laahu 'Alaihi Wa Sallam) is superior to all the worlds. This is related by Imaam Fakhrud deen Raazi, Ibne Subki and Siraajud deen Albalqini).

The third reason is that the blessing of Lailatul Qadr was bestowed by ALLAH on the Ummah of Saiyyidina Muhammad (Sallal Lanhu 'Alaihi Wa Sallam) while the night when he (Sallal Laahu Alaihi wa Sallam) was born was bestowed by ALLAH on all His creation. He (the holy Prophet) is he whom ALLAH Almighty has sent as a mercy to all the worlds and it is because of him that ALLAH's blessing became applicable to all His creation. Therefore, the night on which he (the holy Prophet) was born is more important by way of benefit and better than Lailatul Qadr".

Imaam Qastalaani further says: "How blessed is the month in which the Prophet of ALLAH (Sallal Laahu Alaihi wa Sallam) was born! How very superior and sacred! How very respected the nights (of the month) as though they are pearls shining bright throughout the ages! How full of light and pure the face of the one born! How blessed the Being (ALLAH) who made the birth of the holy Prophet (Sallal Laahu Alaihi wa Sallam) a springtime for the hearts and his (Sallal Laahu 'Alaihi Wa Sallam) face a manifestation of splendour!

Yaqoolu Lanaa-Lisaanul Haali Minhu. Wa Qaulul Haqqi Ya'zabu Lis Samee'ee
(The tongue of the Prophet of ALLAH (Sallal Laahu Alaihi wa Sallam) Speaks the truth. And the thing is that the voice of truth appears to be sweet to the listener)

And, O questioner! If you want to know about my attributes and my affairs, I would say this:
Fawajhi Waz-Zamaanu Wa sharu Wad'ee Rabee'un Fi Rabee 'in Fi Rabee'ee
(My face and my age and the month of my birth is springtime in the month of Rabee-ul-Awwal).
He (Sallal Laahu 'Alaihi Wa Sallam) has likened his blessed face to springtime in respect of blessed beauty and splendour and that his face blossomed in springtime in the month of Rabee-ul-Awwal). (Page 73, "Mawaahib-dunniyah)
On page 38 of his book, "Meelaad-un-Nabi their (Sallal Laahu Alaihi wa Sallam), Ashraf Ali Thanvi says:
Lihaazash-Shari Fil Islaami Fadlun Wa Manqabatun Tafooqu Alash Shuhoori *
Rabee'un Fi Rabee 'in Fi Rabee tee Wa Noorun Fauqa Noorin Fauqa Noori.

* As Thanvi Sahib has not given the translation of the first verse, therefore I am here giving its translation: "This month (Rabee-ul-Awwal) is considered sublime in Islam, and it ranks higher than all other months".

Thanvi Sahib has not given, perhaps deliberately, either the translation or the explanation of the first verse. But translating the second verse, he says:
"The first Rabee' refers to the holy Prophet (Sallal Laahu Alaihi wa Sallam), the second Rabi' refers to springtime which was the season then or it may be said that his (Sallal Laahu Alaihi wa Sallam) birth caused the springtime, so people have described that year as the year of prosperity, and the third refers to the month. In the second line, Noorun Fauqa Noorin refers to the holy Prophet (Sallal Laahu Alaihi wa Sallam) because all lights were concentrated in his person. So this is the superiority which belongs to this month (Rabee-ul-Awwal)".

Regarding the blessed birth of the holy Prophet (Sallal Laahu Alaihi wa Sallam) on Monday and in the month of Rabee-ul-Awwal, Imaam Qastalaani explains thus:
"His (Sallal Laahu Alaihi wa Sallam) birth did not take place either in Muharram, or in Rajab or in Ramadaanul Mubaarak or in other known holy months, because time does not lend nobility to the holy Prophet (Sallal Laahu Alaihi wa Sallam) and age does not become noble but through his (Sallal Laahu Alaihi wa Sallam) nobility, even as places became noble on account of him, like Madinah Munawwarah which, because of its association with him, attained to greater nobility than Makkah. If he (Sallal Laahu Alaihi wa Sallam) had been born in the above mentioned months, that is to say, Muharram, Rajab and Ramadaanul Mubaarak which were considered sacred by the Arabs, then it could have been said that he (Sallal Lanhu 'Alaihi Wa Sallam) attained nobility because of the months. ALLAH Almighty caused the birth of the holy Prophet (Sallal Laahu Alaihi wa Sallam) to take place in one of the non-sacred months, so that AlLaah's exclusive mercy to him (Sallal Laahu Alaihi wa Sallam) and his special attainments might become manifest".

"The Friday on which Hazrat Aadam (Alaihis-Salaam) was born was particularised by a blessed moment, and no Muslim gets hold of this special moment for his special prayer but ALLAH grants His special favour to such of His bondsmen. How, then, it is with you that you make a special prayer at the blessed moment when the holy Prophet (Sallal Lanhu 'Alaihi Wa Sallam) was born and it is not granted! His (Sallal Laahu Alaihi wa Sallam) birth took place in the early hours of Monday and so supplications should be made in the early hours of Monday morning".
(Pages 69, 70, Mawaahib-Ladunniyah).

Having talked about Imaam Qastalaani (may ALLAH have mercy on him), now let us hear what the famous authority on hadeeth, Allamah Abdur Rahmaan Ibne Jauzi, has to say on the subject. To know about the authenticity of Allamah Abdur Rahmaan Ibne Jauzi (511-597 A.H.), let us hear the testimony of Janab Muhammad Zakariya Kandhalvi, the renowned leader of Isma'ieli-Deobandi-Wahaabi Tablighi group.

In the chapter called "Hikaayaate Sahaabah" (stories of the companions) of his book "Tableeghi Nisaab (Curriculum of Tableegh)", since renamed "Fazaa'il-e-A’maal (Virtues of Actions)", he says: "Ibne Jauzi is a famous authority on hadeeth. His father died when he was only three years old, so he was brought up as an orphan. But he was so painstaking and studious that he would not leave his home except for Jum'ah prayers. Once while lecturing from the pulpit he said that he had calligrapher 2000 books by his own hands, that he had authored over 250 books, that he did not let any of his time go waste, and writing four chapters a day was a routine with him. The quality of his teaching was such that the number of his pupils at any one time is said to be more than 100,000 and rich people and ministers and even kings used to attend his lectures. According to Ibne Jauzi (may ALLAH have mercy on him) himself, 100,000 persons owed spiritual allegiance to him and he converted 20,000 to Islam. He used to collect the stubs of pens, which he used while writing Ahaadeeth. when the time of his death came, he made a will that he should be bathed with water boiled by these (stubs of pens preserved by him). It is said that the water so boiled was not only sufficient for washing his dead body, but some of it was left over". (Pages 99-100 of "Hckoayaate Sahaabah").Having been introduced to Allamah Ibne Jauzi by their own Imaam, all Isma'ieli-Deobandi-Wahaabi propagandists should also know that Ibne Jauzi has devoted a whole book to Meelaad, which is called "Maulad-ul-Uroos". On page 9 of "Maulad-ul-Uroos", Allamah Ibne Jauzi says:
"Waja'ala Liman Fariha Bi maulidihi Hijaabam Minan Naari Wasitra, Waman Anfaaqa Fi Maulidihi Dirhaman Kaanal Mustafa Sallal Laahu Alaihi Wa Sallama Laahu Shaafi'an Wa-Mustafa"
"And whosoever rejoices at the birth of our beloved Mustafa (Sallal Laahu 'Alaihi Wa Sallam), this rejoicing by him will turn the Fire away, and whosoever spends even a dirham on the occasion of the Meelaad of the Prophet of ALLAH (Sallal Laahu 'Alaihi Wa Sallam) he (Sallal Laahu Alaihi wa Sallam) will intercede on his behalf and his intercession will be accepted".) And on page 28, Ibne Jauzi has written thus:

Ya Maulidal Mukhtaari kam Laka Min Sana.
Wa Madaa'ihin Ta'lu Wa Zikrin Yuhmadu.
Ya Laita Toolad Dahri Indi Zikruhu.
Ya Laita Toolad Dahri Indi Mauladu.

("O Meelaad of the Prophet (Sallal Laahu Alaihi wa Sallam)! You are mightily praised, and the praise is such that it is the most lofty and the remembrance is such that it is the most excellent; How I wish the remembrance of the holy Prophet (Sallal Laahu Alaihi wa Sallam) shall be with me for a long time! How I wish his (Sallal Laahu Alaihi wa Sallam) Meelaad shall be with me for a long time!".) At the end of his booklet, Ibne Jauzi says: "Fala Zaala Ahlul Haramainish Shareefain Wal Misr, Wal Yemen, Wash Shaam Wa Saa'iri Bilaadil Arabi Minal Mashriqi Wal Maghribi Yahtafiloona Bimajlisi Maulidin Nabiyyi Alaihis Salaatu Was Salaam Wa Yafrahoona Biqudoomi Hilaali Rabi'il Awwali Biharkati Maulidin Nabiyyi (Sallal Laahu Alaihi wa Sallam)".

("People of Haramain Shareefain (Makkah and Madinah) and Egypt and Yemen and Syria and of the eastern and western cities of Arabia hold functions in celebration of the birth of the Prophet (Sallal Laahu Alaihi wa Sallam), rejoice at the sighting of the Rabi-ul-Awwal moon, bathe and put on their best dresses adorn themselves in various ways, put on scent, and give alms with great joy, and exert themselves in listening to the Meelaad of the Prophet (Sallal Laahu Alaihi wa Sallam). By doing so, they themselves attain to success, as it has been proved that by celebrating the Meelaad of the Prophet (Sallal Laahu Alaihi wa Sallam) much good accrues the whole year round: security and comfort, greater means of livelihood, increase in children and in wealth, peace in cities and contentment and peace in homes")(Addurrul Munazzam, page. 100, 101.)

In this regard, Hazrat Shah Waliyul Laah Dehlvi says: "Hazrat-e-Aeshaan Farmoodand Keh Dawaazdahum Rabi-ul-Awwal "Ba Hasbe Dustoore Qadeem" Qur'aan Khawandam Wa Cheeze Niyaaz Aan Hazrat (Salla Laahu Alaihi Wa Sallam) Qasmat Kardam Wa Ziyaarat Moo'e Shareef Numoodam, Dar Asnaa'e Tilaawat Mala'i A'la Haazir Shudand Wa Roohe pur Futooh Aan Hazrat (Sallal Laahu Alaihi Wa Sallam) Ba jaanibe Een Faqeer Wa Dost Daaraane Een Faqeer Ba Ghaayat Eltifaat Farmood Wa Dar Aan Saa 'at Keh Mala'e A 'la Wa Jama 'ate Muslimeen keh Ba Faqeer Bood Ba Naazo Neyaa'ish Sa'ood Mi Kunand Wa Barakaat Wa Nafhaat Az aan Haal Nuzool Mi Farmaayed. (Page 74 Al Qaulul Jalee)

("Following the ancient practice, I recited the Holy Qur'aan and distributed the things (food etc.) Of the Niyaaz (Faatihah) of the Prophet (Sallal Laahu Alaihi wa Sallam) and made a public display of his blessed heir (Moo'e Muboarak). While reciting (the Holy Qur'aan), Mala'i A'la (Angels nearest to ALLAH) came to attend the Mahfil-e-Meelaad and the blessed soul of the Prophet (Sallal Laahu Alaihi wa Sallam) showed much kindness to me (Shah Waliyul Laah) and my friends. I, thus, saw that Mala'i A 'la (Angels nearest to ALLAH) and, with them, the whole group of Musalmaans, were ascending to high heaven (on account of the blessings of the Prophet) and this blessed condition was reflected (in the Mahfil-e-Meelaad)." In "Fuycoz-Haramain", Hazrat Shah Waliyul Laah has pointed out that the birth of the Prophet (Sallal Laahu Alaihi wa Sallam) was celebrated by the people of Makkah who received blessings on account of it.

Shaikh-ul-Dalaa’il Maulana Sheikh Abdul Haq Muhaddis Allahabaadi has written a researched book called, "Ad Durrul Munazzam Fi Bayaanil Hukmil Maulidin Nabi-yil-A'zam (Sallal Laahu Alaihi wa Sallam)". About this book, Hazrat Haaji Imdadul Laah Muhajir Makki, the spiritual guide of the Ulama of Deoband, says: "Whatever the author, Allamah Jaami'ush Shari 'ah Wat Tareeqah, has written in his book "Ad Durrul Munazzam Fi Bayaanil Hukmil Maulidin Nabi-yil-A'zam" is an altogether good act. This humble self also holds the same view and has found most of the great Mashaa'ikh to be following the same practice. May ALLAH Ta’ala increase the author in his knowledge and action" (page 146).This book has been authenticated by the Ulama of Deoband, as is evident from the laudatory notes included in the book by Janab Muhammad Rahmatul Laah Muhajir Makki; Janab Saiyyid Hamzah, a pupil of Janab Rasheed Ahmad Gangohi; Janab Abdul Laah Ansaari, son of law of Janab Muhammad Qaasim Nanotvi; Janab Muhammad Jameel Rahmaan Khan, son of Janab Abdur Raheem Khan. In his note, the son of law of Janab Muhammad Qaasim Nanotvi has pointed out that Janab Ahmad Ali Muhaddis, Janab Inaayat Ahmad, Janab Abdul Haji, Janab Muhammad Lutful Laah, Janab Irshaad Husain, Janab Muhammad Mulla Nawab, Janab Muhammad Yaqoob, all of them respected Ulama of Deoband, used to participate in Meelaad functions and in the functions at which salutations were presented while standing. He has also mentioned about the Superintendent, madrisah Deoband, Haaji Saiyyid Muhammad 'Aabid, also arranging Meelaad functions at his home. He has also given the testimonies of Janab Muhammad Qaasim Nanotvi himself and of Peerji Waajid Ali Sahib in proof of the fact that Nanotvi Sahib used to hold Meelaad functions.

The seventh chapter of the book "Ad Durrul Munazzam" is devoted to a rebuttal of the arguments of those who oppose Meelaad Shareef or can do so. I wish I could copy the entire chapter, but I will confine myself to only quoting from that chapter of the book by Maulana Abdul Haq Muhaddis Allahabaadi which gives the names of knowing persons who have justified the holding of Meelaad Shareef. I am giving the names of such persons and of the books written by them in the order in which Maulana Abdul Haq has given them. Readers may please go through the following:
(1) Maulana Muhammad Salaamatul Laah,(Ishbaa'il Kalaam Fi lsbaatil Mauladi Wal Qiyaam).
(2) Imam Abu Muhammad Abdur Rahmaan Bin Ismaiel, popularly known as Ibne Shaamah, (Al-Musannaf, Al-Baa 'is 'Alaa Inkaaril Bid 'a wal Hawaadis).
(3) Allamah Muhammad Bin Yoosuf Shaami; (Subulal Huda War Rashaad Fi Seerati Khairil Ibaad, Seerat-e-Shaami).
(4) Allamah Imaam Jalaal-ud-deen Suyooti; (Misbaahuz Zujaajah Ala Sunane Ibne Maajah, Husnul Maqsad Fi Amalel Maulad).
(5) Imaam Haafiz Abul Khair Shamsudud-deen Al Jazri; (At Ta'reef Bil Mauladish Shareef).
(6) Allamah Shaikh Abul Khattaab Bin Umar Bin Hasan Kalbi, popularly known as Ibne Dehyah Undlusi; (Semaahut Tanweer Fi Mauladil Basheeri Wan Nazeer).
(7) Imaam Naasir-ud-deen Al-Mubaarak, popularly known as Ibne Battaah; (in fatwa).
(8) Imaam Jamaal-ud-deen Bin Abdur Rahmaan Bin Abdul Malik.
(9) Imaam Zaheer-ud-deen Bin Ja'far; (in Fatwa).
(1O) Allamah Shaikh Naseer-ud-deen Tayaalesi; (in Fatwa).
(11) Imaam Sadr-ud-deen Mauhoob Ash Shaafi'ee; (in Fatwa).
(12) Imaam Muhaddis Ibae Jauzi. (Al-Maulad)
(13) Imaam Mulla Ali Qaari Hanafi; (Al-Muredur Rawi Fi Maulidin Nabawi).
(14) Imaam Shams-ud-deen Sakhaavi.
(15) Allamah Shaikh Shah Abdul Haq Muhaddis Dehlvi; (Ma Sabata MinasSunnah, Madaarijun Nubawwah).
(16)Allamah Shah Waliyyul Laah Muhaddis Dehlvi; (Ad Durrus Sameen, Fuyoozul Haramain, Al-lntibaah).
(17) Shah Ismaiel Dehlvi; (in Fatwa).
(18) Allamah Muhammad Ishaaq; ('in Fatwa).
(19) Allamah Jamaal-ud-deen Mirza Ahsan Lukhnawi; (in Fatwa).
(20) Mufti Muhammad Sa'dul Laah; (in Fatwa).
(21) Allamah Shaikh Jamaalul Fatanee Hanafi, Mufti of Makkah (in Fatwa).
(22) Allamah Shahaab-ud-deen Khifaa ji; (Risaalah Amalal Maulad)
(23) Allamah Abdur Rahmaan Siraaj Bin Abdul Laah Hanafi, Mufti of Makkah (in Fatwa).
(24) Allamah Abu Bakr Hajji Basiuni Maaliki, Mufti of Makkah. (in Fatwa)
(25) Allamah Muhammad Rahmatul Laah, Mufti of Makkah (in Fatwa).
(26) Allamah Muhammad Sa'eed Bin Ba Basaiyl Shaafi'ee, Mufti of Makkah (in Fatwa).
(27) Allamah Khalf Bin Ibraaheem Hanbaly, Mufti of Makkah (in Fatwa).
(28) Shah Abdul Ghani Naqshbandi (Shifaa us Saa'il).
(29) Allamah Haafiz Shamsuddeen Ibne Naasir-UD-deen Damishqi; (Jaami'ul Aasaar Fi Maulidin Nabiyil Mukhtaar, Al Lafzur Raa'iq, Mauredus Saavi Fi Maulidil Haadi).
(30) Allamah Abu Abdul Laah Muhammad Zurqaani; (Sharah Mawanhib).
(31) Allamah Shah Abdul Azeez Dehlvi.
(32) Shah Rafee-ud-deen Dehlvi.
(33) Imaam-e-Rabbani Mujaddid Alfe Saani Shaikh Ahmad Faarooqi Sehrandi (Maktoo baat).
(34) Maulana Muhammad Mazhar; (Maqaamate Sa'eediyah).
(35) Maulana Karaamat Ali Jaunpuri; (Risaalatul Faisalah).
(36) Imam Badr-ud-deen Aeini; (Umdatul Qaari Sharah Bukhari).

The seventh chapter of the book "Ad Durrul Munazzam" is spread over 43 pages, that is, from page 93 to page 136. The stated list of knowing personalities does not include the names, or the books, of those whose writings have been made use of in order to make arguments more clear. Let us hear from the writings of only two of the personalities mentioned in the list.

The first personality is that of Shaikh Hazrat Shah Abdul Haq Muhaddis Dehlvi (may AlLaah have mercy on him), about whom Janab Ashraf Ali Thanvi has written: "Shah Abdul Haq Sahib used to have the blessed vision of the holy Prophet (Sallal Laahu Alaihi wa Sallam) daily". Thanvi Sahib, throughout his writings, has acknowledged the greatness and excellence of the learning of Hazrat Shah Abdul Haq Muhaddis Dehlvi. here, I am giving only one reference. On page 65 of his book, "Shukrun Ni'mah Bizikr Rahmatir Rahmah", Thanvi Sahib quotes a passage from Shaikh Abdul Haq Muhaddis Dehlvi's (may ALLAH have mercy on him) book "Ashe'atul Lam 'aat"' and says:" Since Shaikh Abdul Haq Muhaddis Dehlvi is a profound Muhaddis, so he must have written about ten kinds of (Shafaa 'at) intercession after consulting some hadeeth, though I cannot lay my hands on this particular hadeeth. Even so, it is acceptable to me because Shaikh (Abdul Haq) has a vast knowledge of hadeeth". The personality whose writings were acceptable to their ideologue, Thanvi Sahib, should also be acceptable to his followers, or else these people should prove that they are superior to Thanvi Sahib or that they do not accept Thanvi Sahib as their ideologue or some such thing. The decision lies with them.

Hazrat Shah Abdul Haq Muhaddis Dehlvi (may Allah have mercy on him), on page 82 of his book "Ma Sabata Minas Sunnah" (published by Qaiyyumi Press, Kanpur, August, 1923), referring to the night of the blessed birth, of the holy Prophet (Sallal Laahu 'Alaihi Wa Sallam) says:
"Iza Qulna Innahu Wulida Lailan Fatilkal Lailatu Afzalu Min Lailatil Qadri Bilaa Shubhatin Li 'Anna Lailatal Maulidati Lailatu Zuhoorihi Sallal Laahu Alaihi Wa Sallama Ala Jamee'il Khalaa'igi Min Ahlis Samnawaati Wal Ardeen".
("We would rather say that the night when the holy Prophet (Sallal Laahu Alaihi wa Sallam) was born is definitely superior to Lailat-ul-Qadr. This is so because the night of the birth is the night when he was manifested and Lailat -ul Qadr was bestowed on him (Sallal Laahu Alaihi wa Sallam), and a thing which became blessed on account of him upon whom it was bestowed is more blessed than that which became blessed because of it being conferred upon him (Sallal Laahu Alaihi wa Sallam) and because Lailat-ul-Qadr is blessed because on this night Angels descend, and the night of the birth of the holy Prophet (Sallal Laahu Alaihi wa Sallam) is blessed because of himself (Sallal Laahu Alaihi wa Sallam), and because Lailat-ul-Qadr is a blessing only for the Ummah of Muhammad (Sallal Laahu Alaihi wa Sallam) and the night of his blessed birth is a blessing for all beings. Thus the Prophet (Sallal Laahu Alaihi wa Sallam) is he who ALLAH Ta'Aala sent down as a mercy to all the worlds and it is through him that ALLAH completed His blessings on all His creations in all heavens and in all earth").

On page 83 of his book, after mentioning about Aboo Lahab being blessed every Monday for rejoicing at the birth of the holy Prophet (Sallal Laahu Alaihi wa Sallam) readers have read about this event on previous pages—, Hazrat Shah Abdul Haq Muhaddis Dehlvi (may ALLAH have mercy on him) says:"Fama Haalul Muslimi Min Ummatihi Yasurru Bi Maulidihi Wayabzilu Ma Tasilu Ilaihi Qudratuhu Fi Mahab-batihi Sallal Laahu Alaihi Wa Sallama La, Umre' Innama Kaana Jazaa'uhu Minal Laahil Kareemi Ain Yudtkilahu Bi Fadlihil Ameemi Jannaatin Na'eenei. Wala Zaala Ahlul Islami Yahtafiloona Bishari Mauladihi Sallal Laahu Alaihi Wa Sallam....Farahimal Laahi Imra 'an Ittakhaza Layaaliya Shara Maulidihil Mubaaraki A'' yaadan Liyakoona Ashadda Ilatan Ala Man Fi Qalbihi Maradun Wa Inaad"
"How would one from the Ummah of the holy Prophet (Sallal Laahu Alaihi wa Sallam) fare who rejoices at the birth of the holy Prophet (Sallal Laahu Alaihi wa Sallam) and spends as much as he can afford for the love of the Prophet (Sallal Laahu Alaihi wa Sallam)! I swear by my life that the Most Merciful ALLAH's reward for him who celebrates meelaad will be nothing but that he will be entered into the Garden of Bliss. '`(Those who believe in Islam always hold functions in the month of his (Sallal Laahu Alaihi wa Sallam) birth, cook food, and give a variety of alms on the nights of this month and rejoice, and do more good deeds, and recite Maulood Shareef of the holy Prophet (Sallal Laahu Alaihi wa Sallam), and all such (who celebrate Meelaad) receive all sorts of blessings, the most pronounced characteristic of which is that they are at peace in the whole of that year and (because of the blessings of Meelaad) they are expeditiously relieved of their needs and also attain their hearts' desire. Thus, may ALLAH have mercy on him who treats the nights of the month of the holy Prophet's birth as "Eids" so that doing this (celebrating feed on account of Meelaad) may greatly hurt him in whose heart there is a disease and who is averse to it.)"
 
Dear readers! This servant of the Ahle Sunnat (Kaukab Noorani Okarvi) has provided the words, "making Meelaad Shareef the day of Eid" and has quoted the testimonies of the Ulama of Deoband about the quality of the writings of these two personages, Imaam Qastalaani and Hazrat Shaikh Abdul Haq Muhaddis Dehlvi (may ALLAH bless them). If even after this they say "I do not believe", then their disease is incurable, indeed.

Now let us look at the writings of one other personage. The station of Hazrat Imaam Mulla Ali Qaari Hanafi (may ALLAH has mercy on him) is not hidden from men of learning. In his book, "Mauradur Rawi Fi Maulidin Nabavi (Sallal Laahu 'Alaihi Wa Sallam)", he writes: "Qaala Ya'ni Ibne! Jazri Wa Iza Kanna Ahlus Saleebi Ittakhazoo Lailata Maulidi Nabiyyihim Eidil Akbar, Fa Ahlul Islaami Aula Bit Takreemi Wa Ajdar" ("Ibne Jazri says that if Christians (Ahle Saleeb) can celebrate the night of the birth of their Prophet as their great Eid, then those belonging to Islam should honour their own Prophet's birth (Sallal Lanhu 'Alaihi Wa Sallam) in a bigger way than the Christians do. I say in reply to the question whether we should do so since we are duty bound to oppose the Ahle Kitaab and nothing in this regard has been quoted from Shaikh Ibne Jazri, we should turn to Imaam Sakhaavi and to the greatest of the divines of Islam and leader of the Imaams, Abul Fazl Ibne Hajar, a most authentic teacher (may ALLAH shower His mercy on him and may He always keep him in the Garden of Bliss) who has brought out the reality about celebrating Meelaad, from which every wise and learned person can derive his authority. And this reality is proved by the books of correct ahadeeth (Bukhaari and Muslim). According to them, on arriving in Madinah the holy Prophet (Sallal Laahu Alaihi wa Sallam) found the Jews to be keeping fast on Aashoora day. When he enquired from them why they did so, they said that was the day when ALLAH Ta’ala drowned Fir'aun in the river and delivered Moosa (Alaihis Salaam) from him. Thus it was that they fasted on that day in order to give thanks to Allah Ta’ala. Upon this, the holy Prophet (Sallal Laahu Alaihi wa Sallam) said that he had a greater right to celebrate the deliverance of Moosa (Alaihis-Salaam) from Fir'aun. Therefore, he (Sallal Laahu Alaihi wa Sallam) himself fasted and also ordered his companions to keep fast on that day, and also said that provided he was alive the next year he would keep fast on the 9th of Muharram as well. I say that the holy Prophet (Sallal Laahu Alaihi wa Sallam) first sided with the Jews and, later on, he (Sallal Laahu 'Alaihi Wa Sallam) opposed the Jews (that is, he kept fast on the 10th of Muharram and also on the 9th of Muharram) so that the distinction should continue to be there. Shaikh Ibne Hajar said that this hadeeth pointed out that giving thanks to ALLAH Ta’ala (rejoice) for anything with which ALLAH Ta’ala blesses His bondsmen is beneficial, whether the thing comes to them by way of bestowal of reward or deliverance from evil". (Ad Durrul Munazzam. page 114).Imaam Mulla Ali Qaari (may ALLAH have mercy on him) has placed the "Honey Dew" people in a double distress and the testimony of the Ulama of Deoband in confirmation of "Ad Durrul Munazzam" has confronted all the Isma'ieli-Deoband-Wahaabi propagandists with the greatest disaster, because Imaam Mulla Ali Qaari has proved wetlaad Shareef to be not only "Eid' but "Eid-e-Akbar" (Greatest Eid), and has done so by ascribing the source to be Sunnat (Prophetic tradition) and that, too, on a particular day. It is thus that this humble servant of Ahle Sunnat has been telling these Deobandi Wahaabis that they should not come after me, otherwise I will not let them alone and put them into great difficulty.

Readers would have noticed all that has been said by great and renowned personalities in justification of celebrating Meelaad Shareef. Now, only two ways are open to the "Honey, Dew" people: either they apply their "fatwa" of paganism and innovation on these personages as well or they retract from their "fatwa" against us and apologise to us, and after having retracted from their 'fatwa" start celebrating Meelaad Shareef

If this servant of Ahle Sunnat would have written this booklet sitting in his library then he would, surely, have given references to many other books. *

*A book written by the Meelaad renowned Muhaddis, Imaam Abdur Rahmaan Bin Umar Auzaa'ee (156 A.H.), is said to be the first book on Meelaad Shareef. It has been published from Beirut. Saiyyid Sulaimaan Nadvi, in his monumental work "Seerat Nabi", Vol. 3, also says that Meelaad Shareef was celebrated in the 3rd or 4th century Hijra. Moreover, several great scholars of Islam have written books justifying celebration of Meelaad Shareef Most of these books are in my library in Pakistan.

All the same, by the grace of ALLAH Subhanahu Wa Ta’ala, I have given a detailed and silencing reply to the two page poster of the "Honey Dew" people, with the aid of only those books that were available with me during my journey. I have no reason to feel elated about it, for I think that this has been possible only due to the blessings of the holy Prophet's (Sallal Laahu 'Alaihi Wa Sallam) blessed sandals and of celebrating Meelaad Shareef. May ALLAH Ta’ala keep me steadfast in the path of truth and may He make me successful in both the worlds!I would have quoted extracts from (Ash Shamaamatul Ambariyyah), the booklet by the Imam of the "ghair muqalidin (non-conformists), Nawab Siddieeq Hasan of Bhopal, but for the fact that it is not with me during my travel. Readers may go through the booklet by my respected father, Hazrat Maulana Muhammad Shafee Okarvi (may ALLAH have mercy on him) called "Barakaate-e-Meelaad Shareef "(Blessings of Meelaad Shareef).

The "Honey Dew" propagandists may also read this. On page 6 of his book "Jum'ah Ke Fazaa'il Ahkaam", Janab Ashraf Ali Thanvi says: "Ibne Abbaas (may ALLAH be pleased with him) once recited the verse Alyauma Akmaltu Lakum Deenakum and a Jew who was then sitting with him said that if such a verse would have descended upon them they would surely have celebrated Eid on that day. Ibne Abbaas (may ALLAH he pleased with him) said that this verse had descended on the day of "two 'Eids", the day of Jum'ah and the day of Arafah. By this he meant that there was no need for them to do so (celebrating that day as Eid) since that day they already had ``two 'Eids". (Tirmizi, Tafseere-Khaazin). What say the "Honey Dew" propagandists and their associates to this reference by their own Thanvi Sahib? For, Hazrat Ibne Abbaas (may ALLAH be pleased with him) did not say to the Jew that the companions (of the Prophet) thought it wrong and an innovation to call as "Eid day" the day on which descended mercy and blessing from ALLAH. But the companion of the Prophet only explained to the Jew the reality, that is to say what to speak of celebrating one Eid on the day the above verse descended, they actually were celebrating two Eids, i.e., that day was, without any doubt, Eid day.

"Yaum-e-Arafah" is not generally called 'Iced, but the companion of the Prophet (may ALLAH be pleased with him) gave that day the importance of Eid. Who can claim that the venerated companions who considered Yaum-e-Arafah to be an Eid day, and said so, would not have deemed the day of the Meelaad of the holy Prophet (Sallal Laahu Alaihi wa Sallam) as the greatest day of rejoicing (Eid) for the entire universe? Monday is considered as blessed only because of the Meelaad of the holy Prophet (Sallal Laahu Alaihi wa Sallam). A hadeeth is related in which the Prophet (Sallal Laahu Alaihi wa Sallam) says that "Monday was the day when I was born". Is this saying of the holy Prophet (Sallal Laahu Alaihi wa Sallam) not enough for them to realise the blessing and greatness of Monday? Can anyone of the creations refuse to give the respect and veneration due to the Prophet of ALLAH (Sallal Laahu Alaihi wa Sallam)? Only those who are not convinced of the greatness and high rank of the holy Prophet (Sallal Laahu Alaihi wa Sallam) will deem it wrong to call the day of his birth as blessed and not celebrate it as 'Eid day. All such people are far from the mercy of AI-Laah tamale and are the beloved of Sahitaan.

The insolent language, which the writers of the poster published from "Honey Dew" have used, bears the stamp of their inner evil. See for yourself their words quoted verbatim below:
"He then "appeals to all Muslims" to "REJOICE FULLY" on this day. The Shariah does not instruct us to do any such thing, but rather some loony innovator, who is unable to even translate a simple ayat of the Quraan takes it upon himself to effect changes in the Deen and instruct the Ummah to innovate by "Rejoicing fully". It is only a hardened enemy of Rasulullah (Sallal Laahu Alaihi wa Sallam) who will "rejoice fully" on the 12th Rabi-ul-Awwal the day when Rasulu’Llah (Sallal Laahu Alaihi wa Sallam) passed away; the day on which his noble companions were stunned beyond words; the day when his beloved daughter, Hazrat Fatima (RA) wept bitterly.*

* Only Shaitaan had wept on 12th Rabi ul Awwal the day on which the holy Prophet (Sallal Laahu Alaihi Wasallam) was born. See Al Bidaayah Wan Nihaayah Vol. 2, Page 266; Sha-waahidun Nubuwwah by Maulana Jaami Page 51.

In one corner of the house on such a day it is only the enemy of Rasulullah (Sallal Laahu Alaihi Wasallam) who will "rejoice fully" and "appeal" to others to do so by "decorating their shops. homes and mosques" and whose desire it is "to let the non-Muslims know" that the Muslims are "rejoicing fully" at the death of their Prophet! ! ! (Astaghfirullah).

The non-Muslims were the ones that celebrated at the death of Rasulullah (Sallal Laahu Alaihi Wasallam) and today it must really please them to know that the Muslims have joined them. WHAT A MOCKERY OF ISLAM ! ! !"

Dear readers! After reading these words, you must have realised fully what is the standard of the thoughts and the doings of Isma'ieli-Deobandi-Wahaabi Tablighi corrupters. This servant of Ahle Sunnat, in his book "White and Black", has exposed the corrupt minds of the "big-wigs" of these Deobandi-Wahaabis through their own writings. About such obnoxious writings of these Deobandi-Wahaabis I would only say that these people should not forget that they have to go to their dark graves one day and on that day they would come to know of the consequences of mocking at Islam. May the Merciful AlLaah protect us from the mischief of such enemies of our beloved Prophet (Sallal Laahu 'Alaihi Wa Sallam)! Aameen.