ER.MOHAMMAD ASHRAF FAZILI
Introduction to the Mawlid al-Barzanji – Shaykh Faraz Rabbani
Everyone thinks about whom or what they love. For the believers, however, our rejoicing is in Allah and His Messenger, Allah bless him and give him peace. This imperative to rejoice is a means to sustaining life of faith. One of the best things we can possibly find joy in, is the gift of the Prophet.
When we recite mawlids, or poetry in praise of the Prophet, it rejuvenates our faith and gives us joy. This is why scholars have written poetry throughout the ages, teaching the readers about the life of the Prophet. One of the best-known such poems, is the Mawlid al-Barzanji.
About Imam al-Barzanji
Imam al-Barzinji was an Imam originating from a town called Shazur in Kurdistan. He was born on Friday, the 12th of Rabi al-Awwal in the year 1040 after hijra. He was raised in Shazur, where he studied the Islamic sciences. Islamic knowledge in his hometown.
At the age of 63 he moved to Medina. This was the habit of many scholars, who would spend their lives teaching and calling to Allah. Then, in the later part of their lives, they would devote their lives to devotion and writing.
Imam al-Barzanji, however, was a Shaf’i mufti. Although he came to Medina as a foreigner, he was made the Chief Justice in Medina because of his knowledge, piety, and virtue. He died in Medina and is buried in Jannat al-Baqi’.
His Mawlid
His mawlid is unique, mainly focused on the birth of the Prophet and its coming. Some parts of the mawlid are composed in poetry, while other parts of it are written in prose form.
Much could be said about it, but one of its characteristics is that it speaks about the Prophet in language that is eloquence yet is clear and easily accessible to the common person. It has been translated in many languages, including Java, Urdu, and Swahili, and is widely read across the Muslim world.
Extracts of the Translation of Mawlid by Faqeer Mohammad Shakeel Quadiri.
Imaam Barzanji was a Shaafi in Madhab, born in Madīnah Shareef in 1128 Hijri. He travelled the world in search of knowledge and became the Mufti of the Shaafiis in Madīnah Shareef. He passed away in 1177 Hijri and was buried in Jannatul Baqee in Madīnah Shareef. He authored many works, most of which were lost. His Mawlood e Barzanji is extremely famous especially amongst the Shaafiis. If you mention Naat or Mawlid, many in the Middle East generally recite Mawlid al Barzanji.
It is extremely baa-barkat, blessed and accepted in the most Blessed court. Imaam Barzanji authored other works such as Manaaqib e Sayyid al Shuhadaa and the names of the Shuhadaa-e-Uhud and Badr which have been translated into English by Faqeer Mohammad Shakeel Quadiri of London. Other famous books are Qissah al Mawlid, the story of the Prophetic Birth, Qissah al Me’raaj, the story of Me’raaj Shareef, al Ghusn al Wardi Fi Akhbaar al Sayyid al Mahdi, traditions regarding Imaam Mahdiz, al Janiy al Dani Fi Manaaqib Sheikh‘Abdul Qaadir al Jilaani, The Abundant Harvest, The Virtuous Traits of Huzoor Ghawth e Paak z. Jaliyat al Karab Bi As-haab Sayyid al Ajam Wal Arab, The remover of gloom regarding the companions of the Master of Arabs and non-Arabs. He wrote the names of the Ashaab e Shuhadaa e Badr in Jaliylatul Qadr Fi As-haabe Badr, amongst others. Imaam Barzanjiz was a great ‘Aalim, Sufi and was extremely pious. He generally would keep very quiet. He was the Mufti of all Shafiis for more than 20 years and the grand Mufti in Masjid al Nabawi Shareef. He would speak very little, but it is said that when he would speak against the badmazhabs the whole of the Arab lands would know that a man of Allah Almighty has spoken. The Mawlid al Barzanji is essentially a collection of praises of the Most Beloved Prophet and mentions the blessed Miracles and incidents about the birth and life of The Beloved Prophet. It is a means of great blessing and is recited in many parts of Africa, Middle East and the Far East. It should be read and listened to with the utmost respect and adab. This is completely necessary.
(01) When Allah Almighty willed to send forth the reality of Noor e Muhammadī , His appearance as a body and soul. He moved it to a resting place inside Sayyidah Aaminah. Allah Almighty selected her to be the mother of the Blessed one, the Chosen one. It was announced in the Heavens and the Earth that Sayyidah Aaminah is carrying the blessed Noor. Every ardent lover turned towards this scented breeze of the Most Beloved. After a long barren spell, the earth was clothed with a lush green carpet, fruits ripened, the trees bowed their heavy-laden loads so that fruits became easy pickings. Every animal from the Quraish tribe, spoke in pure Arabic of his arrival. The idols fell flat on their faces. The animals of prey from east to west exchanged this good news. The whole world drank pure wine from this cup of great joy. The jinns announced His coming, the soothsayers fore told and the monks became afraid. Every learned scholar was eager to hear the news of His coming and became lost in astonishment by the display of his beauty. His Blessed Mother heard in a dream “you are carrying the Master of the Worlds the best of all mankind, when He bis born name him Muhammad, for surely He band all from Him b is praised.” O Allah, scent His Blessed Grave with aromatic fragrance of peace and blessings.
Allah Almighty’s mercy, blessings and peace be upon Him.
(02) After two months had passed, according to the most well-known references, His father Sayyidunā ‘Abdullahz passed away in Madīnah Shareef, whilst he was visiting his uncle on his mother’s side, Bani Uday who was from the tribe of Bani Najjaar. Whilst visiting there he fell ill, and for a month he remained with them whilst they tried to treat him. When nine lunar months had passed, on the night of His blessed birth, Sayyidah Aasiyah and Sayyidah Maryam brought with them the Hoors from Jannah and tended to His Mother. The moment she went into labour; she gave birth to The Most Beloved as a Noor whose brilliance illuminates the world.
How beautiful is thy face, Shining brighter than the sun. From which this night became enlightened by your beautiful face. The Night of the Blessed Meelad for the Deen, A day of joy and pride. The givers of good news cried out saying, “The Chosen one, Mustafa has been born and everyone began to rejoice.”
This is the mentioning of the blessed birth, and indeed one should stand at the mention of the Blessed birth. The Imaams of narration have mentioned this and preferred this. A great honour and reward is for the one whose sole aim is to honour the greatness of the Most Beloved.
O Allah scent His Blessed Grave with the aromatic fragrance of peace and blessings.
Allah Almighty’s mercy, blessings and peace be upon Him
(03) He appeared (was born) in the position where His Blessed hands were on the earth and His Blessed Exalted head was raised up towards the sky. This raising of His Blessed head indicating His sovereignty and highest rank above all of mankind, and that He is the Beloved One whose unique character and personality is matchless. His mother called for Sayyidunā ‘Abd al Muttalib who was performing tawaaf of the Ka’bah, he came quickly and looked at him with utmost pleasure. Out of immense happiness he took Him to the Ka’bah, and stood with sincere intention and made Du‘ā for Him thanking Allah, the Exalted, for this Blessing. He was born pure, circumcised, the umbilical cord already removed by the Qudrat of Allah Almighty (Divine Power). The Most Beautiful illuminating face, and with the kohl of divine care in both His Blessed eyes. Some said that He was circumcised seven nights after His birth by His grandfather, Sayyidunā ‘Abdul Muttalib who served a feast and fed the people and named him Muhammad honouring Him in His abode. O Allah scent His Blessed Grave with the aromatic fragrance of peace and blessings.Allah Almighty’s mercy, blessings and peace be upon Him
(04) Upon the Blessed birth, miraculous and strange events appeared to announce His Prophethood and to notify the world that He is Allah’s Chosen One. The sky was shielded, the evil and mischievous devils and jinn were driven away from it. The luminous stars struck every accursed one, and then lowered themselves to the Beloved out of love. By their light the valleys and hills of the haram (Makkah)were illuminated. Upon the Blessed Birth such a bright light appeared with Him, illuminating the Roman castles of Shaam, and these were seen by those who resided in the valleys of Makkah. The high and extremely strong Persian palace at Mada’in built by Nausherwan cracked and crumbled and fourteen of its high balconies fell. This event which had such a devastating effect on the palace, had the same effect on his kingdom. Upon the appearance of the Blessed illuminating face, by the illuminating rays of this beautiful full moon the fires worshipped by the Persian kingdoms extinguished. Lake Saawah which had been between Hamadhaan and Qom was swallowed up by the earth leaving it and its paths of flowing water completely dry. The valley of Samaawah, a dry desert, now overflowed with water after the Blessed Birth, whereas it had never had enough water to even wet the mouths of the thirsty. The Beloved Prophet was born in the valleys of Makkah, the sanctuary in which the trees and plants were not even permitted to be cut.The scholars have differed in their accounts regarding the exact year, month, and day of His birth, But the most authentic narrations are that the Blessed birth was on Monday the Twelfth of Rabi‘al Awwal in the year of the elephant. That elephant from whom Allah Almighty protected the Ka’bah by stopping it and the army of the enemies from entering the haram.
O Allah, scent His Blessed Grave with the aromatic fragrance of peace and blessings.
Allah Almighty’s mercy, blessings and peace be upon Him.
(05) His Blessed Mother fed Him for a few days then Thuwaybah who, when she gave Abu Lahab the good news of the Prophet’s birth, was immediately set free as a reward. She fed Him with her son, Masrūh, and Abu Salamah. She honoured the Most Beloved and gave great respect. Before Him she had suckled Hamzah who is praised for his bravery and support for the Dīn. The Most Beloved would send her well-deserved gifts and clothing from Madīnah Shareef, until she passed from this world and her body was put in the Grave. Some said that she kept the Dīn of her people in jahaliyyah
until her death, others said that she submitted to Islam, and this has been proven and narrated by Ibn al Mundah. Then the Beloved Prophet was fed by a young woman, Sayyidah
Halīmah al Sa‘diyyah . The people had rejected her as a wet nurse. By nightfall her barren life became fertile, she fed Him
from the right side and her chest immediately overflowed with milk and from her left side she fed His suckling brother. She became healthy and wealthy after weakness and poverty, her extremely old and frail female camel and her sheep became fat, and all her difficulties and misfortunes were no longer present. Good fortune embroidered her cloak with beauty and good living.
O Allah, scent His Blessed Grave with the aromatic fragrance of peace and blessings.
Allah Almighty’s mercy, blessings and peace be upon Him By Allah Almighty’s blessing,
(06) He would grow in one day what the other children would grow in one month. He was able to stand on His feet within three months, walked in five months, and was able to talk articulately within nine months. Whilst in the care of Sayyidah Halīmah two angels opened His Blessed chest and took out from His Noble Heart a clot of blood. After removing a portion, they washed it with ice and filled it with wisdom and words of faith. They then sealed it, with the seal of Prophethood. The Angels then weighed Him and found Him to be heavier than one thousand men from His Ummah. He grew up with the most perfect qualities of a young child. Then Sayyidah Halīmah returned Him to His
Mother even though she wanted to keep Him. She feared harm may befall Him. Sayyidah Halīmah visited The Beloved Prophet
when He was with His Blessed wife, The Mother of the Believers, Sayyidah Khadija, she was given gifts generously and given much respect by The Most Beloved. When, on the day of Ḥunayn, she came to visit Him, He stood up out of respect to honour her. The Prophet was so happy to see her that He
laid down for her His Noble Shawl, as a carpet out of generosity and honour. The correct belief is that she, along with her husband and her children became Muslims, a great number of trustworthy narrators consider all of them to be among the Companions.
O Allah, scent His Blessed Grave with the aromatic fragrance of peace and blessings.
Allah Almighty’s mercy, blessings and peace be upon Him.
(07) When the Most Beloved reached the age of four years His Blessed Mother took Him to al Madīnah al Munawwarah, and on the way back, at either Abwā’ or at Hajūn she passed from this world. He was then carried by His nurse maid, Sayyidah Umm Ayman, the Ethiopian, whom He later arranged the marriage to His freed slave Sayyidunā Zayd ibn Hārithah.She took Him to His grandfather Sayyidunā‘Abdul Muttalib who showed Him great affection and support. He said, “This son of mine has an extremely exalted status, so glad tidings to He who shows Him respect and support.”
Even in His childhood The Most Beloved never complained of hunger or thirst. He would often suffice on the water of ZamZam first thing in the morning. Then, when death paid a visit to the courtyard of His grandfather Sayyidunā ‘Abdul Muttalib, His uncle Abu Taalib, the brother of His Father
Sayyidunā‘ Abdullah, adopted Him. He carried out this duty of looking after Him with great determination. Abu Taalib put The Most Beloved before himself and his own children in fulfilling any needs. When the Prophet reached the age of twelve years, His uncle took Him towards the cities of Shaam on one of His trips. There, the monk Buhayrā, recognised Him due to His Blessed features and attributes which fit the description of Prophethood. He said, “I see Him as the Master of the Worlds, the Messenger of Allah and His Prophet, for verily the trees and stones prostrated to Him and they never prostrate except to a Blessed Prophet.”
“Without doubt, we find His praise in the ancient divine-books.” “And between His shoulder blades is the Seal of Prophethood, completely illuminated by light and surrounded by Noor.” He requested Abu Taalib to take Him back to al Makkah al Mukarramah fearing that harm may befall Him from the Jews. Therefore, Abu Taalib returned with The Most Beloved to alMakkah al Mukarramah and did not pass beyond the city of Buhraah in Blessed Shaam.
O Allah scent His Blessed Grave with the aromatic fragrance of peace and blessings.
Allah Almighty’s mercy, blessings, and peace be upon Him.
(08) When He reached the age of twenty-five, Heonce again travelled to Busraah on behalf of Sayyidah Khadījah. He was accompanied by the servant of Sayyidah Khadījah, Maysarah, who served Him and looked after His needs. The Beloved Prophet rested under a tree near a monastery called Nastūr. The tree inclined its thick shade towards the Most Beloved, and due to this a Christian monk recognised Him. He said, “No one ever rested under this tree except a Prophet or a Messenger possessing pure and excellent qualities, for whom Allah has chosen to give moral excellence.” Then, whilst trying to uncover the hidden qualities he asked Maysarah, “Is there any redness in his eyes?” Maysarah answered, “Yes.” So, he confirmed to himself what he had been thinking and what he had been searching for. Then he said to Maysarah, “Don’t leave His side, be with Him with sincerity, determination and honesty, for He is the One whom Allah has honoured and granted Prophethood.” The Most Beloved then returned to Makkah. Sayyidah Khadījah was with a group of women when she saw Him approaching with two Angels over Him giving shade from the heat of the sun. Maysarah informed her that the Angels giving shade had been the case with them throughout the trip and he told her of the advice the monk had entrusted him with. Allah Almighty granted great profit on this particular trip and granted barakah in it, so from what she saw and heard it became clear to her that He was the Messenger of Allah Almighty sent towards the whole of mankind.
She sent a request of marriage so that by His Perfumed Scent
she would also obtain the scent of ‘Imaan. He
informed His uncles regarding what this pure and pious woman had asked Him, and they agreed, for they had heard of her virtue, her piety, her beauty, her wealth, and her lineage, all cherished qualities, and it was due to these qualities every man in her tribe wished to marry her. Abu Taalib performed the Khutbah for the Nikaah, praised Allah and then praised The Beloved Prophet after which he said,
“By Allah, His future holds a great announcement, due to which His leadership will be praised.” She was married to Him by her father in the very first instance; it is also said by her uncle; and it is also said by her brother. She gave birth to all His
Blessed Children except the one who was named Khalīl (Ibraahīm).
O Allah scent His Blessed Grave with the aromatic fragrance of peace and blessings.
Allah Almighty’s mercy, blessings and peace be upon Him.
(09) When He reached the age of thirty-five, the Quraysh rebuilt. the Ka’bah because its walls had cracked from the flood waters from the valleys in Makkah. A dispute arose over who would lift the black stone back into its place in the Ka’bah, for everyone wanted this honour. The argument grew until they took vows to take up arms against each other. Then they summoned each other to agree upon leaving the resolution of the matter to someone who would apply wisdom and justice. They decided to accept the decision of the first one who entered from the gate of al Sanadah al Shaybiyyah.The Prophet was the first to enter, so they said, “He is the al Amin (The Honest One). We all accept Him and are pleased with whatever He decides and instructs.” They then asked Him to make a ruling on the matter so He put the Hajar ul Aswad into a piece of cloth and instructed all the tribes to hold a part of the cloth, and lift it together to its designated place. They all lifted it to its place in the corner of the Ka’bah where, with His Blessed, Noble Hands, He put it in its present place.
O Allah scent His Blessed Grave with the aromatic fragrance of peace and blessings.
Allah Almighty’s mercy, blessings and peace be upon Him.
(10) When the Beloved Prophet completed forty years of age according to the most trusted narrators, Allah Almighty announced Him as a bringer of good news and a warner to the worlds. Before, revelation commenced He saw clear true dreams. These, continued for six months, each one clear in meaning, as clear as the morning’s light. This began like this to strengthen His human capacity, so that the Angel appearing suddenly with revelation would not weaken the body. Isolation was made dear to Him, He would worship in the mountain of Hirā’ countless nights, until the pure truth came to him with revelation. This began on Monday, the seventeenth of the month of the Laylat al Qadr. There are other traditions saying that it was the twenty-seventh or the twenty-fourth of that month, or the eighth of Rabi’ al Awwal.
The Angel Jibrīl said to Him, “Read.” Herefused, Then he embraced Him tightly, the Angel Jibrīl said again,“Read.” He again refused. Then the Angel Jibrīl embraced Him a second time until he reached his maximum exertion, and then covered Him. The Angel Jibrīl for a third time said, “Read.” And He again refused, a third time the Angel embraced Him so that He would be prepared for what was about to be given to Him.
Nabī announced His Nubuwwah at the age of 40 and did not become a Nabī at the age of 40 as He was a Nabī when Ādam ‘Alayhis Salaam was between sand and water. Not by the coming of the Angel but by the power of Revelation. Hence, He received revelation over a long period of time.
Then the revelation stopped for three years or thirty months, making Him look forward eagerly to those beautifully fragranced scents of revelation. Then Yaa Ayyuh al Muddathir was revealed, so the revelation of Iqra bismi Rabbika is evidence that His Nubuwwah was before His Risaalah. The glad tidings for those who were called towards the Din.
O Allah scent His Blessed Grave with the aromatic fragrance of peace and blessings.
Allah Almighty’s mercy, blessings and peace be upon Him. (For further reading the book Maulood-i-Barzanji compiled by me is available on Amazon.com)
Er. Mohammad Ashraf Fazili is a Former Chief Engineer.
.
