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 his 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 in eloquence yet 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.
IImaam 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.
IIt 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.
…to be continued
The author is a former Chief Engineer
