Murtaza Razvi
Marking the birthday
of the Prophet of Islam ﷺ assumes a bigger meaning at a time when
millions of his followers around the world are mired in problems ranging from
disease and hunger, unrest, inequality and bad governance to war and terrorism.
The challenge to live a peaceful, promised life of dignity, and of opportunity for all, stares Muslims in the face today.
But despite these staggering odds, a multitude of the faithful will take a break from the vagaries of life to mark this auspicious occasion in a myriad of ways to pay homage to the messenger of God who brought them good tidings if they held fast on to his message of love and peace for all. Muslims from Morocco to Indonesia and those in the diaspora across this globe will pay their respects to one sent as the blessed benefactor for all humanity, for all times to come. Using their cultural traditions and practices to honour the last of their holy prophets in their own different ways, they will reassert their claim to the pluralism that Islam has guaranteed them since its inception over 14 centuries ago.
Some traditional activities marking this Eid in the subcontinent are deep-rooted in our culture, and teach the lesson of tolerance and peaceful coexistence with all those who may not share a way of life, of celebrating or observing a day and which way. Despite the majority that takes part in Rabi-ul-Awwal's traditional festivities, there is no compulsion for those to join who choose to stay away. It is an open house invite, in the spirit of the message the Prophet brought; take it or leave it, there is no coercion involved.
It is a day of sharing joy, of disseminating all that is convivial and reassuring ourselves and society that despite the presence of obscurantism amongst us today, much can be salvaged and retained for savouring as a community that cherishes certain high values in life, not least of which is the right to choice.
The multitude that will take to the streets of Pakistan in popular celebration of Eid-e-Milad-un-Nabi, with some ecstatically reciting Naats, the Qawwal singing his praise to rhythmic beats of clapping hands, are all signs of a people in celebration of a day they hold dear to their hearts. This is a day they claim the ownership of; a day that gives them home that their beloved Prophet's promise or redemption holds, come what may.
The literarily
inclined will attend Mushairas (poetry recitals) in praise of their master
reformer. Those who can't attend one will have their ears tuned and eyes glued
to the TV screens. Lip won't tire of demanding 'irshad'(ارشاد), 'mukkarrar' (مکرر) (please
recite once more); the thirst to hear more of their beloved will egg them on.
The reciting poet will garner praise for having proved worthy of the occasion.
The privileged will
distribute food and gifts among the needy, the orphans, the infirm. The acts of
kindness stressed upon by the perfect man and Prophet they hold so dear will
call them to their duty to humanity. Few in need will go empty-handed, for
there will be plenty to give away in the name of the one you love and respect,
and hope to be bailed out by on the day of judgment before God. For many it is
in gratitude for their promised redemption that they mark this day by showing
respect, caring and goodwill to their fellow being, neighbours, the children,
the elderly, and the like they may invite over for a Milad (birthday
celebration).
For ladies, the traditional practice of organising Milad will continue for the entire month of Rabi-ul-Awwal. Behold the dresses and the get-ups they sport; hear the Naats and the Salams they recite, the food they prepare and serve. The socialising and the style the occasion entails matches that of a wedding no less. Isn't this the Muslim culture at its refined best from our part of the world that we are so very proud of?
It is also a day when the vast majority of Muslims around the world showcase the values they live by
through acts of kindness and charity, following in the footsteps of their
Prophet. Caring and sharing is the order of the day in honour of one who
practiced the best manners, courtesy and forgiveness as ordained by God in the
message of peace he was entrusted to disseminate to the world.
It is also a day to reflect; a day to disown coercion and violence
as a means of enforcing Islam, which God through His last messenger had
enforced hundreds of years ago as an open message for all to heed if indeed
they should so choose. There is no coercion in the message Muhammad (ﷺ) brought to humanity as a lasting social
contract among all human beings.
(Courtesy: DAWN) |
Post a Comment