Deputy Secretary General of Minhaj-ul-Quran International, Engineer Muhammad Rafiq Najm, while addressing a Milad Feast held on 3rd Rabi-ul-Awwal under the auspices of the College of Shariah and Islamic Sciences, said that the celebration of the blessed birth of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) began in his own lifetime. The Prophet (PBUH) used to fast every Monday and also arranged a feast in celebration of his birth, he said.
The Milad Feast was attended by Director of Colleges Wing, Wing Commander (R) Abdul Ghaffar Khan, Raja Zahid Mahmood, Deputy Secretary General Noorullah Siddiqi, Dr. Kashir Rafiq, Hafiz Saeed Raza Baghdadi, Dr. Syed Iftikhar Shah Bukhari, Sardar Umar Daraz Khan, Mahmood-ul-Hassan Jafri, Tayyab Zia, and others.
Wing Commander Abdul Ghaffar, while speaking at the event, stated that celebrating the birth of the Prophet (PBUH) is a tradition of Allah and His Messenger. Claiming that gatherings in honor of the Holy Prophet’s (PBUH) birthday began 600 years after his passing is a misconception and the result of lack of study. He said that scholars have refuted this misunderstanding and narrow-mindedness with scholarly evidence. He emphasized that creating doubt and confusion about celebrating the Prophet's (PBUH) birth is a sign of misfortune.
Dr. Kashir Rafiq stated that Islam itself is the name of love for the Holy Prophet (PBUH). He said that while the observance of halal and haram, and the fulfillment of rights and duties depend on references, love is a state of the heart that arises from deep emotional attachment to a person. No one can place boundaries on such a state. Shortcomings in actions may be forgiven, but a deficiency in love for the Prophet (PBUH) is unforgivable. He quoted the Prophet (PBUH) as saying: “None of you can be a true believer until I become dearer to him than his parents, his children, and all of mankind.”
The Milad Feast began with the recitation of the Holy Qur’an by Qari Khalid Hameed Kazmi. Students of the College of Shariah presented salutations (Durood o Salam) and recited Naats in honor of the Holy Prophet (PBUH).
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