Prayers and Worships Performed on Mawlid al-Nabi
Mawlid al-Nabi (Prophet’s Birthday) is a blessed day when our Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) graced the world. It is of great importance to benefit from the spiritual atmosphere of this night. The following information has been compiled regarding the prayers recommended to be recited and the worships to be performed on Mawlid al-Nabi.
Worships Performed on Mawlid al-Nabi
Mawlid al-Nabi is the twelfth night of Rabi’ al-Awwal, which marks the anniversary of the birth of our Prophet -peace and blessings be upon him-. There is no specifically prescribed form of worship in the Quran and Sunnah for performing on this night. However, Muslims observe the night and day of Mawlid al-Nabi with voluntary acts of worship out of their love for the Messenger of Allah. Here are some of the recommended practices from pious scholars:
1. Fasting
Should one fast on Mawlid al-Nabi?
First View:
The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) said, “I fast on the day I was born.” Therefore, fasting to express gratitude to Allah is considered commendable.
When asked about the virtue of fasting on Mondays, the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) said: “It is the day I was born, became a prophet (or when revelation came down to me).” (Muslim, Siyam 197, 198)
Based on this hadith, scholars have stated that fasting on the day the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) was born is virtuous.
Second View:
Our Prophet’s (peace and blessings be upon him) arrival into the world is considered a festival, which is a time of joy. Therefore, it is permissible not to fast on Mawlid al-Nabi, just as one does not fast during festivals. Instead, it is a beautiful approach to engage in good deeds and charity, rejoice in being part of the Prophet’s ummah, read the Quran, and attend gatherings.
That is, fasting is commendable, and not fasting is also commendable. However, in either case, it should be done as an expression of gratitude to Allah and as a sign of joy.
2. Sending Salawat (Blessings) upon the Prophet
Allah Almighty has commanded us to send salawat upon the Prophet. One of the most important acts of worship to perform on this blessed night, when our Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) came into the world, is to send salawat upon him. It is also mentioned in hadith that those who send salawat will have their sorrows alleviated.
- What is Salawat and How to Send It?
- The Virtues of Sending Salawat
Allah Almighty says in a verse:
“Indeed, Allah and His angels send blessings upon the Prophet. O you who believe, send blessings upon him and greet him with peace!” (Al-Ahzab, 56)
Ubay bin Ka’b (may Allah be pleased with him) says:
“I asked the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him): ‘O Messenger of Allah! I send many salawat upon you. How much should I do this?’
‘Send as much as you like.’ he replied.
“I asked: ‘Should I dedicate a fourth of my prayers to sending salawat upon you?’”
‘Send as much as you like. But doing more will be beneficial for you.’ he replied.
“I said: ‘Then should I dedicate half of the time I spend in prayer to sending salawat upon you?’”
‘Send as much as you like. But doing more will be beneficial for you.’ he replied.
“I said: ‘What if I dedicate all the time I spend in prayer to sending salawat upon you?’ ”
‘Then Allah will remove all your sorrows and forgive your sins.’ he replied.” (Tirmizi, Qiyamah, 23)
3. Performing Voluntary and Missed Prayers
The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) said: “Prayer is the light of my eyes.” (Nasa’i, Ahmed bin Hanbal). Pious scholars have emphasized the importance of prayer on these nights and recommend that those who have missed prayers should perform their missed prayers. It is also appropriate for those who do not have any missed prayers to perform voluntary prayers.
4. Reciting the Quran
Pious scholars have recommended reciting the Quran frequently on blessed nights.
It is narrated from Ibn Masud (may Allah be pleased with him) that the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) said:
It is narrated from Ibn Abbas (may Allah be pleased with him) that the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) said:
5. Seeking Repentance (Tawbah)
A Muslim should repent from sins with remorse every day. Mawlid al-Nabi is a special night that serves as an opportunity for repentance.
The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) said: “I seek forgiveness from Allah one hundred times a day.” (Muslim, Zikr, 42)
6. Making Dua (Supplication)
These blessed nights are times to make dua and supplicate to our Lord.
- Prophet’s Prayers Mentioned in the Quran
- Prayers Mentioned in Hadith
- A Comprehensive Dua (Supplication)
Allah Almighty says in a verse:
“(O Messenger!) Say: Your supplications and your vows would avail you nothing if not for the grace of my Lord. So give thanks to Him.” (Al-Furqan, 77)
Likewise, one should not forget to express gratitude and thankfulness for the blessings Allah has bestowed.
On one occasion, the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) saw a companion begin his dua with praise and salawat, and he appreciated him by saying:
7. Giving Charity
It should not be forgotten that giving charity in the way of Allah protects a person from many dangers and calamities, and in addition, makes one deserving of the love of Allah. These special nights are the best opportunity to give charity.
For Allah Almighty says:
“Spend in the way of Allah, and do not throw yourselves into destruction. And do good; indeed, Allah loves those who do good.” (Al-Baqarah, 195)
The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) encourages every Muslim to give charity, even if it is with half a date. He said: “Protect yourself from the Fire with a half date or a good word.” (Bukhari, Adab, 34)