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The Prophet's Birthday is a School for Raising the Younger Generation
Author : Dr. Ahmad Al-Harasees
Date Added : 23-09-2024

The Prophet's Birthday is a School for Raising the Younger Generation

 

The commemoration of the Prophet's noble birth is an opportunity to sow the seeds of love and familiarity with the Messenger of Allah in the hearts of the younger generation, especially children. For it is human nature to love those who have done good to them, to follow role models, and to seek practical examples to emulate.

In addition, the noble birth of the Prophet is an opportunity for parents and educators to highlight the prophetic model in all its depths, manifestations, greatness, morals, mercy, and attributes. This is done by discussing his blessed biography, dealings, and skills.

Moreover, the first steps are to sow the seeds of love and attachment to him, peace be upon him, and to increase the reading of his biography, speaking about him, and sending blessings upon him. These matters give birth to love, as it has been said: "Whoever loves something, mentions it often." Furthermore, love represents the second part of the Shahada, "I bear witness that Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah."

Love is a sign of complete faith. The Prophet, peace be upon him, said: 'None of you truly believes until I am dearer to him than his father, his son, and all of mankind.' This love and following his example, peace be upon him, serve as a strong shield against being carried away or imitating improper role models in society.

We can outline a simple, concise methodology or work plan within our celebration of the Prophet's noble birth to achieve the goals, meanings, and secrets of this great commemoration, and to establish a spiritual and heartfelt connection between the generation and the one whose birth is being commemorated, peace be upon him. For example:

Exalting this commemoration and the virtue of this day, and explaining the virtue of the Prophet, peace be upon him, that he is the chosen Prophet and a mercy to all the worlds. Allah Says (What means): "Say, "In the grace of Allah and in His mercy – in that let them rejoice. It is better than anything they accumulate." [Yunus/58].

We also explain to them that the Noble Quran has recorded these commemorations and commanded us to remember them. Allah Says (What means): "And remind them of the days of Allah." [Ibrahim/5], and that the one being commemorated celebrated it himself, as it is reported in a hadith about the reason for his fasting on Mondays, the Prophet (PBUH) said: "That is the day I was born." [Moslim].

Another practical method is to gather the family and children at home for a knowledge-based gathering, mentioning the Prophet's noble characteristics, and some of his biography and life, peace be upon him.

This is in addition to the importance of attending celebrations held in mosques and centers, which include guidance, chanting, and an atmosphere of joy and companionship with the one being commemorated.

Moreover, engaging competitions can be held, including questions about the Prophet's biography, with encouragement through the distribution of prizes and both material and moral incentives.

Another practical step that is suggested is to encourage children to frequently send blessings upon the Prophet, peace be upon him, explaining the great reward for that in both the worldly life and the hereafter. Moreover, encouraging those who send blessings upon him frequently with a material reward, even if small, instills a spirit of competition in doing good deeds. In addition, spending generously on one's family on this occasion reinforces the meaning of love and attachment to the Prophet's noble self.

The occasion of the Prophet's noble birth is a delightful station, a clear and distinguished opportunity that cannot be surpassed; for it derives its greatness from the one being commemorated. It is a means of cultivating love and affection and framing the meanings of friendship and kindness in the hearts of the generation. The goal is to connect the generation with the one being commemorated. Moreover, it is the responsibility of the educator to find the means to achieve these goals. And all praise is due to Allah, The Lord of The Worlds.

 

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Summarized Fatawaa

What is the ruling of Islamic Law on a latecomer who joins the imam during the standing position of the first rakʿah but was unable to complete the recitation of al-Fātiḥah?

All praise is due to Allah, and peace and blessings be upon our master the Messenger of Allah ﷺ.
If a latecomer (masbuq) joins the prayer while the imam is standing, he should begin reciting Sūrat al-Fātiḥah immediately, without pausing to recite the opening supplication (duʿāʾ al-istiftāḥ) or the seeking of refuge (taʿawwudh). If the imam bows before he completes al-Fātiḥah, he follows the imam into the bow and leaves whatever remains of al-Fātiḥah — the imam bears it on his behalf.
It is stated in ʿUmdat al-Sālik (p. 47): "If a latecomer finds the imam standing and is confident that he has enough time to recite the taʿawwudh and al-Fātiḥah in full, he may do so. If he is uncertain, he should neither recite the opening supplication nor the taʿawwudh, but rather begin directly with al-Fātiḥah. If the imam bows before he completes it, he follows him into the bow — provided he had not already begun the opening supplication or the taʿawwudh. If he had begun either of them, he continues reciting al-Fātiḥah for as long as he spent on them." And Allah the Almighty knows best.

Who is the one required to slaughter the 'aqīqah?

All praise is due to Allah, and may peace and blessings be upon our Master, the Messenger of Allah.
It is Sunnah for the 'aqīqah to be slaughtered by the guardian of the newborn — the one upon whom the child's financial maintenance is obligatory — provided he is financially capable of doing so. 'Alī ibn Abī Ṭālib, may Allah be pleased with him, reported: "The Messenger of Allah ﷺ performed the 'aqīqah for al-Ḥasan with one sheep." — Narrated by al-Tirmidhī. And Allah Almighty knows best.

Some online stores offer a discount on a customer's first purchase — what is the ruling on creating a new account each time a customer makes a purchase in order to obtain that discount?

All praise is due to Allah, and peace and blessings be upon our master the Messenger of Allah ﷺ.
It is obligatory upon a Muslim to uphold honesty in both his words and his actions. Allah the Almighty says {what means}: "O you who have believed, do not betray Allah and the Messenger or betray your trusts while you know." [Al-Anfāl/ 27] And He says {what means}: "O you who have believed, fear Allah and be with the truthful." [Al-Tawbah/ 119]. And the Messenger of Allah ﷺ said: "Whoever deceives us is not of us." (Reported by al-Bukhārī.)
As for creating a new account for the same buyer, the terms and conditions of the website must be observed and respected. If doing so violates those terms, it is not permissible. And Allah the Almighty knows best.

What is the virtue of performing ‘Umrah in Ramadan?

Ibn ‘Abbas narrated: "When the Prophet ﷺ returned from his Hajj, he said to Umm Sinan Al-Ansariyyah: ‘What prevented you from performing Hajj?’ She replied: ‘Abu So-and-so (referring to her husband) had two camels—he performed Hajj on one of them, and the other was used to irrigate our land.’ The Prophet ﷺ then said: ‘Performing ‘Umrah in Ramadan is equivalent to Hajj with me.’" [Narrated by Al-Bukhari]
The Prophet ﷺ also said: "An ‘Umrah in Ramadan is equivalent to a Hajj." [Narrated by Al-Tirmidhi]
For those who miss the opportunity to perform ‘Umrah in Ramadan, there are many other ways to earn great rewards. One of them is praying Fajr in congregation, then remaining in the mosque remembering Allah until sunrise, and praying two rak‘ahs.
The Prophet ﷺ said: "Whoever prays Fajr in congregation, then sits remembering Allah until the sun rises, and then prays two rak‘ahs, will receive the reward of a complete Hajj and ‘Umrah—complete, complete, complete." [Narrated by Al-Tirmidhi]