Mohammed Khaku
Millions will reflect and partake worldwide celebrations on the birth anniversary of Prophet Muhammad from Oct 10th to Oct 15th. Down the memory lane on the auspicious occasion of Milad-un-Nabi to Mombasa, Kenya. The Prophet taught us to “wish for our brothers that what we wish for ourselves”, so the journey of FANAA begins with thinking more about oppressed and downtrodden and less about self. Mirza Ghalib: Every drop desires to self-annihilate (Fanaa) in the ocean. When pain begins to exceed every boundary, the cure begins. If you live as a Muhsin, then bear the trial and tribulations (pain of Fanaa). It has always been a challenge to unite Muslim Ummah or communities due to its extreme diversity of race, nationality, and ideology. However, over the time Muslim Ummah has become good at facing adversity, but what we need is a united, pious, virtuous, and politically active community. In recent year, the rise of calamities, and challenges in the Muslim world from floods in Pakistan and oppression of Rohingya’s, Uyghurs, Kashmiris, Syrian, Yemenis, and Palestinians there is greater need of aid and advocacy. 40 years ago, Imam Khomeini proposed a week of Muslim unity, the week of celebration on the birth anniversary of the Prophet Muhammad known as “Usloo al-Wahda” Hafta-e-Wahdat meaning “the week of unity.” Muslims all over the world will come together to honor the memory of the noblest of all human beings ever to grace the earth. It is also known as Milad-un-Nabi, the unity week from October 10h to Oct 15th. After all, his name is Muhammad, (pbuh)which means the most praised one. Muslims glorify him in prayer and poetry: Do not ask me, friend, where is Muhammad? Muhammad is hidden in my eyes, and reside in my heart. On this day I will cherish his memory and enjoy every moment of spiritual happiness by singing his praises. From Beijing to Timbuktu, there will be delicious sweats served, music, and poetry sang, and the entire universe will be chanting: Yaa Muhammad, Yaa Muhammad, Yaa Muhammad…. (O Muhammad). https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D5vsICvAA8U In this week let us educate our young children’s and youths with traditions and stories about the mercy, the wisdom, the compassion and the struggles of the most praised man – Muhammad. Allah did not send him except as mercy to all the worlds (Qur’an 21:107). Down the memory lane to Mombasa, Kenya. The last time I visited my birthplace Mombasa, Kenya was twenty years ago, however watching videos of the celebrations of Milad un-Nabi brings down many memories for those of us away from our first “home”. For there’s something in the coastal air of Mombasa that engraves an indelible memory in our minds and so we are never away from Mombasa Makupa, Bondeni, Makadara Ground, Naaz cinema, Fort Jesus, Jeffery Sport Club, and Bustani etc. Milad un-Nabi is a joyous occasion for all Muslims throughout the world. This celebration varies from country to country, village to village, but has lots of pomp and splendor, with long colorful processions. As a child I have lots of memories of wearing new clothes, gifts from parents, uncles, aunts and going out to Makadara ground for festivity playing different types of games and eating all kinds of foods. In Mombasa, Kenya, my country of birth, I remember it as a public holiday and festival where a colorful procession begins from Old Town and will culminate at the largest Mosque on Salem Road. Many dignitaries from PM’s, mayors, judges, ambassadors, businessmen, and government officials will be on the frontlines of the procession celebrating as one Ummah. The procession has numerous groups reciting poetry (NAAT/MAULUD) offering praise to Allah and the Prophet, with drums, flutes, and clapping hands in sync. Children sing, carry and wave green flags while people from the balcony and the street watch. People perform special body movements in sync that they have learned just for the occasion. Many entertainers conduct jaw-dropping acrobatic shows on bicycles. After morning prayers in the mosque, the crowd gathers at Makadara ground for delicious food, games and circus follows in the evening. The celebration has a circus-like feeling with children having their face painted and having fun. Non-Muslim neighbors are never left out of the parties, as they are usually served from the BIG round plate. Everyone is in a festive mood. Though I have never been to LAMU during the celebrations, but I have seen that they are the biggest with sumptuous Swahili dishes served during the procession with Donkey and dhow competition taking place. The visionary Iqbal says: “We are like a rose with many petals, but with one perfume, he is the soul of the society, and he is one – Muhammad (pbuh)
Trending
- Chaudhary Naeem Akhtar says Saudi Arabia played a pivotal role in improving Pakistan’s economic situation
- International Symposium to remember Kashmiri leader Amanullah Khan on his 8th Death Anniversary tomorrow- Friday – April 26:
- Local elections are being held in the UK next week on May 2
- Chaudhry Anwarul Haq will be the PM of AJK in the future as well. Usman Haidari
- Cleaners are the most important people of our society: Rai Muhammad Akbar
- Javed Badhanvi presides over an important meeting regarding the resettlement of 1989 refugees
- Illegal encroachments will not be tolerated under any circumstances: CEO Syed Ali Irfan Razvi
- Annual Siraj Al-Manira Conference holds at Masjid Hayat-ul-Nabi, Oldham, 2024.