Balaghal Ula Bikamalihi Kasafaddoja Bijamalihi
The day on which the verse declaring the completion of religion was revealed carries great significance and blessings for Muslims. The verse was revealed to the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) on the day of Arafah, which coincided with Friday. Both days are regarded as blessed occasions in Islam. Based on this significance, many Muslims believe that the birth of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) is also a day of happiness and celebration. They observe the occasion through Milad gatherings and express gratitude to Allah for the blessing of the Prophet’s arrival. A large section of the Muslim community observes 12 Rabi’ul Awwal as the birth anniversary of the Prophet (PBUH).
Some scholars, however, argue that the term “Eid” should be used only for Eid-ul-Fitr and Eid-ul-Adha. In response, supporters of observing Milad cite the statement of Hazrat Abdullah ibn Abbas (RA): “Innaha Nuzilat fi yawmi Idayni, fi yawmil Jumu’ah, wa yawmil Arafah.” This means that the verse was revealed on two Eid days: Friday and the day of Arafah. Hazrat Umar Farooq (RA) and Hazrat Abdullah ibn Abbas (RA) are also reported to have described Friday as an Eid. Friday holds a special position in Islam and is known as Sayyid al-Ayyam, meaning the leader of all days. On Fridays, Muslims are encouraged to bathe, wear clean clothes, use perfume and attend congregational prayer. The Prophet (PBUH) also encouraged Muslims to recite more Durood Shareef on Friday.
According to a narration from Hazrat Aws bin Aws (RA), the Prophet (PBUH) said: “The best of your days is Friday. On this day Hazrat Adam (peace and blessings be upon him) was born. He was given a beautiful garment. On this day his soul was taken and on this day the trumpet will be blown. So send Durood Shareef more on me on this day. Indeed, your Durood Shareef will be presented to me.” Supporters of Milad therefore argue that if Friday can be described as an Eid because of its special virtues, the birth of the Prophet (PBUH) can also be regarded as a day of greater joy and gratitude. They describe it as “Eid-ul-Ayyad”, or the Eid of all Eids, because the Prophet (PBUH) brought humanity the Quran and divine guidance.
