Understanding the Birth of the Prophet Muhammad SAW

The commemoration of the Prophet Muhammad's birthday (Maulid Nabi Muhammad SAW) is an event eagerly awaited by Muslims around the world, including in Indonesia. This commemoration is held to honor the birth of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), which is believed to have occurred on Monday, the 12th of Rabiul Awal in the Year of the Elephant in Mecca. The night of his birth is often depicted as a night full of light, a symbol of the great blessing bestowed by Allah SWT upon humanity and the universe. In this context, the Prophet's Birthday holds many values and deep meanings for the lives of Muslims.

In Indonesia, the Prophet's Birthday is celebrated with various Islamic traditions that are rich in meaning. Various events such as large-scale religious gatherings, recitations of prayers, religious competitions, and other social activities are held in different regions. This commemoration is not just to celebrate the birthday of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), but also to emulate his noble qualities and character, which are filled with compassion, honesty, and courage in upholding the truth.

According to Sayyid Muhammad bin Alwi Al-Maliki in his book Mafahim Yajib an Tushahhah, the commemoration of the Prophet Muhammad's birthday (Maulid) is a good tradition and should be preserved. He emphasized that this commemoration is not part of the worship that is often debated regarding its validity. On the contrary, this warning is regarded as a practice that brings goodness and positive values to the Muslim community. Thus, the Prophet's Birthday becomes an important moment of reflection.
Understanding the Prophet's Birthday also means deepening our understanding of the history of the struggles of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). He was born into a society filled with ignorance and cruelty, yet he succeeded in transforming it into a civilized and moral community. By emulating the life journey of the Prophet, Muslims are encouraged to always strive to spread goodness and avoid all forms of wrongdoing. This reminder also serves as a prompt for every Muslim to continually strive to enhance the quality of their faith and good deeds.

The month of Rabiul Awal, the month of the birth of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), has its own special significance. In the book adz-Dzakhâir al-Muhammadiyyah, Sayyid Muhammad ibn Alawi Al Maliki explains that the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) did not become noble because of the time of his birth, but rather that time itself became noble because of the Prophet's birth. Therefore, the month of Rabiul Awal is regarded as a blessed month, and commemorating the Prophet's Maulid during this month is considered one of the best ways to express gratitude and love for the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).

It is important to understand that any form of celebration must remain within the boundaries that align with Islamic teachings. Al-Hafidh Ibn Hajar al-'Asqalani reminds us that excessive expressions of happiness that involve actions that are disliked or even forbidden should be avoided. The commemoration of the Prophet's Birthday should be filled with beneficial activities, such as the recitation of verses from the Qur'an, dhikr, tahlil, as well as reading the history and struggles of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). This emphasizes the importance of preserving the sanctity and purpose of this commemoration.

According to Imam al-Suyuthi, a scholar from the Shafi'i school of thought, the commemoration of the Prophet's birthday is an activity that holds religious value and can bring rewards.

He encourages Muslims to celebrate the Prophet's Birthday by gathering, sharing food, and performing various other acts of worship. Activities like this can strengthen the bonds of friendship and reinforce Islamic brotherhood among fellow believers. Thus, the commemoration of the Prophet's Birthday also serves as a means to improve oneself and the surrounding environment.
Interpreting the Prophet's Birthday is not just about celebrating the birth of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), but also about understanding and applying his teachings in everyday life. The Prophet's Birthday teaches us to emulate the noble character of the Prophet in every aspect of life, from social relationships, economics, to governance. Thus, the Prophet's Birthday is not just an annual event, but also a reflection to become better and more beneficial individuals for society.

The celebration of the Prophet Muhammad's birthday (Maulid Nabi Muhammad SAW) is a tradition rich in meaning and benefits for the Muslim community. Through this commemoration, we are reminded to continually emulate the qualities of the Prophet, strengthen our bonds of brotherhood, and maintain harmony in our social lives. By understanding the significance of Maulid Nabi correctly, we can become a better and more civilized community, in line with the teachings of Islam brought by the Prophet Muhammad SAW.

In conclusion, the Prophet Muhammad's Birthday is a golden opportunity to reflect on the struggles and sacrifices of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). It is a moment for Muslims to strengthen their faith, enhance their good deeds, and foster Islamic brotherhood. Thus, the Prophet's Birthday is not merely a ceremonial event, but also a profound reflection for every Muslim to continually improve themselves in accordance with the teachings of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).