Intentions for Reciting the Mawlid

Before reciting the Mawlid, the scholars traditionally make a number of intentions. They then read Surat al-Fatihah and donate its reward to the Prophet ﷺ in the hope that their recitation and their intentions are accepted.

Here are some of the intentions that Sayyidi Habib `Umar bin Hafiz (may Allah preserve him and benefit us by him) makes prior to reciting the Mawlid.

The intentions in Arabic can also be downloaded here.

 

 

On Dealing With Those Who Disagree With the Mawlid

Answered by Sayyidi Habib Umar bin Hafiz (may Allah protect him and benefit us by him)

How do we deal with those who condemn celebrating the mawlid?

The mawlid is part of the Prophetic Biography (Sirah) and it should be treated just as the Sirah, the remembrance of Allah and the remembrance of the Prophet ﷺ are treated. Continue reading On Dealing With Those Who Disagree With the Mawlid

On How to Remain Joyful while Organising a Mawlid

Answered by Sayyidi Habib Umar bin Hafiz (may Allah protect him and benefit us by him)

I am responsible for organising a mawlid. Sometimes I am so busy with the organisation that I am not actually joyful during the mawlid. What should I do?

You should make the preparations for the mawlid while in a state of joy and at the same time following the Sunnah. The preparations should not be excessive and there should not be any ostentation. While organising you should have love for the Prophet ﷺ in your heart and be conscious that you are following him. While busy with the organisation you should be bestowing prayers upon him.

Translator’s Note: these principles can be applied to anyone involved in organising or serving gatherings of knowledge or remembrance.

On Attending a Mawlid With Sincerity

Answered by Sayyidi Habib Umar bin Hafiz (may Allah protect him and benefit us by him)

How can we attend mawlid gatherings sincerely for the sake of Allah?

We should attend seeking the pleasure of the Creator through loving and venerating His Prophet ﷺ and mentioning his attributes. We should then think about how we can act upon what we hear, and improve our following of the Prophet and making a firm resolve to attain the attributes that we hear mentioned. If we do this in every mawlid we attend we will be connected to the spirit and aims of the mawlid.