The View of our Elders regarding Seerah Jalsahs on the 12th Rabee‘ul Awwal

1. The View of Hazrat Moulana Husain Ahmad Madani (rahimahullah), one of the greatest Mujaahids of the 14th century of Islam

Sheikhul Hadith Hazrat Moulana Muhammad Zakariyya (rahimahullah) writes:

Hazrat Moulana Husain Ahmad Madani (rahimahullah) once came to Sahaaranpur on the 12th of Rabee‘ul Awwal when the people had decided to hold a Seerah Jalsah and insisted that Hazrat Moulana Madani (rahimahullah) attend and deliver a bayaan. I said that Mowlood is now being held in the name of Seerah. When people came to call Hazrat Madani (rahimahullah) for the bayaan, he sternly refused to come and began reprimanding them saying, “It seems like all the love and mahabbat you show for Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) is only on the 12th of Rabee‘ul Awwal. Why are you not having this program at any other time in the year and are confining it to the 12th of Rabee‘ul Awwal?” The people replied, “Hazrat! We are desirous of listening to bayaans on the seerah of Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) at any time of the year. However, there is nobody willing to address us and deliver bayaans on the seerah of Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) at other times.” Hazrat Madani (rahimahullah) said, “If the people are prepared, I am willing to give the bayaan at other times.” The people, without thinking, accepted this offer. Hazrat Madani (rahimahullah) promised to come and give a bayaan on the topic of seerah weekly on a Thursday night since his jumu‘ah programs were already arranged for a few months in advance. Apart from the occasions when he was out travelling, Hazrat (rahimahullah) came to Sahaaranpur every Thursday night for approximately four months for this program. Hazrat (rahimahullah) would reach Sahaaranpur at 8:30 and proceed directly to the Jaami‘ Musjid where he would perform salaah and thereafter commence the lecture. After the lecture, between 12:30 and 1:00 in the morning, Hazrat (rahimahullah) would come to my home.

(Aap Beeti 4/72)