Eid-e-Milad-un-Nabi celebrated in Aligarh Muslim University
Aligarh, October 30: It is not an easy task to encapsulate the awe-inspiring traits of the Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him), who propagated the final message of God in a short time, said Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) Vice Chancellor, Professor Tariq Mansoor.
He was delivering the presidential address in the online Eid-e-Milad-un-Nabi (Birth anniversary of the Holy Prophet) function in AMU.
Prof Mansoor said: Despite the power and the massive following, the Prophet never led a luxurious life. Instead, he continued with spartan life. He sought no personal gains and lived by the principles he espoused.
“Prophet Muhammad played many roles during his life, but the one role that he took on very early as a youth, was that of a husband. The Holy Prophet was a husband even before becoming a Prophet, father, judge, and leader of the Muslim Ummah,” said the Vice Chancellor.
He pointed out that despite living in an extremely patriarchal society where females were oppressed, Prophet Muhammad did a lot to instigate the sufferings of women.
Prof Mansoor further said: “Even though there are countless inspirational events, which occurred during the Prophet’s life time, but one that explains the trait of his generosity is the incident of Taif, when by rejecting Islam, the people of Taif ordered their children to throw stones at the Prophet and Zayd ibn Harithah to make them leave the city and never come back. Even after bleeding profusely, Prophet Muhammad showed his compassion and mercy as he supplicated to Allah to not punish the people of Taif.”
Quoting Surah Ahzab, verse 21, ‘Indeed, in the Messenger of Allah you have an excellent example for whoever has hope in Allah and the Last Day, and remembers Allah often ‘, the Chief Guest, Prof Syed Farman Husain said that the Holy Quran testifies the Prophet’s conduct and way of life as a model for the humanity in every affair of life and people should mold their character and personality according to it.
“The best of human beings, Prophet Muhammad was an exemplar of generosity. Unlike those who give charity with a reward in mind, whether it be respect, love, admiration or loyalty, RasulAllah (Prophet of Allah) expected none of these things. His manner was such that when one would take something from him, he or she would feel that they were doing the Prophet a favor, and not the other way around,” emphasised Prof Syed Farman.
Prof Saud Ali Qasmi pointed out that the coming of Prophet Muhammad (Peace be Upon Him) was mentioned in the previous scriptures and that all the revealed books have confirmed the authenticity of previous divine scriptures.
He stated: “According to Islamic belief, each new scripture either confirms or updates the law of the previous scriptures. This is exemplified in the statements of Prophet Jesus as mentioned in the Quran (3:50) when he said, ?And I have come confirming what was before me of the Torah and to make lawful for you some of what was forbidden to you. And I have come to you with a sign from your Lord, so fear Allah and obey me’.”
In the inaugural address, AMU Pro Vice Chancellor, Prof Zaheerduddin said this festival holds great social and religious relevance for the Muslim community in India and around the world.
He added that on this day it is imperative to introspect for becoming better human beings, and on walking on the path guided by the Holy Prophet, of forgiving enemies and doing good for others.
Extending the vote of thanks, AMU Registrar, Mr Abdul Hamid (IPS) said that it heartening to see that despite the pandemic-imposed restrictions, the celebrations are happening virtually across the country.
Prof Mohammad Saleem, Chairman, Department of Sunni Theology conducted the programme.
Innama Zehra and M Abdullah Mujtaba recited Islamic Naats.
On the occasion, the Maulana Azad Library, also organised a ?Seerat Exhibition? of books, manuscripts, and artefacts.
“A highlight of the exhibition was the display of a copy of the Holy Quran hand written by Prophet’s cousin and son-in-law, Hazrat Ali,” said Dr Mohammad Yusuf, University Librarian.