Resources

Milad-un-Nabi (Mawlid) is the celebration of the birth of Prophet Muhammad (peace, blessings and salutations be upon him). At Greenwich Madina Trust, we commemorate this blessed occasion in the same manner as it is celebrated by the mainstream Ahlus Sunnah across the world, as an expression of our love and gratitude.

Why We Celebrate

Expression of Love

The Prophet Muhammad (peace, blessings and salutations be upon him) said:

"None of you truly believes until I am more beloved to him than his father, his child, and all of mankind."
(Bukhari & Muslim)

Celebrating Milad-un-Nabi (Mawlid) is one of the ways we express this love.

Gratitude to Allah

The Prophet Muhammad (peace, blessings and salutations be upon him) is described in the Qur'an as a "mercy to all the worlds" (21:107). His birth was a blessing for all of humanity, and we thank Allah for this tremendous gift.

Following the Prophet's Example

The Prophet Muhammad (peace, blessings and salutations be upon him) used to fast on Mondays. When asked about this, he said:

"That is the day on which I was born."
(Muslim)

This shows that he acknowledged the significance of his blessed birth.

Scholarly Tradition (Ahlus Sunnah)

Celebrating Milad-un-Nabi (Mawlid) has been supported and practiced by leading scholars of Ahlus Sunnah throughout Islamic history. Among them:

• Imam Jalal al-Din al-Suyuti (d. 911 AH) stated that gatherings held to commemorate the birth of the Prophet Muhammad (peace, blessings and salutations be upon him), which include recitation of the Qur'an, feeding others, and praising the Prophet, are a praiseworthy innovation (bid'ah hasanah) and a means of reward.
• Imam Ibn Hajar al-'Asqalani (d. 852 AH) explained that remembering the Prophet's birth and expressing joy on that occasion is permissible and commendable when it consists of good deeds such as charity, remembrance of Allah, and sending blessings upon the Prophet.
• Imam Abu Shamah (d. 665 AH) praised the practice of commemorating the Prophet's birth, describing it as a way of expressing gratitude to Allah for the blessing of the Prophet Muhammad (peace, blessings and salutations be upon him).
• Imam al-Qastallani (d. 923 AH) wrote that Muslims have consistently celebrated the month of the Prophet's birth with gatherings, charity, and expressions of joy, and that Allah bestows blessings upon those who honour this occasion.

These scholarly positions reflect the long-standing and mainstream Ahlus Sunnah understanding of Milad-un-Nabi (Mawlid).

How We Celebrate

Our Milad-un-Nabi (Mawlid) gatherings typically include:

• Recitation of the Holy Qur'an
• Salawat (sending blessings upon the Prophet Muhammad, peace, blessings and salutations be upon him)
• Na'at and Qasida (poetry in praise of the Prophet)
• Talks on the life, character, and teachings of the Prophet Muhammad (peace, blessings and salutations be upon him)
• Du'a (supplication) and the sharing of food

We hold Mehfil-e-Milad gatherings throughout the year, especially in Rabi' al-Awwal, the blessed month of the birth of the Prophet Muhammad (peace, blessings and salutations be upon him).

Gyarwee Shareef (also spelled Giyarwee or Giyarhwee) is a monthly gathering held to commemorate the legacy of Shaykh ʿAbd al-Qādir al-Jīlānī, may Allah be pleased with him, one of the most revered saints in Islamic history.

About Shaykh ʿAbd al-Qādir al-Jīlānī

• Born in 1077 CE in Gilan (present-day Iran)
• Known as "Ghous-ul-Azam", meaning The Greatest Helper by the bestowal of Allah
• Founder of the Qādiriyya Sufi Order
• A renowned Islamic scholar, preacher, and saint
• Passed away on the 11th of Rabīʿ al-Thānī, 1166 CE

Why "Gyarwee"?

"Gyarwee" means "eleventh" in Urdu and Hindi. These gatherings trace back to the practice of the great Sufi Shaykh himself, who would hold monthly gatherings on the 11th day. The intention of these gatherings was education, spiritual guidance, and calling people back towards Allah and His Noble Messenger, peace, blessings, and salutations be upon him.

What Happens at Gyarwee Shareef

Our Gyarwee gatherings typically include:

• Recitation of the Holy Qur'an
• Hamd, Naat, and Manqabats recited in praise of Allah and His Noble Messenger, peace, blessings, and salutations be upon him
• Speeches delivered by Islamic scholars
• Salat and Salam recited
• Khatam Shareef performed for Isal-e-Sawab, conveying spiritual reward to the deceased
• Du'a (supplication)
• Sharing of food

Dates are announced on our social media platforms. Follow us on Facebook for announcements and updates.

Sponsor a Gyarwee gathering and dedicate the reward to your departed loved ones. Contact us to arrange sponsorship.

The two Eid festivals are among the most joyous occasions in the Islamic calendar.

Eid al-Fitr (Festival of Breaking the Fast)

• Celebrated at the end of Ramadan
• Marks the completion of fasting
• Zakat al-Fitr should be paid before the prayer
• It is Sunnah to eat something sweet (like dates) before going to the prayer

Eid al-Adha (Festival of Sacrifice)

• Celebrated during Dhul Hijjah (the month of Hajj pilgrimage)
• Commemorates Prophet Ibrahim's (AS) willingness to sacrifice his son
• It is Sunnah to fast on the day of Arafah (9th Dhul Hijjah) if not performing Hajj
• It is Sunnah NOT to eat before the prayer, and to eat from the Qurbani meat after
• The sacrifice (Qurbani) is performed after the Eid prayer

The Eid Prayer

Both Eid prayers consist of two rak'ahs with additional takbeers. The Imam delivers a khutbah (sermon) after the prayer. Please check our announcements for exact Eid prayer times.