An Islamic Viewpoint on Meelad Manayen ya Gareeb ki Madad Kren

The question of "Meelad manayen ya gareeb ki madad kren" has become a common discussion among Muslims in recent times. Many believers wonder whether it is more virtuous to spend wealth on organizing Milad gatherings or to use the same resources in helping the poor and needy. From the perspective of Islamic jurisprudence, scholars have provided detailed guidance through Fatwa QA discussions, focusing on what aligns with the principles of Shariah, Sunnah, and the essence of Islamic worship.

This article explores the Islamic viewpoint on "Meelad manayen ya gareeb ki madad kren", using scholarly references, Quranic principles, and the teachings of Prophet Muhammadﷺ. It will help readers understand the balance between showing love for the Prophetﷺ and fulfilling the rights of Allah’s creation.

Understanding Milad (Mawlid) Celebrations

Milad, or Mawlid, refers to the remembrance of the birth of Prophet Muhammadﷺ. Muslims across the globe celebrate this occasion in different ways, such as arranging gatherings of naats, reciting Durood Sharif, listening to lectures about the Prophet’s life, and distributing food. The intention behind Milad is usually to express love for the Prophetﷺ, which is itself a noble act.

However, scholars differ on whether such celebrations should be considered an established Sunnah or an innovation (bid‘ah). According to Fatwa QA, Milad gatherings can be praiseworthy if they are free from unlawful activities such as mixing of genders, music, wastage of money, or exaggerations that go against Tawheed. At the same time, Milad should not be considered an obligatory ritual, but rather an optional form of expressing love.

The Virtue of Helping the Poor

Islam emphasizes helping the poor, needy, and oppressed as one of the greatest acts of worship. The Quran repeatedly commands believers to give charity (sadaqah) and zakat, highlighting that supporting the less fortunate is a direct way to earn Allah’s pleasure.

Allahﷻ says in the Holy Quran:
"And they give food despite love for it to the needy, the orphan, and the captive, [saying], ‘We feed you only for the countenance of Allah. We wish not from you reward or gratitude.’" (Surah Al-Insan: 8-9)
Similarly, Prophet Muhammadﷺ emphasized in Hadith:
"The most beloved of people to Allah are those who are most beneficial to people." (Musnad Ahmad, Hadith 23408)

From this perspective, scholars in Fatwa QA highlight that spending money on helping the poor has an undeniable virtue and cannot be compared with optional rituals.

Meelad manayen ya gareeb ki madad kren – Which is Better?

When analyzing "Meelad manayen ya gareeb ki madad kren", Islamic jurists emphasize intention and priorities.

1. If one has extra wealth, it is permissible to organize Milad gatherings, provided they are simple, free from extravagance, and focused on remembrance of the Prophet ﷺ. But alongside this, helping the poor should not be neglected.
2. If one has limited resources, Scholars in Fatwa QA recommend prioritizing the rights of the poor over optional gatherings. Feeding a hungry person or helping a widow carries a greater reward in the sight of Allah than spending lavishly on decorations or arrangements.
3. Balance between both: Islam encourages moderation. A believer can arrange a modest Milad gathering while also dedicating a portion of wealth to charity. This way, the love of the Prophetﷺ is expressed, and the rights of the needy are fulfilled.

The Principle of Avoiding Extravagance

Extravagance (israf) is strongly condemned in the Quran. Allahﷻ says:
"Indeed, the wasteful are brothers of the devils, and ever has Satan been to his Lord ungrateful." (Surah Al-Isra: 27)
If Milad celebrations lead to wastage of wealth, competition, or showing off, they lose their religious spirit. On the other hand, helping the poor is always free from such dangers. Therefore, when choosing between "Meelad Manayen Ya Gareeb Ki Madad Kren", the principle of avoiding extravagance should guide the decision.

FATWA QA References

Many Islamic scholars, through Fatwa QA platforms, have addressed the issue of Milad versus charity. Key points include:
• Love of the Prophetﷺ is essential, but it should be expressed in ways that are closest to his Sunnah.
• Helping the poor is a continuous Sunnah, as the Prophetﷺ himself lived a life of simplicity and constantly encouraged charity.
• Milad gatherings are optional, not compulsory. If they involve wastefulness, scholars recommend spending wealth on the needy instead.
• Best practice: Balance both – organize gatherings of remembrance, but ensure charity remains a priority.

Practical Guidance for Muslims

For those struggling with "Meelad manayen ya gareeb ki madad kren", the following practical steps can help:

1. Organize Simple Milad Gatherings: Keep them focused on reciting the Quran, naats, and seerah lessons. Avoid unnecessary expenses.
2. Dedicate Funds to Charity: Ensure that, alongside Milad, a significant portion of your wealth supports orphans, widows, and the poor.
3. Follow the Sunnah Spirit: Remember that the Prophetﷺ himself did not celebrate his birthday with feasts or decorations. Instead, he fasted on Mondays to remember his birth.
4. Seek Knowledge through Fatwa QA: If confused, consult reliable scholars and Fatwa centers for personalized guidance.

Conclusion

The debate of "Meelad manayen ya gareeb ki madad kren" is not about choosing one and abandoning the other but about understanding priorities in Islam. While Milad gatherings can serve as a means of increasing love for the Prophetﷺ, they must remain simple, free from waste, and within Shariah boundaries. On the other hand, helping the poor is a highly emphasized act in the Quran and Sunnah, carrying a greater reward and benefit for society.

Therefore, the most balanced approach is to combine both: honor the Prophetﷺ through remembrance and simultaneously fulfill the rights of Allah’s creation by supporting the needy. In light of Fatwa QA guidance, Muslims should strive to ensure that their actions reflect both devotion to the Messengerﷺ and compassion for humanity.