Stating that Mawlid al-Nabi, to be observed on Monday, August 24, is an important opportunity to remember not only the birth of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) but also his life, ethics, and the messages he brought to humanity, Prof. Reşat Öngören said, “We can make Mawlid al-Nabi an occasion to renew our love and faith in our Prophet. Our love for him will bring us together with the Qur'an, the book of Allah.”
Prof. Öngören also touched upon the discussions about deism, especially among young people today, and said, “This can only be prevented by effectively explaining the beauties of our Prophet and the Qur'an. Faith in Prophet Muhammad is the antidote to deism. Therefore, it is necessary to utilize all means, including social media, by making use of important days and nights like the Mawlid.”
Prof. Reşat Öngören, Faculty Member at Üsküdar University Institute of Sufi Studies, made evaluations regarding Mawlid al-Nabi, which will be observed on Monday, August 24.
Mawlid al-Nabi has been observed for centuries with various events in Islamic societies
Stating that Mawlid al-Nabi, which signifies the birth of our Prophet, holds an important place in Muslim societies, Prof. Reşat Öngören said that this night is one of the five holy nights (Kandil) observed together with Regâib, Mi‘rac, Berat, and Laylat al-Qadr.
Prof. Öngören stated that the holy nights have been kept alive with different traditions throughout Islamic history, and said, “During Mawlid al-Nabi, lamps were lit in many places, especially on mosque minarets, the Holy Qur'an was recited collectively, and discussions were held about the life of the Prophet. Additionally, hymns (ilahis) narrating his birth were performed, followed by the serving of food and sherbet.”
“We can make it an occasion to renew our love and faith in our Prophet”
Sharing his views on how Mawlid al-Nabi should be evaluated, Prof. Reşat Öngören said that the focus of the night should be on renewing the love for Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and understanding the message he brought.
Prof. Öngören said, “We can make Mawlid al-Nabi an occasion to renew our love and faith in our Prophet. Our love for him will bring us together with the Qur'an, the book of Allah. Faith in the Prophet precedes faith in the Qur'an. Because Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), who was initially a human being like us, announced his prophethood by being visited by an angel who brought verses, that is, the Qur'an, from Allah. If his audience had not first accepted his prophethood, they would not have accepted his words as the word of Allah.”
One of Prophet Muhammad’s most important characteristics was his trustworthiness
Pointing out that his personality and especially his trustworthiness were extremely important in the acceptance of Prophet Muhammad's (PBUH) prophethood, Prof. Reşat Öngören continued his words as follows:
“The most fundamental factor in accepting Prophet Muhammad's (PBUH) prophethood is his being a ‘trustworthy person.’ The information given by an honest and trustworthy (emin) person will, of course, be truthful and reliable. Indeed, when he first appeared before the public to declare his prophethood, he first tested whether he was considered a ‘truthful and trustworthy person’ by them, and upon receiving a positive response, he announced his prophethood. This situation shows how important Prophet Muhammad's (PBUH) life before prophethood was in gaining acceptance for his prophethood. Therefore, it is necessary to accept his human personality as valuable in its entirety, without making a distinction between pre-prophethood and post-prophethood.”
Many salawat should be recited to increase love for the Prophet
Prof. Reşat Öngören also offered suggestions on what can be done on Mawlid al-Nabi, pointing out the importance of reciting individual salawat in addition to discussions about the life and ethics of our Prophet.
Prof. Öngören said, “To increase love for the Prophet and renew faith, in addition to discussions, many 'salawat' should be recited individually.”
Faith in Prophet Muhammad is the antidote to deism
Prof. Reşat Öngören also touched upon the discussions regarding the faith world of young people today, particularly drawing attention to the issue of deism.
“Today, it has become common to hear that young people are leaning towards 'deism' in terms of faith,” said Prof. Öngören, continuing as follows:
“That is, there is a tendency among young people to accept the existence of Allah but not to believe in Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and the Qur'an he brought. This can only be prevented by effectively explaining the beauties of our Prophet and the Qur'an. Faith in Prophet Muhammad is the antidote to deism. Therefore, it is necessary to utilize all means, including social media, by making use of important days and nights like the Mawlid.”
