Celebrating With Him | Meeting Muhammad ﷺ Episode 7

Summary

This video explores the Prophet Muhammad's (Sallalaahu 'Alayhi Wasallam) approach to celebrations, contrasting it with modern-day extravagance. The Prophet's celebrations were simple, inclusive, and community-oriented, emphasizing generosity and gratitude. From Eid to weddings, he encouraged feasts that were accessible to all, ensuring the poor were not excluded. His actions, like attending community celebrations and encouraging collective contributions, set a paradigm for generosity and inclusivity. The video highlights how the Prophet's example fosters a sense of unity, where everyone, regardless of wealth, could participate and experience joy together.

Takeaways

• 😀 Celebrations in Islam should be simple and expansive, not extravagant and exclusive.
• 😀 The Prophet Muhammad (Sallalaahu 'Alayhi Wasallam) set an example of humility in his celebrations, including on Eid.
• 😀 The Prophet encouraged charity on Eid by reminding people to give generously, as he said, 'Give in charity, give in charity, give in charity.'
• 😀 Eid is meant to be a day of community, where everyone, regardless of wealth, should be included in the celebrations.
• 😀 The Prophet allowed modest forms of entertainment during celebrations, such as the singing of young girls and cultural dances from the Abyssinians.
• 😀 The Prophet (Sallalaahu 'Alayhi Wasallam) emphasized generosity and inclusiveness in his approach to Eid celebrations, especially with Zakat al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha.
• 😀 The Prophet used two different routes to go to and from the Eid prayer to greet everyone and extend charity to all.
• 😀 Simple feasts, such as bread, milk, dates, and clarified butter, were common at the Prophet's celebrations, and he encouraged modest gatherings.
• 😀 The Prophet made feasts 'potluck-style' and encouraged everyone to bring what they had, ensuring that no one, especially the poor, was excluded.
• 😀 The Prophet (Sallalaahu 'Alayhi Wasallam) also helped finance weddings and dowries for those in need, fostering community participation in joyous occasions.

Q & A

What does the speaker mean by 'celebrations are meant to be simple and expansive'?

The speaker emphasizes that celebrations should be inclusive, accessible, and centered on community rather than being extravagant or exclusive, as often seen in modern times.

How did the Prophet Sallalaahu 'Alayhi Wasallam celebrate Eid?

The Prophet Sallalaahu 'Alayhi Wasallam celebrated Eid by wearing a red striped cloak, gathering the entire community including men, women, children, and the elderly, and greeting everyone individually. He would give his Eid Khutbah by walking among the people, reminding them of Allah, and encouraging charity.

What important message did the Prophet Sallalaahu 'Alayhi Wasallam convey during his Eid Khutbah?

The Prophet Sallalaahu 'Alayhi Wasallam stressed the importance of giving charity on Eid, repeating three times 'Give in charity' to emphasize generosity, ensuring that everyone, including the less fortunate, could partake in the Eid feast.

How did the Prophet Sallalaahu 'Alayhi Wasallam view celebrations involving music and dancing?

The Prophet Sallalaahu 'Alayhi Wasallam allowed celebrations that involved music and dancing, such as the Abyssinian dancers during Eid, as long as there was nothing objectionable. He even permitted his wife, Aisha, to watch the celebration, showing his openness to community joy within modest limits.

Why did the Prophet Sallalaahu 'Alayhi Wasallam walk different routes on Eid?

The Prophet Sallalaahu 'Alayhi Wasallam walked different routes to greet as many people as possible and to ensure he could encounter those in need, reflecting his generosity and the importance of spreading peace and charity on Eid.

What was the Prophet Sallalaahu 'Alayhi Wasallam's approach to weddings and feasts?

The Prophet Sallalaahu 'Alayhi Wasallam encouraged simple and inclusive feasts, where everyone, regardless of wealth, could participate. He believed the worst feast was one where only the rich were invited, excluding the poor. He also supported communal contributions, including financing dowries and helping with wedding expenses.

What does the term 'barakah' mean in the context of the Prophet's celebrations?

'Barakah' refers to blessings and prosperity. The Prophet Sallalaahu 'Alayhi Wasallam's presence in celebrations brought barakah, creating a sense of community, shared joy, and generosity.

How did the Prophet Sallalaahu 'Alayhi Wasallam's celebration style differ from modern practices?

The Prophet Sallalaahu 'Alayhi Wasallam's celebrations were simple, community-focused, and inclusive. In contrast, modern celebrations are often extravagant and exclusive, focusing on materialism rather than community and charity.

Why did the Prophet Sallalaahu 'Alayhi Wasallam allow the two girls to sing during Eid?

The Prophet Sallalaahu 'Alayhi Wasallam allowed the girls to sing because he believed that every community has its own way of celebrating. He viewed their singing as a harmless expression of joy during Eid, as long as it was appropriate.

What lesson can we learn from the Prophet's example of Eid celebrations?

The key lesson is the importance of inclusivity, charity, and simplicity in celebrations. The Prophet Sallalaahu 'Alayhi Wasallam's approach emphasized community involvement, generosity, and ensuring that no one, especially the poor, is excluded from the festivities.