Several Communities Join Hands to Organize Memorable Meelad-un-Nabi
By Zia Khan
Pictures by YKKB
Anaheim, CA: The Anjuman-Azmate-Mustafa (SAW), in collaboration with Islamic Center of Anaheim, celebrated its annual Meelad-un-Nabi on Saturday, April 26, 2008 at the Brookhurst Community Center in Anaheim, California. Any Meelad in honor of the Prophet Mohammed (SAW) is always a success, but this one was a memorable and trend-setting event marked by the unity of Arab, Indian, Pakistani, and American Muslim communities.
Pictures above: Glimpses of the Annual Meelad-un-Nabi organized by the Anjuman- Azmate-Mustafa (SAW) in collaboration with the Islamic Center of Anaheim at the Brookhurst Community Center, Anaheim |
Brother Mohamed Iqbal Ibrahim, founder of Anjuman Azmat-e-Mustafa, has arranged an annual Meelad-un-Nabi celebration for the last 15 years. According to him, the love for our beloved Prophet Muhammad (SAW) transcends all national boundaries and languages. Celebration of the Prophet’s life and his message is the same for all humanity as he is the “Mohsin-e-Insaniat.” And this year’s Meelad truly represented the essence of his teachings.
It was a colorful and spiritually enlightening evening attended by a diverse crowd of more than 550 Arab, Indian, Pakistani and American Muslims. The program was conducted by Irfan Murtaza representing Anjuman-Azmat-e-Mustafa and Brother Mohammed Hussain of Islamic Center of Anaheim.
Local artists recited poetry of the Sahab-e-Karam and Naats, and Brother Hasan-Abul-Hasan from the Islamic Center of Anaheim led a rhythmic ensemble dressed in traditional Arab attire on a beautifully decorated stage in the performance of devotional Arabic nasheed and zikr. The group poured their hearts into the music, treating the audience to a spiritually uplifting experience.
Naat of the Nabi was recited in Urdu by Sister Naghmana Suhail, and Muhammad Anwar in his voice full of devotion presented Qaseeda-e-Burdah. Irfan Murtaza of Urdu Writers Society presented a slide show of the belongings of Prophet Mohammed (SAW), and Islamic places including some Mazaarat-e-Anbiya (pbuh). This was something new and the audience enjoyed it.
The Zikr-e-Nabi and heart warming “Khitab” was given by a number of prominent scholars: Hazrat Syed Turabul Haq Qadri, Amir Ahl-e-Sunnat Jamaat Pakistan, spoke in Urdu on the significance of Meelad-un-Nabi, Prophet’s life, his teachings and his Sunna. Brother Rabih Usman, Director of Islamic Center of Anaheim, delivered a speech in English on brotherhood, Muslim unity, and the importance of following the Sunna of the Prophet. Imam Mohammed Bilal of Islamic Center of Anaheim spoke in Arabic about the Prophet’s life and his message to humanity.
The program was attended by prominent community members, scholars, men, women and children who showed their devotion by “Nara-e-Takbeer”, “Naara-e-Risalat” and Darood-O- Salaam. Dr. Syed Hssanuddin Hashmi, Director and Imam of Momin Lodge, was also present.
The meelad was a truly unique program and its organization saw a number of organizations and communities joining hands to show their love for the Prophet in a way that truly represented Islamic unity and brotherhood. Meelad-un-Nabi of Orange County, led by Mr. Ghulam Bari, participated in the event. Mr. Bari’s organization is the only group in Southern California which regularly observes Meelad-un-Nabi on a monthly basis, and has done so for 15 years. Ms. Rohida Khan of Long Beach also contributed her time and effort. Ms. Khan is a key member of the Urdu Writers Society and is the director of a program that lends assistance to victims of human trafficking and battered women for the Salvation.
After the program dinner was served and brother Nabil Akshar supervised the distribution in a very organized way. His volunteers were organized and efficient. Kulfi from Kool-Freeze by Jawaid Motiwala made it an even sweeter celebration.
May Allah Bless all who organized and participated in this Meelad Shareef. (Ameen)
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