“One of the main reasons why we don’t feel the energy of the Mawlid of Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W) is that we have listened to a lot of different opinions and forgot to look into the life of Nabi (S.A.W),”said guest speaker, Moulana Dilavar Baba.

He said this during the International Peace College (IPSA) 2020 Annual Mawlid Al-Nabi on the 20th February 2020.Students attended in numbers and graced the programme with different activities such as poetry, talks and live nasheed performances.

Programme Co-ordinator, Shaykh Fakhruddin Owaisi said the aim of the programme was to inspire students through the life and times of Nabi (S.A.W). “The programme has been ongoing for the past 12 years annually and every year students showcase more talent in expressing glad tidings for Prophet Muhammad (S.W.A),” said Owaisi.

While addressing the event, Baba said one of the major problems facing the majority of South African Muslims is that they are often drawn to the idea that everything that is affiliated to custom or tradition does not belong to Islam. “This idea is misleading because everything about Islam and the sunnah of our Nabi (S.A.W) is affiliated to custom and tradition that was found during the times of Nabi (S.A.W) that was not against Islam and Allah (S.W.T),”he said.

He further said it is important that we reflect on our own individual identity as Muslims. “We should ask ourselves how many of our cultures, customs and traditions have we lost which were not in contravention with the Quraan and sunnah,” he said.

Baba also added that there is no limit or boundaries when it comes to expressing joy for Nabi (S.A.W) except when it goes against Allah’s command and the sunnah of Nabi (S.W.A).
First year BA student, Fatimah Dollie said she enjoyed the event and mostly loved how everyone came together with the purpose of honouring Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W). “The event came as a reminder to show gratitude and uphold the honour of Islam that was beautifully taught to us by our Nabi (S.A.W),” she said.

HCIS student, Shuaib Stoffberg said the event was very beautiful as it also united all students, lecturers and parents who availed themselves for the event. “Everyone who attended the programme had a smile on their face. Hence, I wish we can have more programmes of this nature,” said Stoffberg