Book Review: MILAD E AKBAR

Mawlid Al-Nabi al-Sharif or MILAD is the observance of the birthday of our Holy Prophet Hazrat Muhammad Peace Be Upon Him. It is commemorated in Rabi Ul Awal, the third month in the Islamic Calendar. The history of this celebration goes back to the early days of Islam when some of the Tabiun began to hold sessions in which poetry and songs composed to honor our Holy Prophet Peace Be Upon Him were recited and sung to the crowds. The Ottomans declared it an official holiday in 1588, known as Mevlid Kandil. The term Mawlid is also used in some parts of the world, such as Egypt, as a generic term for the birthday celebrations of other historical religious figures such as Sufi Saints.

Mawlid as Nabi SallAllaho Alaihi wa Sallam procession at Boulac Avenue in 1904 at Cairo, Egypt.

This book MILAD E AKBAR was originally written before more than hundred years ago by a famous poet Khuwaja Muhammad Akbar Warsi Mirathi. I had received one very old copy from my mother. Unfortunately, the book was not in good condition due to its old printed date and even start pages were not attached. From other pages few words even paragraphs were omitted. Therefore, we searched different libraries in Lahore, Pakistan and finally one library had one hundred years old copy of MILAD E AKBAR. We were not allowed to take copy with us or outside the library. However, the librarian was kind enough to provide us with the missing pages, we needed to complete our publication. Then, my publisher of Adabistan Publishing House especially arranged Calligraphic artist to complete all work. It was my dream that I want to retain the originality of the book, which was only possible if we complete all work with hand written. Hundred years back, all books were hand written. Thank Allah that MILAD E AKBAR is the only fully handwritten Book published in Pakistan. Maybe in the whole world because now is age of technology and all writers and publishers prefer computer.

The cover of the book is also exclusively hand embossed and leather is used to make binding of the book strong and solid. The shining golden on front title is very attractive and eye catching. On the back side of the cover is advertisement from the publisher about upcoming book “SHEHANSHAH E BAGHDAD” by the same author. This upcoming book is exclusively written for the King of Saints- Sheikh Abdul Qadir Jillani R.A.

MILAD E AKBAR is dedicated to grandmother, great grandmother, mother and maternal uncle Shahid Akbar of the author. This book is also dedicated to Baji Yasmeen and all brave strong women which faced difficult circumstances and hardships but never forgotten their dedication with Holy Prophet Peace be upon him.

MILAD E AKBAR starts with two versus from the Holy Quran. The first surah mentions that “And the one who is blind in this world, he would be remained blind in life after death but will be more spoiled.”

The second verse is very famous and it mentions that Allah says ” Me and My Holy Angels are sending Darood (on Holy Prophet Hazrat Muhammad Peace Be Upon Him) The ones with faith should also send Darood and Salam.

On other page is Preface of the book in which author mentioned that Thank Allah, the desire to publish MILAD E AKBAR in its original form is becoming true. This book is read in whichever Mehfils, the blessings were always there. There is a long story of this book reaching in my hands. I have explained in brief.

The book start with HAMD (poetry in glory of Almighty Allah)

This HAMD is famous. Especially Allama Shah Ahmed Noorani read this whole Hamd. Here is YOUTUBE Link: https://youtu.be/l7W5SPjMy1E

Darood Taj and benefits of Darood Sharif is all explained in much details.

World famous classical Qawal Aziz Mian, who had won lifetime achievement award sang poetry from MILAD E AKBAR in his famous Qawali “Ankh Gulabi”. Here is YouTube link of this classic cult: https://youtu.be/RfMtXDn4XbU

We have included few pages of this wonderful book so that our readers could have some clear idea about the pattern written in MILAD E AKBAR. For the full spiritual blessings and experience, the one should buy the copy of the book. Price of this book is very cheap so that more people’s could be able to buy.