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All praise is due to Allaah, and may Allaah raise the rank of Prophet Muhammad, his virtuous and blessed kin and honored companions. “I am Yearning for the Prophet peace be upon him” – the slogan for this year’s annual Milad-un- Nabiyy celebration drew about 1,500 Muslims from across the Lower Mainland, Alberta, and Western Washington at the Bell Performing Arts Centre in Surrey, on Sep 22. National elites such as his Eminence, AICP Vancouver’s shaykh ^Abdur-Rahman Sulayman attended the celebration along with community leaders, business representatives, and diverse sponsors across the Lower Mainland.
Milad-un-Nabiyy is an ancient tradition that has been observed since the 12th century and continues to be a rewardable practice by Muslims worldwide during Rabi^ul Awwal. During the blessed celebration, we emulate the pious Muslims of the past and hasten to perform rewardable deeds such as Qur’an recitation, feeding the people, sharing stories of the birth of the Prophet, peace be upon him, and praising and thanking Allaah.
The celebration began with a glorious Quranic recitation followed by the performance of the internationally recognized Islamic Chanting Group as they eloquently delivered several heart- warming performances in praise of Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him).
Al-Hidayah School’s performance was immensely remarkable as well. Adorned with vibrant and colorful traditional attire and smiles etched on their faces, the children knew exactly how to capture our hearts with their words of praise for the Prophet in English and Arabic. It began with an impassioned speech from one of its well-respected graduating students and continued with the beautiful melodies of the children, who proudly chanted their love and praise for our beloved Prophet, peace be upon him.
Next, a sensational Arabic speech everyone’s attention by therenownedshaykh^Abdur- Rahman Sulayman– the shaykh for AICP Vancouver. With his captivating and powerful words emphasizing the importance of celebrating the birth of our Prophet, peace be upon him, he set the scene concisely and highlighted the theme of this year’s Mawlid celebration in the true Arabian style of speech.
In his address, the shaykh affirmed that the Mawlid is a gathering of Muslims to perform various acts of worship to thank Allaah for guiding us to Islam and for sending the Prophet as our guide, which firmly agrees with the teachings of Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him. He stressed the patience of the Companions in spreading the Religion and the importance of following the true and authentic teachings of the Prophet
Muhammad; peace be upon him, as Muslims must adhere to clearing Allaah from resembling His creations and loving our Grand Prophet as he deserves.
This is the Authentic creed of Ahlus-Sunnah wal Jama^ah, which we are ordered to follow.
The Association of Islamic Charitable Projects extends their appreciation to all the guests and volunteers who contributed to the success of this Multicultural Milad-un-Nabiyy Celebration of 2024. We ask Allaah to grant us peace and prosperity in the return of this blessed occasion next year.
Reported by: Imad Noori (AICP)
