By: Tuaha Younas
Eid Milad ul Nabi is universally celebrated in the Muslim world with religious fervour and festivity. Bullay Shah Academy and Anjuman Khudam-e-Sufiya too observed the occasion with due respect and traditional fanfare on November 24.
The program started shortly before Isha Prayers with the recitation of Holy Quran after which Pir Afzal Ahmed Naqshbandi led the recitation of Khatam-e-Pak and humbly offered the thawab in the court of Holy Prophet PBUH, His Children, Companions and the rest of Ummah.
The occasion was marked with recitation of nasheeds in the court of Holy Prophet PBUH. Several prominent local naat khawans took part by expressing their love and paying respects to Holy Prophet PBUH.
Qari Anwar Naqshbandi, Br. Raheel, Br. Muzammil, Br. Parvaiz, Br. Shehrayar, and Br. Salis were among the more noteworthy participants. The attendants especially appreciated the young naat khawans who keeping in tradition with the children of Madinah, presented
their tributes to Holy Prophet PBUH throughout the evening.
Speaking on the occasion, Maulana Al-Haaj Abdul Latif Naumani focused upon the historical proofs of Milad ul Nabi SAW and noted that that Mawlid has been celebrated by Holy Prophet SAW and His blessed companions. He opined that the love and dedication displayed by the participants during the celebration of Mawlid was in the best traditions of our Aslaf and was an affirmation of their love for Holy Prophet PBUH.
In his masterful and transcendent keynote speech, Qibla Pir Afzal Ahmed Naqshbandi remarked that Holy Prophet SAW was sent to the mankind as a blessing in fulfillment of the prayer made by Prophet Abraham when he re-raised the walls of Kaaba. He enunciated that we are lucky to have been born in the Ummah of the Prophet PBUH whose care for us is symbolized by the fact that he sought forgiveness for us from Allah when his noor was created, when he physically manifested in this world and even when he was veiled from this physical world by the will of Allah. In a moving and stirring conclusion, he reminded the participants that Allah and His Angels send salutations upon Holy Prophet PBUH and orders all Muslims in Quran to do so likewise. Allah, for the sake of His Prophet PBUH, accepts the prayers of the person who sends salutations on him and makes his passing from this world easier on him, not to mention the inestimable benefits 
received on the Day of Judgement.
The event was noteworthy for the attendance of several non Muslims who attended to express their respect for Holy Prophet SAW. Bullay Shah Academy and Anjuman Khudam-e-Sufiya hold a monthly multifaith event on the last Saturday of every month. The next event will be held on December 29, 2018 to commemorate the Urs of Hazrat Ghaus-e-Azam. The organizing committee invites everyone to attend and bring children along so they can learn more about their faith. Separate arrangements are made for sisters.
