A Muslim Convert Once Before

بِسۡمِ ٱللهِ ٱلرَّحۡمَـٰنِ ٱلرَّحِيمِ Imam Shihab ad-Din Abu Shama ‘Abd ar-Rahman ibn Isma’il ash-Shafi’i ( r.a. ), who was one of the main teachers of Imam Abu Zakariya Yahya ibn Sharaf an-Nawawi ( r.a. ), wrote, in his book the impetus to reject the innovations and invented matters, the following: “Among the best of what has been newly introduced in our era is what occurs every year during the time of his birth, such as charity, show of happiness and joy, and other good deeds.   For this - which includes beneficence towards the needy - is a manifestation of love of him and veneration of him in the heart of the one who commemorates that event, and an act of gratitude to Allah for the Great Bounty He Blessed us with in Creating His Messenger ( s.a.w. ), whom He Sent as a Mercy to all the people ...”   Remembrance of the birth of the Prophet ( s.a.w. ) is an occasion for and an encouragement towards praying for blessings upon the Prophet ( s.a.w. ) and praising him, which i...