A Portrait of the Prophet - DVD

Hamza Yusuf

Description

Over 1,400 years ago the heavens and the earth celebrated the announcement of the birth of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). They rejoiced in the arrival of the long awaited "Chosen One," who was to be the perfect manifestation of Allah's mercy on earth and a beacon of light for humanity. He was and still remains the paragon of creation and is without question the greatest blessing and bounty that humanity has received from the Creator.

In recognition of this divine blessing, Muslims have celebrated his birth for centuries with reverence and gratitude. These celebrations, also known as Mawlid al-Nabi, vary in form, expression and duration across the many cultures of the Muslim world. In the Indian subcontinent, the Mawlid is celebrated throughout the city squares with melodious singing in praise of the Prophet (peace be upon him) accompanied by food and sweets.

In Indonesia, large processions involving hundreds of thousands of believers are held along the country's main roads as an expression of love for the Prophet (peace be upon him). The Moroccans host large feasts and recite lines of classical poetry in his honor. Similar practices and traditions have developed throughout other parts of the Muslim world further infusing cultures and people with a deep-seated respect and reverence for him. No matter how these celebrations take place, one thing is certain, in celebrating his birth, his legacy and his life the Muslim community at large continues to strengthen its connection to him and thus God.

This DVD captures a night of inspiration from a timeless tradition, with lectures by Shaykh Hamza Yusuf, Imam Tahir Anwar and performances by Nader Khan and the Bay Area munshidun.