Introduction to the Mawlid al-Barzanji – Shaykh Faraz Rabbani
In this video, Shaykh Faraz Rabbani gives a background of the Mawlid al-Barzanji. He speaks about the life of the author, Imam Ja’far al-Barzanji, and his life and works.
Everyone thinks about whom or what they love. For the believers, however, our rejoicing is in Allah and His Messenger, Allah bless him and give him peace. This imperative to rejoice is a means to sustaining life of faith. One of the best things we can possibly find joy in, is the gift of the Prophet.
When we recite mawlids, or poetry in praise of the Prophet, it rejuvenates our faith and gives us joy. This is why scholars have written poetry throughout the ages, teaching the readers about the life of the Prophet. One of the best-known such poems, is the Mawlid al-Barzanji.
About Imam al-Barzanji
Imam al-Barzinji was an Imam originating from a town called Shazur in Kurdistan. He was born on Friday, the 12th of Rabi al-Awwal in the year 1040 after hijra. He was raised in Shazur, where he studied the Islamic sciences. Islamic knowledge in his hometown.
At the age of 63 he moved to Medina. This was the habit of many scholars, who would spend their lives teaching and calling to Allah. Then, in the later part of their lives, they would devote their lives to devotion and writing.
Imam al-Barzanji, however, was a Shaf’i mufti. Although he came to Medina as a foreigner, he was made the Chief Justice in Medina because of his knowledge, piety, and virtue. He died in Medina and is buried in Jannat al-Baqi’.
His Mawlid
His mawlid is very unique, mainly focused on the birth of the Prophet and its coming. Some parts of the mawlid are composed in poetry, while other parts of it are written in prose form.
Much could be said about it, but one of its characteristics is that it speaks about the Prophet in language that is eloquence, yet is clear and easily accessible to the common person. It has been translated in many languages, including Java, Urdu and Swahili, and is widely read across the Muslim world.
