Wont the meaning of today emerge by combining warm memories of the past with hopes for the future

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Wont the meaning of today emerge by combining
warm memories of the past with hopes for the
future?
Our Mawlid Tradition
www.lastprophet.infowww.sonpeygamber.info www.po
sledniyprorok.info
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In addition to mawluds being recited, with the
attendance of the sultan, in the royal palace or
in great ceremonies in a mosque where many
expensive gifts were distributed, the mawlud was
also recited in almost all mansions of statesmen
and the wealthy, in mosques and masjids, and in
private homes.
Abdülaziz Bey (1850-1918), grandson of Umür-i
Mülkiyye Naziri (Superintendent of Administrative
Affairs of the State) Pertev Pasha, described
mawluds he saw in the pasha mansion where he grew
up as follows
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Because the story of the Prophet Muhammads
(pbuh) birth is always recited at night, various
dishes were prepared for guests who had been sent
written invitations. Tables were set which
contained every kind of fruit. In addition, paper
cones filled with all kinds of candy were
prepared for both the host family and guests.
Thin cotton mattresses were spread on both sides
of the upstairs sofa (hall) and red Tripoli
covers edged with gold fringe were spread on top
of them. A cushion covered with a shawl and a
small mother-of-pearl inlaid table covered with a
heavy shawl would be set up in the middle of the
room. Two large silver candlesticks would be
placed on each side, and at a little distance
away silver incense burners were placed on two
small tables with covers embroidered in gilt
thread.
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A screen was set up across from the sofa for
women, and again thin mattresses were spread for
them.
Towards evening the candelabra and crystal lights
were lit. As guests arrived, they were taken to
different rooms where they were first served
coffee and smoking pipes. Then they were given
dinner.
At the time of the night prayer, salat would be
performed together. Then the host and guests
would sit on the mattresses that had been
prepared earlier the chanter of the mawlud sat
on the cushion in front of the small table and
the other musicians sat in a half-circle in front
of him.
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Meanwhile, family members and female guests would
take their places, the incense burners would be
lit, and the chanting of the mawlud would begin.
During intermissions the musicians recited
eulogies in praise of Muhammad (pbuh) and sang
hymns. The mawlud was listened to silently,
sitting with bended knees. When the moment
describing the Prophets birth was recited,
everyone stood up giving salam to the Prophet,
and then sat down again.
After the mawlud was chanted, servants of the
mansion poured rose water from silver containers
to the hands of all the listeners. Then they
distributed cones of candy two at a time, which
they took from their aprons.
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After sherbet was served in covered cut-glass
glasses and the chanting finished, coffee and
pipes were served and then everyone went home.
Separate gifts were given to the chanter and the
musicians. Those whose homes were far away,
stayed for the night. In addition to the gifts,
it was customary to give the chanter a white
kerchief worked in gold or silver thread and
cloth for a shirt.
Islam Encyclopedia, Mawlud article, pp. 479-480. .