CHAPTER FIFTEEN

THE URS (ANNIVERSARY ON THE DEPARTURE OF A SAINT)

IN PROOF OF URS

The literal meaning of Urs is wedding, and it is for this reason that the bride and bridegroom are called 'Uroos'. The date of demise of the Friends of Allahعزوجل and Buzurgs is called Urs because, whih the angels who question in the grave (Nakeerain) test the deceased and find him to be successful, they say, "Sleep like a bride who will not be awakened by anyone except for the person who is most beloved to her." 15.1 - Mishkaat, Baabu Ithbaatil-Qabr

Because these angels have called them 'Uroos' on that date, it therefore becomes the day of 'Urs',

Another reason is because, on this day, the angels will reveal the beauty and splendor of Rasoolullahصلی اللہ علیہ وسلم and ask him, "What did you say about this man?" He will reply, "He is the Uroos (adorned personality) of all creation. The entire creation has attained splendor through him." Meeting the beloved is the day of 'Urs', and it is for this reason that the day is called Urs.

Urs merely means to visit the grave on the date of demise every year, convey the reward of the recitation of the Holy Quran and give charity. The source of Urs is found in the Ahadith and rulings of the Jurists. Shaami states, "Ibn Abi Shalba رضی اللہ تعالٰی عنہ stales that the Holy Prophetصلی اللہ علیہ وسلم used to go to the graves of the martyrs (Shuhadaa) of Uhud every year." 15.2 - Vol. 1, Baabu Ziyaaratil-Quboor

Tafseer-e-Kabeer and Durre-Mansoor state, "It is proven that the Prophetصلی اللہ علیہ وسلم. used to go to the graves of the martyrs every year and make Salaam to them. The four Khulafaa used to also do this."15.3

Shah Abdul-Azeez Muhaddith Dehlwi رضی اللہ تعالٰی عنہ writes, "Secondly, many people gather and, after completing the Quran and Fatiha on the Sheerini, distribute it amongst those present. This part was not practiced in the Holy Prophet’sصلی اللہ علیہ وسلم time or during the era of the Khulafaa-e-Raashideen, but there is nothing wrong in someone doing so. Rather, the deceased attain benefit from the actions of the living." -Fataawa Azeezia, Pg. 45

Answering Maulwi Abdul-Hakeem Siyaalkoti, Shah Abdul-Azeez Muhaddith Dehlwi رضی اللہ تعالٰی عنہ writes, "This taunt is because people are unaware of conditions.

No one accepts anything else to be Fardh except for what the Shariah has classified as so, Yes, attaining barkat from the graves of the pious, reciting the Holy Quraa and Isaal-e-Thawaab and distributing sweetmeats and food to assist them (m thawaab) is good according to the Consensus of the Ulama. The day of Urs appointed to remind people of his demise. Otherwise, on whatever day these acts are done is good," - Zubdatun-Nasaaih fi Masaailiz-Zabaaih

The literal meaning of Urs is wedding, and it is for this reason that the bride and bridegroom are called 'Uroos'. The date of demise of the Friends of Allahعزوجل is called Urs because, when the angels who question in the grave test the deceased and find him to be successful, they say, "Sleep like a bride who will not be awakened by anyone except for the person who is most beloved to her."

Hadrat Shaikh Abdul­ Qudoos Gangoohi رضی اللہ تعالٰی عنہ writes to Maulana Jalaaluddin, "The Urs of Peers, according to their method with Samaa wl cleanliness, should be practiced," - Maktoob. Letter no. 182

Haaji Imdaadulilb Muhaajir Makkir رضی اللہ تعالٰی عنہ , the Peer of Maulwi Rashid Ahmed and Ashraf Ali Thanwi, notably stresses the permissibility of Urs and, while explaining his practices, رضی اللہ تعالٰی عنہ writes, "The practice of this Feqe (i.e. myself) in this matter is that I make Isaal-e- Thawaab to the soul of my Peer every year. Firstly, Quran is recited, and if there is enough time, Moulood Sharif is read.

Thereafter the reward of this is conveyed." - Faisla Haft Mas 'ala Maulwi Rashid Aluned Gangohi also accepts Urs to originally be permissible. He رضی اللہ تعالٰی عنہwrites, "There are many things that were permissible originally but were then prohibited at a later time. Gatherings of Moulood and Urs are examples of this. It is known from Arabs that they used to commemorate the Urs of Hadrat Sayed Ahmed Badawi رضی اللہ تعالٰی عنہ on a large scale with much pomp, The Ulama of Medina used to especially observe the Urs of Sayyiduna Ameer Hamza رضی اللہ تعالٰی عنہ.

Whose grave (Mazaar) was at the mountain of Uhud. In short, Muslims throughout the globe, including the Ulama, pious and especially the people of Madina, used to strictly observe Urs, and that which is good according to Muslims is good in the sight of A1lah عزوجل "-Fataawa Rashidia, Vol.1, Pg. 92

Rationally speaking, holding the Urs of the Saints should also be a good action.

Firstly, the Urs is a celebration of visiting the graves and giving charity. Both of these actions are Sunnah, so how can the collection of two Sunnahs be Haraam? The Holy Prophetصلی اللہ علیہ وسلم has said, "I had previously stopped you from visiting the graves. Now, you may definitely visit them. -Mishkaat, Baabu Ziyaaratil­-Quboor.

This confirms the permissibility of visiting the graves in every manner. They can be visited daily or annually, alone or in a group. Thus, when someone enplaces his own restrictions to this (e.g. visiting the graves in a group is prohibited, or visiting it after appointing a date for it every year, etc.), it is inconsequential. The practice is permissible with or without specifying a date or day.

Secondly, appointing a date for Urs eases the gathering of people. They gather together and collectively recite the Holy Quran, Zikr, Durood, etc. and, through this, many blessings are attained.

Thirdly, all of the mureeds of a Peer gather on the date of his demise and come to know of each other's conditions. They meet unceremoniously and love is increased through this.