Islamic Reasons for Standing

Reason 1: The reason for standing is to show respect for Rasool Allah ﷺ and this habit of standing is practised in all towns, cities and countries. Scholars from east and west have declared it to be commendable and permissible. The thing that is considered commendable by Muslims is also commendable in the Sight of Allah Ta’ala and the thing which is considered evil by Muslims is also evil in the Sight of Allah Ta’ala.

Reason 2: There are many proofs and evidences which show that it is permissible and Sunnah to stand for those who hold a high rank and status. Hazrat Imam Noowi has written a whole book on this topic and Allama Ibn Hajar Asqalani has supported the view of Imam Noowi in his book and negated the view of Ibnul Haaj who disagreed with Imam Noowi.

Reason 3: It is reported in an authentic Hadith upon which there is no doubt that Rasool Allah ﷺ addressed the Ansaar and said, “Stand for this leader of yours.” This standing was in order to show respect for Hazrat Sa’ad . This was not done because Hazrat Sa’ad was ill otherwise he would have said ‘stand for the patient’ and neither would he have ordered all the Ansaar to stand. Rather, he would have just asked a few of them to stand (in order to help Hazrat Sa’ad).

Reason 4: It was the habit of Rasool Allah ﷺ to stand when someone came to his home in order to display love, friendship and respect, just as he stood when his blessed daughter Sayyedah Fatimah would come to his home. When Sayyedah Fatimah emulated her father and did the same when he came to her house he allowed her to do that and did not forbid her. In a similar manner, he ordered the Ansaar to stand for their chief which shows the validity and permissibility of standing. Standing for a descendant of the Holy Prophet ﷺ or for a chief is done out of respect and therefore who is more deserving of this respect than Rasool Allah ﷺ ?

Reason 5: People say that this was all done when Rasool Allah ﷺ was physically present in this world. However, he himself is not present in Milad gatherings that are conducted nowadays. The answer to this is that the person who talks about the blessed birth of Rasool Allah ﷺ and is singing his praises does so with the mindset and firm belief in his mind and heart that Rasool Allah ﷺ is present. The talk centres on the fact that Rasool Allah ﷺ came from the world of light and spirituality into this physical world at that time and the person talking about the blessed birth believes Rasool Allah ﷺ to be close to him.

This belief and closeness of Rasool Allah ﷺ is in a spiritual sense as Rasool Allah ﷺ is adorned and decorated with the most sublime and elevated characteristics by Allah Ta’ala. It is stated in a Hadith e Qudsi that Allah Ta’ala states, “Whoever remembers Me, I am beside him.”

In another narration it states, “I am with him who remembers Me.” Rasool Allah ﷺ has been bestowed with the best attributes and qualities by Allah Ta’ala and therefore in acting upon and following the rules laid down by Allah Ta’ala Rasool Allah ﷺ is spiritually present with his soul with all those who remember him, regardless of where they may be. Undoubtedly, this firm belief in the mind and heart of a person talking about Rasool Allah ﷺ is a means for increasing love for him and respect for him.