Author: Allama Abdullah bin Abdul Rahman Al-Jibreen (May Allah protect him)
However, the scholars who supported or remained silent on this matter were not from the Ahl al-Sunnah wa al-Jama’ah or true scholars of Islamic investigation. Rather, they were government-appointed clerics seeking proximity to rulers, prioritizing worldly benefits, and fearing the loss of material gains.
Conversely, many knowledgeable and virtuous scholars raised their voices against this practice, calling it a bid‘ah. They clarified that celebrating Mawlid an-Nabi is a practice absent from the era of the Prophet (ﷺ), his companions (Sahabah), the Tabi‘un, and the Taba‘ Tabi‘un, who lived in the best of generations as recognized by the Prophet (ﷺ).
If celebrating the birth of the Prophet (ﷺ) were a virtuous act, these righteous predecessors would have been the first to practice it, as they loved and revered the Prophet (ﷺ) far more than those who came after them. They were also more diligent in following his Sunnah and adhering to his teachings.
The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) explicitly rejected innovations in religion, as he said:
"Whoever performs an action that is not in accordance with our command, it will be rejected."
[Saheeh Bukhari and Saheeh Muslim]
Those who advocate for Mawlid an-Nabi often label it as a "good innovation (bid‘ah hasanah)" and justify it as a way to express joy and gratitude for the Prophet’s birth. However, these justifications hold no weight in light of the principles of the Shari‘ah.
True joy and gratitude for the birth of the Prophet (ﷺ) should manifest as a consistent love, obedience, and adherence to his teachings, not through an annual celebration limited to one night.
Moreover, if celebrations were to be held, there are other significant events in the Prophet’s life that could have been marked with greater justification, such as:
Allah knows best!
Question:
What is the ruling on celebrating the birth of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ)?Answer:
Celebrating the birth of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), commonly known as Mawlid an-Nabi, is a reprehensible innovation (bid‘ah munkarah) that was introduced by the Banu Buwayh dynasty in the 4th century Hijri. This practice gradually gained acceptance and became widespread in many Muslim lands, eventually transforming into a tradition. Over time, many scholars of Islamic countries, due to their silence or participation, indirectly legitimized this innovation.However, the scholars who supported or remained silent on this matter were not from the Ahl al-Sunnah wa al-Jama’ah or true scholars of Islamic investigation. Rather, they were government-appointed clerics seeking proximity to rulers, prioritizing worldly benefits, and fearing the loss of material gains.
Conversely, many knowledgeable and virtuous scholars raised their voices against this practice, calling it a bid‘ah. They clarified that celebrating Mawlid an-Nabi is a practice absent from the era of the Prophet (ﷺ), his companions (Sahabah), the Tabi‘un, and the Taba‘ Tabi‘un, who lived in the best of generations as recognized by the Prophet (ﷺ).
If celebrating the birth of the Prophet (ﷺ) were a virtuous act, these righteous predecessors would have been the first to practice it, as they loved and revered the Prophet (ﷺ) far more than those who came after them. They were also more diligent in following his Sunnah and adhering to his teachings.
Innovation in Religion
The celebration of Mawlid an-Nabi is an addition to Islam, introducing a practice with no basis in the original teachings of the religion. Such innovations imply an accusation against the completeness of Islamic law, as if there were a deficiency in the Shari‘ah that needed to be rectified through such celebrations.The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) explicitly rejected innovations in religion, as he said:
"Whoever performs an action that is not in accordance with our command, it will be rejected."
[Saheeh Bukhari and Saheeh Muslim]
Those who advocate for Mawlid an-Nabi often label it as a "good innovation (bid‘ah hasanah)" and justify it as a way to express joy and gratitude for the Prophet’s birth. However, these justifications hold no weight in light of the principles of the Shari‘ah.
True joy and gratitude for the birth of the Prophet (ﷺ) should manifest as a consistent love, obedience, and adherence to his teachings, not through an annual celebration limited to one night.
Historical Context and Contradictions
It is worth noting that the night of the Prophet’s birth is also the night of his passing from this world. From this perspective, it would be more appropriate to observe it as a time of mourning and reflection rather than celebration.Moreover, if celebrations were to be held, there are other significant events in the Prophet’s life that could have been marked with greater justification, such as:
- The night of the Isra and Mi‘raj.
- The day the first revelation was received.
- Victories like Badr, Hunayn, or the conquest of Makkah.
- The farewell pilgrimage (Hajjatul-Wada’).
Conclusion
The best way to express love and joy for the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) is through lifelong adherence to his Sunnah, obedience to Allah’s commands, and avoiding innovations in religion. Celebrating Mawlid an-Nabi is not a legitimate act of worship and contradicts the teachings of Islam.Allah knows best!