Celebrating Birthday of Prophet Muhammad[Peace and Blessings be Upon Him] is Biddat(innovation in Deen)

Praise be to Allaah.
There is nothing in the Qur’aan to say that we should celebrate the Mawlid or birthday of the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him). The Prophet himself (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) did not do this or command anyone to do it, either during his lifetime or after his death. Indeed, he told them not to exaggerate about him as the Christians had exaggerated about Jesus (upon whom be peace). He said: “Do not exaggerate about me as the Christians exaggerated about the son of Maryam. I am only a slave, so say, ‘The slave of Allaah and His Messenger.’” (Reported by al-Bukhaari). What has been reported is that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) made the day of his birth a day of worship, which is different to celebration. He was asked about fasting on Mondays, and he said: “That is the day on which I was born and the day on which I was entrusted with the Mission or when I was first given Revelation.” (Reported by Muslim, al-Nisaa’i and Abu Dawood).
Moreover, we know that the Sahaabah (may Allaah be pleased with them) were the people who loved the Prophet most. Was it reported that Abu Bakr, who was the closest of people to him and the one who loved him the most, celebrated the birthday of the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him)? Was it reported that ‘Umar, who ruled for twelve years, or ‘Uthmaan, did this? Was it reported that ‘Ali, his relative and foster son, did this? Was it reported that any of the Sahaabah did this? No, by Allaah! Is it because they were not aware of its importance, or did they not truly love the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him)? No one would say such a thing except one who has gone astray and is leading others astray.
Did any of the imaams – Abu Haneefah, Maalik, al-Shaafi’i, Ahmad, al-Hasan al-Basri, Ibn Seereen – do this or command others to do it or say that it was good? By Allaah, no! It was not even mentioned during the first and best three centuries. The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said in a saheeh hadeeth: “The best of mankind are my generation (or my century), then those who come after them, then those who come after them. Then there will come a people who will not care if their testimony comes before their oath or vice versa (i.e., they will not take such matter seriously).” (Reported by al-Bukhaari, Muslim and al-Tirmidhi). The celebration of the Prophet’s birthday appeared many centuries later, when many of the features of true religion had vanished and bid’ah had become widespread.
Thus this celebration became a sign of one’s love for the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him)? But can it be possible that the Sahaabah, the imaams and the people of the best three centuries were unaware of it, and it was only those who came later who were aware of its importance?! What the Qur’aan tells us is that love of the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) is demonstrated by following the guidance he brought. Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning):
“Say (O Muhammad): ‘If you (really) love Allaah, then follow me, Allah will love you and forgive you your sins. And Allaah is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful.
Say: ‘Obey Allaah and the Messenger.’ But if they turn away, then Allaah does not like the disbelievers.” [Aal ‘Imraan 3:31-32]
The first aayah explains that love is just a claim, but the proof of sincerity is following what the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) brought. The second aayah reaffirms the importance and necessity of obeying Allaah and His Messenger. Hence Allaah ended the aayah with a very stern warning in which those who refuse to obey are described as kaafirs, and Allah does not love the disbelievers. We ask Allaah to keep us safe from that. The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) told us of the danger of not obeying him, and the danger of adding to what he brought. The celebration of Mawlid or his birthday is indeed an addition to what he brought – as all the scholars agree. He said: “The best of speech is the Book of Allaah, and the best of guidance is the guidance of Muhammad. The most evil of things are those which are newly-invented (in religion), and every innovation is a going astray.” (Reported by Muslim and al-Nisaa’i).

We ask Allaah to protect us from bid’ah and to bless us by helping us to follow. Allaah knows best. May Allaah bless our Prophet Muhammad.

12 Points about The Celebrators of The Prophet (p.b.u.h)’s Birthday

Praise be to Allah, and peace and blessings of Allaah be upon to his messenger Muhammed (Sala Allahu Allyahi Wassalam) [2], who is the noblest of  all humanity…

I wish  to put before the sights of the reader, the following points about the celebrators of  Prophet's Birthday, namely as their action of doing that, according to Islam Shariah; a legitimate rightful (Halal) act  or against Shariah (Haram).  In other words, does it deserve rewarding or punishment !!.  I further pray to the Lord, that this article will be advantageous to all.

First Point:

"Allah" Tabarak Wa Taa'lla instructed his messenger Sala Allah Alayhi wasalam to follow what, the lord Allah has revealed to him and not to invent any 'fabricate ' instructions, though He says in His words of the Quraan, which its translation would be:

"And so that We have set you on (a clear, straight) way of the matter (that's everything contained in the Quraan and Sunnah[3]), so that you must follow and follow not the desires of those who know not." Surat Al Jathiah-verse: (18)

The worshipping actions of Islam are invariable, immune and everlasting as they were revealed to the prophet Sala Allahu  Alayhi wasalam. There is no single way for the brain to interfere in them. Allah, therefore, instructed his prophet Sala Allahu  Alayhi wasalam to follow the revealing (only)  in many positions. For instance, Allah's verse which its translation would be:

"And if you have not brought a verse, they say why don’t you "invent" it (from your own), so say: I but follow what is revealed to me from my Lord …) Surat Al Aa’raf. Verse: 203.

Further, the true scholars of Islam have resolved that:  worshipping is subject only to succeeding of the Quraan and Sunnah, and not inventing.

Second point:

Indeed Allah conferred a great favor on the believers by sending to them his messenger Muhammad Sala Allahu  Alyhi wasalam and not his birthday at all.  That what the Lord Tabarak Wa Taa'ala says in his revealed book "the Quraa'n" . The translation of one of the verses speaking this fundamental would be like:

" Indeed Allah conferred a great favor on the believers when He sent in  them a Messenger from among themselves, reciting unto them his Verses, and purifying them, and teaching them the Book[4]  and  wisdom[5] ,  while before that they had been in a manifest corruption."  Surat Al Imran-Verse 164.

Third Point:

The first ancestors of believers who were the prophet's companions (to whom we are instructed to follow and to take of their understanding of  what was meant by the Quraan's verses  and Hadeeth a scale for our understanding of Islam)[6] didn’t  use to add anything to their usual worshipping acts at the prophet's birthday.  If they had done any such addition, it would certainly have been transferred to us. Because they were very desirous and enthusiastic to have the exact knowledge in order to do worshipping actions for satisfying the Lord and so was the succeeding generation and the generation came after.  The knowledgeable scholar; Abie Abdullah Moh'md  Al-Haffar  (of the Maliky school), said that : (Don’t you realize that "Friday" is  best of all days, and the best of worshipping acts in the best day is to fast it, but the prophet Sala Allah Alyhi wasalam prohibited to fast it in spite of  it's  great virtue.  This indicates that we are prohibited to invent a worshipping act as for time or place aspects.  That the last of this nation will never be better guided than it's first generation.  Faithfully (I say), All benefits are in following the virtuous first ancestors).

Fourth Point:

Look to sublime understanding of Al Farouq;  Omer Ben Al Khatab[7] as he started the Moslem Calender with prophet's  hegira to Al Madinah, which stands as a  symbol for the victory of  Islam over infidelity rather than starting the Moslem date with his birthday or  the day of his death.  Do you know why?  It's giving essences and facts priority over rituals and formalities.

Fifth Point:

The first to invent this heresy in Islam was the Fatimi State[8] in Cairo at the fourth Hijri century.  They had invented six birthdays celebrations;  for; The prophet Sala Allah Alayhi wasalam, Ali, Fatima, Al Hassan and Al Hussein, (May Allah be pleased with them all) and a birthday for their present monarch as well.  These celebrations lasted until were invalidated by Al Afadal Ben Amier  Al Jiyosh , before they were restored again  at the reign of  Al- Hakim Bi Amr Allah in 524 in such a time people had nearly forgotten them .

The nation, therefore didn’t witness these celebrations before that state.  The question is, "Is this a state competent for us to succeed??  Which stands on the contrary of Islam's fundamentals and pillars ??".

Moreover, the strangest of the matter that some people prefer the prophet's birthday anniversary to the night of Al Qadr!!

Sixth Point:

Historians weren’t on agreement of the month in which He Sala Allah Alayhi wasalam was born.  Some said it was Ramadan, but the most of scholars said it was Rabi' Al Awal. They further, differed about his day of birth, as many saying were presented:

It was given by Ibn Abdul Bar as the second day of Rabi’ Al Awal. Ibn Hazm said it was the eighth day which most of Hadeeth's scholars presented. While others said it was the ninth day which was considered as most likely by Abu Al Hassan Al Nadawi and Zahid Al Kawthary.

While Al Baqer said the day was the tenth of that month.

Ibn Ishaq stated that it was the twelfth day. The day also was indicated as the seventeenth and eighteenth of that month.

The diversity in stating the prophet's birthday is an evidence that the companions were not keen to bring to other generations that day, and that for their knowledge that it didn’t include a particular worship in itself.  So if there was a special worshipping in the day itself, it would have been accurately transferred to us. We all faithful that nothing of Islam has been lost whatsoever.

(Sheikh Yousef Al Qardawi said that : When we go through this subject as from a historical point of view, we find that the companions May Allah be pleased with them didn’t use to celebrate with the anniversary of  birthday of  the prophet  Sala Allah Alayhi wasalam or the anniversaries of  his ascension or hegira.  Moreover, the fact that they were not searching in these dates.  They differed about the date of his birthday, they had given different dates for that because the knew that no certain worshipping act in them.  It's well known  that the generation of the companions and the first generations, who are the most virtuous of the nation didn’t celebrate with these anniversaries, it was invented after many years).

Among the strangest in this case, the ruler of Irbel used to celebrate the Prophet's birthday, a year in the eighth Rabi Al Wal and a year in the twelfth of that month as had taken into consideration the difference in the scholar's sayings regarding the birthday!! (Ibn Khallikan Volume 1 Page 437).

Seventh Point:

The date of the prophet  Sala Allah Alyhi wasalam is the same date of his death (Monday 12^th of  Rabi' Al Awal ) therefore,  joy in this anniversary is not more appropriate than sadness. (As stated by several scholars, like  Ibn Al Haj Al Maliky and  the Fakhany ).

(For example ) Ibn Al Haj Al Maliky said that:  " The most surprising of their celebrations is that,  they give parties of songs and  gladness for his birth in that day, while he  moved into  dignity in heavens (his death), which stands as the worse distress with which the nation has ever been afflicted, so that, and according to the criteria they are following, they should weep and show sorrowful aspects, in stead of  singing and demonstrating joyful times- Al Mudkhal 2/16.

Eighth Point:

It's remarkable that celebrations  with  the prophet's birthday are prevailing in the  Muslim territories adjacent to Nassara[9], nations like Egypt and  Sham states[10] whereas  those Nassara  celebrate with Christmas as the birthday of Jesus Peace be upon him and the anniversaries of his family members as well.  The Muslims imitated  them in that, which was the reason beyond the widespread  of this heresy among  Muslims.  So it was another confirmation to the prophet's promise included in his Hadeeth: (You will follow  the ways of those came before you, a span by span and an arm by an arm, even if they had entered into a lizard's hole you will follow them),  We said " Oh Allah messenger:  (You mean) Jews and Nassara?  He said:  "Who (else) ?" A true Hadieth included in Al Bukhari and Muslim True Hadieth books

The imitation of  them reached a degree that the scholar Al Sakhawi said (As where those who worship the Cross have taken the birthday of their prophet as their greatest feast day, so the Muslims are much eligible for taking their prophet's birthday a feast) but his reckoning was opposed by Mulla Ali Al Qarri, saying : "The fact that: Muslims are instructed to disagree with them[11] not to follow them…." AlMawred Al Rawi:29.

Ninth Point:

The loving of Allah Messenger would not be  embodied by celebrating with his birthday but only with following his Sunnah, and putting it as superior to anything else.  We must realize that the prophet Sala Allah Alayhi wasalam and his companions May Allah Be  Pleased with Them were the best worshippers of Allah Tabarak Wa Taa'la  and the most vitreous of this nation, without celebrating with the birthday, so they were like that, our religion compels us to follow them ……!!

The fact that we must be pleased with the prophet Sala Allah Alayhi wasalam not just in one day, but in everyday. We should be pleased with doing what did he order to do and refrain what did he order to be refrained... That's it, with empowering our faith we obtain the goodness and prosperity of this worldly life and the hereafter.

Tenth Point:

The prophet Sala Allah Alyhi wasalam said that: ( Don’t flatter me as Nassara are flattering the son of Marriam (Maria)[12], that I am his (the Lord's) Worshipper slave.  Therefore You should say: The worshipper slave of Allah and his  messenger ).

The most of those celebrations exaggerate flattering the prophet Sala Allah Alayhi wasalam (as disagreeing with his orders).

Moreover, it's  strange that, even  the scholars who defend birthdays admit that there is a dispraised exaggeration in flattering the prophet Sala Allah Alyhi wasalam which would reach infidelity!!  Particularly when some people overstepped all bounds and composed books including in them what they fabricated of false Hadeeths after ascribing them to the prophet Sala Allah Alayhi wasalam.  For instance, Abdullah Al Ghamari, one of the prominent contemporary Sufi figures said that:

" The books about the prophet's birthday are full of 'fabricated  Hadeeths' which have become a stable creed in the brains of  some  public!.  I am looking forward for composing  a book about the prophet's birthday but it will be free from two things: The fabricated  Hadeeths and the ugly rhymed  texts".

What I intend to say is that exaggeration in worshipping is generally prohibited in Islam as for the verse (which its meaning would be):

(O people of the book (Jews and Nassara)! Do not exceed the limits in your religion, nor say of Allah aught but the truth.) Surat Al Nissa. FromVerse 171.  And we are instructed with the same.

Further, anyone praises the prophet Sala Allah Alyhi wasalam with something not confirmed in our religion, thus falls under the meaning of  the prophet's Hadieth: ( …. and any who  intends to lie in attributing  to  me, let him occupy his place of hellfire) (A Sahih Hadeeth prescribed in Al Bukhari And Muslim Hadieth books).

Moreover, the prophet's  virtues are not deemed as from the matters which would be taken by tolerance.  These virtues are belonging to Allah Messenger Sala Allah Alyhi wasalam and therefore this context is dangerous for may be used to  alter the whole Shariah[13] (In the minds of some people, otherwise Shariah of Islam is conserved by the Lord Allah Tabarak Wa Taa'ala.).  The matter is sensitive so that Abu Mo'h Al Juwainy, who was the father of Al Harramain[14] Imam considered the person who lies in telling  Hadeeths as 'disbeliever' …. and added " Therefore  all exaggerations and things exceeding the limits must be burned in fire, otherwise, their holders will be burned in hellfire !!"…  Oh Lord, forgive us  … (From his criticism of Al Busiery Burdah –A Prophet praising poem ).

They are habitually in their manners  to finalize their parties prophetical  birthday with heresy phrases and prayers containing disbelieving )

And No power nor strength unless by Allah….

Eleventh Point:

What goes on in the prophetical birthdays of corruption can be apparently noticed by  everybody, these corruptions are like :

They accuse others who don’t support birthdays of hating the prophet  Sala Allah Alyhi wasalam forgetting that highly respecting and loving are embodied  in  compliance with Sunnah and throwing away every  heresy strange from our highly esteemed religion .

Also dancing and using of fabricated expressions or ways (instead of the revealed ones!!), made stories specially about imagined charisma and other illusions ……

In this context, Sheikh  Ali Mahfoud Al Azhari Says: "There is  excessive spending and wasting of properties and time…" AlIbdaa'  324.  I add, that  Such wasting of time and money, according to the fundamentals of Islam,  is prohibited and considered as utter sins even if having taken place in acting legitimate permissible worshipping works  if leading to prohibited actions. As prescribed Islamic rule of "Excluding allegations".  Now the question is that how it will be if money and time are spent on illegitimate unauthorized things (Haram)?? .

Twelfth Point:

There is a consensus of Moslems that the prophetic Birthday is a heresy added to the religion of Islam, but the scholars differed about its nature whether it is  a good or a bad thing.  A few of scholars preferred to say it's a good fabrication as for the interests – as they thought, are involved in it!!  .

While the most of true fundamental scholars, Preceding and Succeeding, resolved that conducting a birthday celebration is something prohibited in Islam. It is a sin (Haram), in accordance with the Islamic Shariah evidences which prohibited any invention in worshipping acts.  (in the religious work which are known only from the religion of Islam).

Of course holidays and celebration are emerging from religion only which doesn’t include birthdays at all.  Thus most of scholars have prevented opening a wide door for a certain evil, which is considered by a few as fabulous good!!  It is something hadn’t been done by the prophet  Sala Allah Alayhi wasalam or his companions nor those honestly succeeded them, a generation after another !!.

Taking into consideration that the prophet Sala Allah Alayhi wasalam didn’t discriminate between a good heresy (religious invention) or another;  He said that: Each heresy is a deviation.

Imam Malik said that:  “Each one has invented a heresy which he considered as a good one, thus he pretended that Muhammed Sala Allah Alayhi wasalam had  betrayed the message he had been sent with!! because Allah says which its  translation would be :

"Today I have completed your religion and have perfected my grace on you " Surat Al Maidah. From verse: 3.

Thus what it wasn’t apart of  Islam religion at that day, it will never be a part of the  religion at any other day.From Al Ia'tissam – Al Shatibi.

Some of the scholars who judged that the prophetic birthday is a heresy (fabricated act)

• Imam Al Shatibi in his book "Al Ia'tissam -1/34" where  he mentioned  in  its first pages  some types of heresies , considering prophetic birthday as one of them, so he condemned them.
• Imam Al Fakhany .
• Ibn Al Haj Al Maliky .
• The scholar of India, Abu Al Taiyb Shams Al Haq. And  his sheikh; Bashier Al Deen Qannoji, who had compesed  a book for the purpose.  See his comment of Al Dar Qutni  Hadieth book, on the true Hadieth:  "Anyone who invent in our religion what is (originally) not from it, is rejected." [15].
• The highly esteemed scholar, Abie Abdullah Al Haffar Al Maliky from the Arab Maghreb said that:  (The prophetical birthday was not done by the most virtuous generation after the prophet Sala Allah Alayhi wasalam, who are his companions.  They didn’t use to distinguish it from other nights by any work. That they learnt from the  prophet Sala Allah Alayhi wasalam,  who didn’t use  to worship his Lord unless with what He revealed to him.) Al Mia'yar Al Muarab. 7/99.
• The highly esteemed scholar " Ibn Othaimeen"[16] said that  "They hold prophetical birthdays because –as they say- they love the prophet Sala Allah Alayhi wasalam. We say: " Well come " if you love him, and "Well come " if you love to hold celebrations for his anniversary, but, be aware that there is a balance authorized by the Lord of this universe, the Best of judges who has said in his verse, which the translation thereof would be:  (Say If you (really) love Allah then follow me, Allah will love you and forgive you of your sins. And Allah is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful."  Surat Al Imran –Verse 31.  So if the person is faithful in his pretending loving Muhammed Sala Allah Alayhi wasalam he must follow him (his Sunnah) otherwise he is lying and doesn’t love the Prophet  Sala Allah Alayhi wasalam  because this balance is the faith and justice balance.  Now let's see, "is the birthday had been done by the prophet Sala Allah Alayhi wasalam?  By the Well Guided Caliphs?? By the other companions?? By the honestly succeeding generation??". The answer to all these questions is ultimatum "No" and anyone  pretend another answer, we will say :  (Give us you proof if you are honest )[17].  (So, in this case is not following but fabricating)- Ibn Othaimeen Website.
• Sheikh  Yusef  Al Qardawi, who said that  " They said that these birthdays were invented by Fatimi State in Egypt and from there it was  transferred to other parts of the Muslim countries. Whereas, there were some political objectives,  Perhaps stood beyond inventing these occasions.  May be to make the public busy with these birthdays and other celebrations as not to think of  political affairs and other matters. That if we consider the birthdays as a worshipping act, it can't be like that  at all !!" - Al Jazeerah Satellite Channel.
• Sheikh Mohammed Al Ghazaly judged that these birthdays are not more than a fabrications.  In his book ,“Not Islamic", page 252 he said that:  "Worshipping Allah  with holding these birthdays is not a fundamental worshipping. Therefore, I prefer the judgment over  all of these celebrations as "Fabrications " must be rejected and not excused.  Removing away the birthdays is a worldly and religious necessity.  The same applies on celebrating with prophet  birthdays, the middle of Shaabn night, the night of the Prophet's ascension, Al Qadr night and the hijri new year.  The dates of these nights were randomly appointed, parties were held , money generously spent, held by public and leaders with more and more speech and food, and at last  they are saying we are serving Islam" ironical

Finally

I pray to my Lord Allah, to accept these few papers as a work exerted in his passage.  I wish that it will be beneficiary to others and that is a great hope of me.  Further I seek to Allah's protection and to relief me with His blessing, He is the most generous. Oh Allah, my Lord on the right implants firmly my feet.  Make our work only to seek your pleasure.  Oh Lord you are the one and only guiding into the righteous passage.  The last of my prayers is that all praise and thanks to Allah, the Lord of the whole being.

---

[1]Of course the prophet meant here is Muhammed Salla Allahu Allyhi Wassalum.

[2]This phrase means: peace be upon the prophet, where every Moslem is instructed to say whenever the prophet Mohammed is mentioned –So this phrase will be mentioned every time the prophet is mentioned.

[3]Sunnah means everything ascribed to the prophet Sala Allahu Allyhi wassalam  of saying , action or acknowledgment .It, thus -means the way of life revealed to him.)

[4]The Quraan

[5]Sunnah

[6] Among the proofs compels  us  to take the understanding of the companions May Allah Be pleased with them, a scale for our worshipping, is the verse of the Quraan , which its meaning would be translated as follows:  (And the first to embrace Islam of  migrants and Ansars and those who followed them in faith, Allah is well-pleased with them as they are well-pleased with Him.  He has prepared for them Gardens under which rivers flow, so they dwell therein eternally, and  that is the supreme success.)  Surat Al Tawbah –Verse (100)

[7]The second of the Well Guided Caliphs.

[8]A Shiite sect state, who are considered as completely deviated off Islam.

[9]The original title designated in Islam to the so called "Christians”.

[10]Now including Syria, Lebanon, Palestine and Jordan.

[11]Referring to disbelievers in general, including Jews and Nassara.

[12]Exaggeration of flattering to Jesus made them say:  The Lord or the son of the Lord!!.

[13] The meaning is that we must follow the restrict confirmed rules of ascribing virtues to the prophet Sala Allah Alayhi wasalam. We must discriminate what is confirmed as  genuine from else ….

[14]It means the Imam of the two Harams ; Makkeh  and Al Madina.

[15]A true Hadieth contained in Al Bukhar & Muslam  true Hadieth books .

[16]One of the greatest-nation level- Muslim scholars.   Died only  about 4 years ago.

[17] A translation of a Quranic verse

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Celebrating the Birthday of the Prophet Muhammad[peace be upon Him]

Celebrating the Birthday of the Prophet Muhammad[pbuh]

Praise be to Allâh the Lord of the Worlds, and blessings and peace be upon our Prophet Muhammad and all his family and companions.

The commands mentioned in the Qur’ân and Sunnah to follow the laws of Allâh and His Messenger, and the prohibitions on introducing innovations into the religion are quite clear. Allâh says (interpretation of the meaning):

“Say (O Muhammad to mankind): ‘If you (really) love Allâh, then follow me (i.e. accept Islâmic Monotheism, follow the Qur’ân and the Sunnah), Allâh will love you and forgive you your sins’.” [Âl 'Imrân 3:31]

“Follow what has been sent down unto you from your Lord (the Qur’ân and Prophet Muhammad’s Sunnah), and follow not any Awliyâ’ (protectors and helpers who order you to associate partners in worship with Allâh), besides Him (Allâh). Little do you remember!” [al-A'râf 7:3]

“And verily, this is My straight path, so follow it, and follow not (other) paths, for they will separate you away from His path.” [al-A'nâm 6:153]

And the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allâh be upon him) said:

“The most truthful of speech is the Book of Allâh and the best of guidance is the guidance of Muhammad, and the most evil of things are those which are newly-invented.” And he (peace and blessings of Allâh be upon him) said: “Whoever innovates anything in this matter of ours (i.e., Islâm), that is not part of it will have it rejected.” (Narrated by al-Bukhârî, no. 2697; Muslim, no. 1718). According to a version narrated by Muslim, “Whoever doe anything that is not in accordance with this matter of ours (i.e., Islâm), will have it rejected.”

Among the reprehensible innovations that people have invented is the celebration of the birthday of the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allâh be upon him) in the month of Rabî’ al-Awwal. They celebrate this occasion in various ways:

Some of them simply make it an occasion to gather and read the story of the Mawlid, then they present speeches and qasîdahs (odes) for this occasion.

Some of them make food and sweets etc., and offer them to the people present.

Some of them hold these celebrations in the mosques, and some of them hold them in their houses.

Some people do not limit themselves to the actions mentioned above; they include in these gatherings harâm and reprehensible things, such as free mixing of men and women, dancing and singing, or committing actions of shirk such as seeking the help of the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allâh be upon him), calling upon him, seeking his support against their enemies and so on.

Whatever form it takes and whatever the intentions of those who do this are, there is no doubt whatsoever that it is an invented, harâm innovation which was introduced after the three best centuries in order to corrupt the religion of the Muslims. The first person to do this after them was the King al-Muzaffar Abû Sa’îd Kawkabûri, the King of Irbil, at the end of the sixth century or the beginning of the seventh century AH, as was mentioned by the historians such as Ibn Khalikân and others. Abû Shâmah said: the first person to do that in Mosul was Shaykh ‘Umar ibn Muhammad al-Malâ, one of the well-known righteous people. Then the ruler of Irbil and others followed his example.

Al-Hâfidh Ibn Kathîr said in al-Bidâyah wa’l-Nihâyah (13/137), in his biography of Abû Sa’îd Kawkabûri:

“He used to observe the Mawlid in Rabî’ al-Awwal and hold a huge celebration on that occasion … some of those who were present at the feast of al-Muzaffar on some occasions of the Mawlid said that he used to offer in the feast five thousand grilled heads of sheep, ten thousand chickens and one hundred thousand large dishes, and thirty trays of sweets … he would let the Sûfîs sing from Dhuhr until Fajr, and he himself would dance with them.”

Ibn Khalikân said in Wafiyât al-A’yân (3/274):

“When it is the first of Safar they decorate those domes with various kinds of fancy adornments, and in every dome there sits a group of singers and a group of puppeteers and players of musical instruments, and they do not leave any one of those domes without setting up a group (of performers) there.

The people give up work during this period, and they do no work except going around and watching the entertainment. When there are two days to go until the Mawlid, they bring out a large number of camels, cows and sheep, more than can be described, and they accompany them with all the drums, songs and musical instruments that they have, until they bring them to the square… On the night of the Mawlid there are performances of nashîds after Maghrib in the citadel.”

This is the origin of this celebration on the occasion of the Prophet’s birthday. More recently idle entertainment, extravagance, and wasting of money and time have become associated with an innovation for which Allâh has not sent down any authority.

What Muslims should do is to revive the Sunnah and put an end to bid’ah (innovation); they should not do any action until they know the ruling of Allâh concerning it.

Ruling on Celebrating the Prophet’s Birthday

Celebrating the occasion of the birthday of the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allâh be upon him) is forbidden and is to be rejected for a number of reasons:

1 – It is not part of the Sunnah of the Messenger (peace and blessings of Allâh be upon him) or of the khalîfahs who succeeded him. Since this is the case, then it is a forbidden innovation, because the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allâh be upon him) said:

“I urge you to follow my Sunnah and the way of the rightly-guided khalîfahs after me; adhere to it and cling to it firmly. Beware of newly-invented things, for every newly-invented thing is an innovation (bid’ah) and every innovation is a going-astray.” (Narrated by Ahmad, 4/126; at-Tirmidhî no. 2676).

Celebrating the Mawlid is an innovation introduced after the three best centuries in order to corrupt the religion of the Muslims. If a person does anything in order to draw closer to Allâh which was not done by the Messenger (peace and blessings of Allâh be upon him) or enjoined by him, and was not done by the khalîfahs who succeeded him, this action implies that he is accusing the Messenger of not explaining the religion to the people, and that he disbelieves in the words of Allâh (interpretation of the meaning):

“This day, I have perfected your religion for you.” [al-Mâ'idah 5:3]

Because he is adding something extra and claiming that it is a part of the religion, but the Messenger (peace and blessings of Allâh be upon him) did not bring this.

2 – Celebrating the birthday of the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allâh be upon him) is an imitation of the Christians, because they celebrate the birth of the Messiah (peace be upon him). Imitating them is extremely harâm. The hadîth tells us that it is forbidden to imitate the kuffâr, and we are commanded to differ from them.

The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allâh be upon him) said:

“Whoever imitates a people is one of them.” (narrated by Ahmad, 2/50; Abû Dâwûd, 4/314). And he said, “Be different from the mushrikîn.” (narrated by Muslim, 1/222, no. 259) –

especially with regard to things that are the symbols or rituals of their religion.

3 – Besides being bid’ah and an imitation of the Christians, both of which are harâm, celebrating the birthday of the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allâh be upon him) is also a means that leads to exaggeration and excess in venerating him, which even goes as far as calling upon him (making du’â’ to him) and seeking his help, instead of calling upon Allâh, as happens now among many of those who observe the bid’ah of the Mawlid, when they call upon the Messenger instead of Allâh, and ask him for support, and sing qasîdahs (odes) of shirk praising him, like Qasîdat al-Burdah etc.

The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allâh be upon him) forbade going to extremes in praising him, as he said:

“Do not extol as the Christians extolled the son of Maryam. For I am just His slave, so say, the slave of Allâh and His Messenger.” (narrated by al-Bukhârî, 4/142, no. 3445; al-Fath, 6/551), i.e.,

do not exaggerate in praising me as the Christians exaggerated in praising the Messiah and venerated him until they worshipped him instead of Allâh.

Allâh forbade them to do that when he said (interpretation of the meaning):

“O people of the Scripture (Christians)! Do not exceed the limits in your religion, nor say of Allâh aught but the truth. The Messiah ‘Îsa (Jesus), son of Maryam (Mary), was (no more than) a Messenger of Allâh and His Word, (“Be!” — and he was) which He bestowed on Maryam (Mary) and a spirit (Rûh) created by Him.” [al-Nisâ' 4:171]

Our Prophet (peace and blessings of Allâh be upon him) forbade us to exaggerate concerning him lest the same thing happen to us as happened to them, so he said:

“Beware of exaggeration, for those who came before you were destroyed because of exaggeration.” (narrated by an-Nasâ’î, 5/268; classed as sahîh by al-Albânî in Sahîh Sunan al-Nasâ’î, no. 2863).

4 – Observing the innovation of the Prophet’s birthday opens the door to other kinds of bid’ah and being distracted by them from the Sunnah. Hence you find that the innovators are very active when it comes to bid’ah and very lazy when it comes to the Sunnah; they hate it and regard those who follow it as enemies, until their entire religion is innovated anniversaries and Mawlids. They have split into various groups, each of which commemorates the anniversary of its Imâm’s birth, such as the births of al-Badawî, Ibn ‘Arabî, al-Dasûqî and al-Shâdhilî. No sooner do they end the celebration of one birthday but they start the celebration of another. This results in exaggeration concerning these dead people and others, and in calling upon them instead of Allâh, believing that they can bring benefit and cause harm, until they deviate from the religion of Allâh and go back to the religion of the people of the Jâhiliyyah of whom Allâh says (interpretation of the meaning):

“And they worship besides Allâh things that harm them not, nor profit them, and they say: ‘These are our intercessors with Allâh’.” [Yûnus 10:18]

“And those who take Awliyâ’ (protectors, helpers, lords, gods) besides Him (say): ‘We worship them only that they may bring us near to Allâh’.” [az-Zumar 39:3]

Discussing the specious arguments of those who celebrate the Mawlid

Those who think that this bid’ah should be continued produce specious arguments which are flimsier than a spider’s web. These specious arguments may be dealt with as follows:

1 – Their claim that this is veneration of the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allâh be upon him):

The response to that is that the way to venerate him is to obey him, do as he commanded and avoid that which he forbade, and to love him; he is not to be venerated through innovations, myths and sins. Celebrating his birthday is of this blameworthy type because it is a sin. The people who venerated the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allâh be upon him) the most were the Sahâbah (may Allâh be pleased with them), as ‘Urwah ibn Mas’ood said to Quraysh: “O people, by Allâh I have visited kings. I went to Caesar, Chosroes and the Negus, but by Allâh I never saw a king whose companions venerated him as much as the companions of Muhammad venerated Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allâh be upon him). By Allâh, whenever he spat it never fell on the ground, it fell into into the hand of one his companions, then they wiped their faces and skins with it. If he instructed them to do something, they would hasten to do as he commanded. When he did wudû’, they would almost fight over his water. When he spoke they would lower their voices in his presence; and they did not stare at him out of respect for him.” (al-Bukhârî, 3/178, no. 2731, 2732; al-Fath, 5/388). Yet despite this level of veneration, they never took the day of his birth as an ‘Eid (festival). If that had been prescribed in Islâm they would not have neglected to do that.

2 – Using as evidence the fact that many people in many countries do this.

The response to that is that evidence consists of that which is proven from the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allâh be upon him), and what is proven from the Prophet is that innovations are forbidden in general, and this is an innovation. What people do, if it goes against the evidence (dalîl), does not prove anything, even if many of them do it.

“And if you obey most of those on the earth, they will mislead you far away from Allâh’s path.” [al-An'âm 6:116 – interpretation of the meaning]

Nevertheless, in every age, praise be to Allâh, there have always been those who denounce this bid’ah and state clearly that it is false. Those who persist in following it after the truth had been explained to them have no proof.

Among those who denounced the celebration of this occasion was Shaykh al-Islâm Ibn Taymiyah, in Iqtidâ’ as-Sirât al-Mustaqîm; Imâm al-Shâtibî in al-’I’tisâm; Ibn al-Hâj in al-Madkhil; Shaykh Tâj al-Deen ‘Alî ibn ‘Umar al-Lakhamî who wrote an entire book denouncing it; Shaykh Muhammad Bashîr al-Sahsawâni al-Hindî in his book Siyânah al-Insân; al-Sayyid Muhammad Rashîd Ridâ wrote a separate essay on this topic; Shaykh Muhammad ibn Ibrâhîm Âlush-Shaykh wrote a separate essay on it; Shaykh ‘Abdul-’Azîz ibn Bâz; and others who are still writing and denouncing this bid’ah every year in the pages of newspapers and magazines, at the time when this bid’ah is being done.

3 – They say that by celebrating the Mawlid they are keeping the memory of the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allâh be upon him) alive.

The answer to that is that the memory of the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allâh be upon him) is constantly kept alive by the Muslim, such as when his name (peace and blessings of Allâh be upon him) is mentioned in the adhân and iqâmah and in khutbahs, and every time the Muslim recites the Shahâdatayn after doing wudû’ and in the prayers, and every time he sends blessings upon the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allâh be upon him) in his prayers and when he is mentioned, and every time the Muslim does a wâjib (obligatory) or mustahabb (recommended) action that was prescribed by the Messenger (peace and blessings of Allâh be upon him). In all of these ways (the Muslim) remembers him and the reward equivalent to the reward of the one who does that action goes back to the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allâh be upon him). Thus the Muslim constantly keeps the memory of the Messenger alive and has a connection with him night and day throughout his life through that which Allâh has prescribed, not only on the day of the Mawlid and things which are bid’ah and go against the Sunnah, for that puts one at a distance from the Messenger (peace and blessings of Allâh be upon him) and the Messenger will disown him because of that.

The Messenger (peace and blessings of Allâh be upon him) has no need of this innovated celebration, because Allâh has already bestowed veneration and respect upon him, as He says:

“… and raised high your fame …” [ash-Sharh 94:4]

For Allâh is not mentioned in the adhân, iqâmah or khutbah except that the Messenger (peace and blessings of Allâh be upon him) is mentioned after Him; this is sufficient veneration, love and renewal of his memory, ad sufficient encouragement to follow him.

Allâh did not refer to the birth of the Messenger (peace and blessings of Allâh be upon him) in the Qur’ân, rather He referred to his Mission, and says (interpretation of the meaning):

“Indeed, Allâh conferred a great favour on the believers when He sent among them a Messenger (Muhammad) from among themselves” [Âl 'Imrân 3:124]

“He it is Who sent among the unlettered ones a Messenger (Muhammad) from among themselves.” [al-Jumu'ah 64:2]

4 – They may say that the celebration of the Prophet’s birthday was introduced by a knowledgeable and just king who intended thereby to draw closer to Allâh.

Our response to that is that bid’ah is not acceptable, no matter who does it. A good intention does not justify a bad deed and even if a person died as a knowledgeable and righteous person, this does not mean that he was infallible.

5 – They say that celebrating the mawlid comes under the heading of bid’ah hasanah (“good innovation”) because it is based on giving thanks to Allâh for the Prophet!

Our response to that is that there is nothing good in innovation.

The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allâh be upon him) said:“Whoever innovates anything in this matter of ours (i.e., Islâm), that is not part of it will have it rejected.” (Narrated by al-Bukhârî, no. 2697; al-Fath, 5/355). And he said, “Every innovation is a going astray.” (narrated by Ahmad, 4/126; at-Tirmidhî, no. 2676).

The ruling on innovations is that they are all misguidance, but this specious argument suggests that not every bid’ah is a going astray, rather there are good innovations.

Al-Hâfiz ibn Rajab said in Sharh al-Arba’în: “The words of the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allâh be upon him), ‘every innovation is a going astray’ is a concise but comprehensive comment which includes everything; it is one of the most important principles of religion. It is like his words ‘Whoever innovates anything in this matter of ours (i.e., Islâm), that is not part of it will have it rejected.’ (Narrated by al-Bukhârî, 3/167, no. 2697; al-Fath, 5/355). Whoever innovates anything and attributes it to Islâm when it has no basis in the religion, this is a going astray and is nothing to do with Islâm, whether that has to do with matters of belief (‘aqîdah) or outward and inward words and deeds.” [Jâmi' al-'Ulûm wa'l-Hikam, p. 233]

These people have no proof that there is any such thing as a “good innovation” apart from the words of ‘Umar (may Allâh be pleased with him) concerning Tarâwîh prayers, “What a good innovation this is.” (Sahîh al-Bukhârî, 2/252, no. 2010 mu’allaqan; al-Fath 4/294).

They also said that things were innovated which were not denounced by the salaf, such as compiling the Qur’ân into one volume and writing and compiling the hadîth.

The response to that is that these matters had a basis in Islâm, so they were not newly-invented.

‘Umar said: “What a good bid’ah” meaning innovation in the linguistic sense, not in the shar’i (technical) sense. Whatever has a basis in Islâm, if it is described as an innovation, is an innovation in the linguistic sense, not in the shar’i sense, because innovation in the shar’i sense means that which has no basis in Islâm.

Compiling the Qur’ân into one book has a basis in Islâm, because the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allâh be upon him) had commanded that the Qur’ân be written down, but it was scattered, so the Sahâbah compiled it in one volume so as so protect and preserve it.

The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allâh be upon him) led his companions in praying Tarâwîh for a while, then he stopped doing that, lest that become obligatory on them. The Sahâbah (may Allâh be pleased with them) continued to pray it separately during the life of the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allâh be upon him) and after his death, until ‘Umar ibn al-Khattâb (may Allâh be pleased with them) gathered them behind one imâm as they used to pray behind the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allâh be upon him). This was not an innovation introduced into the religion.

Writing down the hadîth also has a basis in Islâm. The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allâh be upon him) ordered that some ahâdîth should be written down for some of his companions when they asked him for that. In general terms writing it down during his lifetime was not allowed, for fear that the Qur’ân might be mixed with things that were not part of it.

When the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allâh be upon him) died, this fear was no longer a factor, because the Qur’ân had been completed and arranged in order before he died. The Muslims compiled the Sunnah after that in order to preserve it and keep it from being lost. May Allâh reward them with good on behalf of Islâm and the Muslims, because they preserved the Book of their Lord and the Sunnah of their Prophet (peace and blessings of Allâh be upon him) from being lost or being tampered with.

We may also say to them: why was this act of thanksgiving (the Mawlid), as they call it, not done by the best generations, the Sahâbah, Tâbi’în and followers of the Tâbi’în, who loved the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allâh be upon him) most and who were most keen to do good and give thanks? Are those who introduced the innovation of the Mawlid more rightly-guided than them? Do they give more thanks to Allâh? Definitely not!

6 – They may say that celebrating the birthday of the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allâh be upon him) is indicative of their love for him; this is one way of showing that, and showing love of the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allâh be upon him) is prescribed in Islâm!

The answer to that is that undoubtedly loving the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allâh be upon him) is obligatory for every Muslim;he should love him more than he loves himself, his child, his father and all the people – may my father and mother be sacrificed for him – but that does not mean that we should introduce innovations for doing so that have not been prescribed for us. Loving him dictates that we should obey him and follow him, for that is one of the greatest manifestations of love, as it is said:

“If your love is sincere then obey him; for the lover obeys the one whom he loves.”

Loving the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allâh be upon him) implies keeping his Sunnah alive, adhering firmly to it, and avoiding words and deeds that go against it. Undoubtedly everything that goes against his Sunnah is a reprehensible innovation (bid’ah) and a manifest act of disobedience. That includes celebrating his birthday and other kinds of bid’ah. A good intention does not mean that it is permissible to introduce innovations into the religion. Islâm is based on two things, purity of intention and following [the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allâh be upon him)].

Allâh says (interpretation of the meaning):

“Yes, but whoever submits his face (himself) to Allâh (i.e. follows Allâh’s religion of Islâmic Monotheism) and he is a Muhsin (a doer of good) then his reward is with his Lord (Allâh), on such shall be no fear, nor shall they grieve.” [al-Baqarah 2:112]

Submitting one’s face to Allâh means being sincere towards Allâh, and doing good means following the Messenger and implementing the Sunnah.

7 – Another of their specious arguments is when they say that by celebrating the Mawlid and reading the biography of the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allâh be upon him) on this occasion, they are encouraging people to follow his example!

We say to them that reading the biography of the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allâh be upon him) and following his example are required of the Muslim all the time, all year long and throughout his life. Singling out a specific day for that with no evidence for doing so is an innovation, and every innovation is a going astray. (Narrated by Ahmad, 4/164; at-Tirmidhî, 2676). Bid’ah does not bear any fruit but evil and it leads to a person distancing himself from the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allâh be upon him).

In conclusion, celebrating the birthday of the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allâh be upon him), whatever form it takes, is a reprehensible innovation. The Muslims should put a stop to this and other kinds of bid’ah, and occupy themselves with reviving and adhering to the Sunnah. They should not be deceived by those who promote and defend this bid’ah, for these types of people are more interested in keeping innovations alive than in reviving the Sunnah; they may not even care about the Sunnah at all. Whoever is like this, it is not permissible to imitate him or follow his example, even if the majority of people are like this. Rather we should follow the example of those who follow the path of the Sunnah, among the righteous salaf (early Muslim scholars) and their followers, even if they are few. Truth is not measured by the men who speak it, rather men are measured by the truth.

The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allâh be upon him) said:

“Whoever among you lives (for a long time) will see many differences. I urge you to follow my Sunnah and the way of the rightly-guided khalîfahs who come after me. Hold on to it firmly. Beware of newly-invented matters, for every innovation is a going astray.” (Narrated by Ahmad, 4/126; at-Tirmidhî no. 2676).

So the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allâh be upon him) explained to us in this hadîth what we should do when there are differences of opinion, just as he explained that everything that goes against his Sunnah, be it words or deeds, is a bid’ah, and every bid’ah is a going astray.

If we see that there is no basis for celebrating the birthday of the Prophet, whether in the Sunnah of the Messenger of Allâh (peace and blessings of Allâh be upon him) or in the way of the rightly-guided khalîfahs, then it is one of the newly-invented matters, one of the bid’ahs which lead people astray. This principle is what is implied by this hadîth and is what is indicated by the âyah (interpretation of the meaning):

“O you who believe! Obey Allâh and obey the Messenger (Muhammad), and those of you (Muslims) who are in authority. (And) if you differ in anything amongst yourselves, refer it to Allâh and His Messenger, if you believe in Allâh and in the Last Day. That is better and more suitable for final determination.” [an-Nisâ' 4:59]

Referring to Allâh means referring to His Book (the Qur’ân), and referring to the Messenger (peace and blessings of Allâh be upon him) means referring to his Sunnah after he has passed away. The Qur’ân and Sunnah are the reference point in cases of dispute. Where in the Qur’ân or Sunnah does it indicate that it is prescribed in Islâm to celebrate the Prophet’s birthday? Whoever does that or thinks that it is good must repent to Allâh from this and from other kinds of bid’ah. This is the attitude of the Muslim who is seeking the truth. But whoever is too stubborn and arrogant after proof has been established, then his reckoning will be with his Lord.

We ask Allâh to help us adhere to His Book and the Sunnah of His Messenger until the Day when we will meet Him. May Allâh grant blessings and peace to our Prophet Muhammad and his family and companions.

Ameen…..