Some of us celebrate it with great devotion and diligence, while some of us are against it with an equally
great vengeance. Some say it is our religious duty while others say it is nothing but bid'ah.
People argue about it. Families split up, friends forsake each other. And sometimes people literally fight
over it and hurt one another.
So what is it that I am talking about?
I am talking about celebrating the birthday of the Prophet (Sal Allaahu Alaiyhi wa Sallam), the Mawlid or
Milad, as some of us say.
Yes, the 12th of Rabi-ul-Awwal came and went. But, ever wondered..... what is the reality regarding the
celebration of the birth of our beloved Prophet anyway?
Let's examine the facts.
First of all, whenever a Muslim is faced with a problem or confusing situation, what are we supposed to
do? Allaah tells us:
“O you who believe! Obey Allaah 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 Allaah and His
Messenger, if you believe in Allaah and in the Last Day. That is better and more suitable for final
determination” [Nisaa’:59]
Referring it to Allaah and His Messenger means to turn to Allaah's Book and the Sunnah of the Prophet
(Sal Allaahu Alaiyhi wa Sallam).
1. What does the Qur'aan say about the Mawlid?
Nothing. Yes that's right.....NOTHING. There is absolutely nothing in the Qur'aan that tells us to
celebrate the birthday of the Prophet (Sal Allaahu Alaiyhi wa Sallam). Not one single ayah.
You see, all acts of worship are tawqeefi which means that they are not subject to personal opinion and
it is not permissible to do any acts of worship except those which are approved by Sharee'ah. So, for
example, I cannot pick a special day or time, say the 22nd of every month, and start celebrating that day
as a form of worship. Why? Because there is nothing in the Sharee'ah that permits me to do that. Also, I
cannot start praying three raka'ah for Fajr from tomorrow, even if I want to worship Allaah more,
because Fajr Salah is only two rakaat as commanded upon us by the Sharee'ah.
And similarly, if there is no order for us to celebrate the birthday of the Prophet (Sal Allaahu Alaiyhi wa
Sallam), then we don't