Praise be to Allaah Subhana wa ta ‘Ala.
As the month of Rabi’ ul Awwal approaches, World around the globe start witnessing the preparation and celebration of the Mawlid or birthday of the Prophet Sallallahu Alehe Wasallam by Muslims. Let’s measure this act of Ibadah on the scale of Qur’an and authentic Sunnah of Prophet Sallallahu Alehe wassalam himself, his beloved companions and the lives of the pious predecessors who followed his way. (May Allah be pleased with them all).
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:
(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:
The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said in a Saheeh hadeeth:
(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.
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 (s.a.w) said:
(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 SWT knows the best. May Allaah SWT bless our Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him).