Eid Milad-un-Nabi or Al-Mawlid is known as the festival of celebrating the birthday of Prophet Muhammad PBUH. It occurs on the 12th Rabi-ul-Awal. Nowadays, many muslims practise it. Some even go on to call it a duty of a muslim to celebrate this day; But have we ever stopped and considered the validity of this festival?
Most Muslim scholars are of the view that celebrating a fully blown festival is considered a bidaa. They cite that during the times of Prophet Muhammed himself such festivals were never celebrated. Also, In support of this argument i the fact that even during the times of the companions of Muhammed PBUH such celebrations were not common and widespread. Leading to an opinion that Eid Milad-un-Nabi or Al-Mawlid is wrong to celebrate.
Many say the that this celebration is not rightly an ‘Eid’ (Islamic Festival) thus it is downright unlawful to celebrate during these times.
The flip side of this coin are the supporters of these celebrations. One of the most ardent supporters of this festival is Ibn-Kathir (a celebrated muslim scholar) who says:
“Ibn Kathir says in his “Mawlid,” page 30: “The Prophet’s (s) uncle al-’Abbas (r) composed poetry praising the birth of the Prophet (s), in which are found the following lines: `When you were born, the earth was shining, and the firmament barely contained your light, and we can pierce through, thanks to that radiance and light and path of guidance.’ ”
There are also other supporters of this version which seem reasonable enough.
Now lets try to look at this logically, sending praise and good wishes to Prophet Muhammed PBUH is fine by all means but one shouldnt make a mountain out of a mole hill (like huge processions, Praise Poems/Songs on Loud Speakers/Disrupting City Life/Abandoning Salah ), especially if there are not clear cut explanations from Quran.
But these are just my views.. What about yours? Do you celebrate this day? If you do, Why do you think its allowed in Islam? If not, Why do you think its dis-allowed? Share your Thoughts in the comments section.
AssalamOAlaikum. Over and Out
Zakaria Musa
Apr 22. 2013
Since Prophet SAW himself always encourage the middle path, so I think we should do it in a moderate manner because we have so many other things to do to live up to prophet guides and sunnah. Wallahhu'allam.
Asim Baig
Mar 20. 2013
Allah has given us sense.Most of the time when there was a clash between the views of two muslim groups than our Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) suggested the right way or declared one to be wrong or declared both the ways to be correct. I don't believe that our Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) or any of his companion declared it to be wrong so far if you are not committing Sharik.
Waheed Ahmad khan
Jan 25. 2013
Islam is complete code of life.It is a religion for practice.No doubt, muslim should lead this world by following the teachings of islam…because these are the ultimate truth..Muhammad(PBUH) is the complete person of the world . It is a miracle that His total life is before us…He was the MAN OF PRACTICE , different aspects of His life show that with the help of God he gave us the massage to do practical…Muhammad(PBUH) is the personility that we can’t understand His dignity…The best thing , we can do to try our best to follow His teachings(sunnah)…since last two years , i have noticed that 12 Rabialawal is becoming a festival , what are we doing…are we realy so happy to celeberate His birth…or it is a culture of indo-pakistan…are we able to celebrate His birthday…or are we making islam like a myth…in pakistan , every sect of muslims is becoming the greatest protecter of islam…for beyand the real spirt of Islam…for beyand the practice…in pakistan , we have made Islam , a riligion of rituals…Personility of Hazrat Muhammad(PBUH) is far high like these celebrations…we should celeberate this day on national level…but not in this way(like it a day of MEELA)….we should make this day a lecture day on the seerat of Muhmmad…Education institutions , media…every institute should conduct lectures on His(PBUH) teachings..so that the nation can follow true Islam…
Welcome Sports & Leather Equipments
Jan 23. 2013
HAM SAB KO AIK BAAT TO BOHAT ACHI TARAH APNAY AZHAAN MAIN CLEAR KR LENI CHAHIYE K AAJ AGAR HAM MUSLIMAN HAIN TO SIRF OR SIRF NABI PAK (S.A.W) KI WAJA SE HAIN. OR SARI UMMAT-E-MUSLIMAH KO BROZ-E-QIAMAT NABI PAK (S.A.W) KI SHAFAAT KI SAKHAT ZAROORAT HAI.
DOOSRI BAAT YE K ALLAH KAREEM NE QURAN-E-MAJEED MAIN NABI PAK (S.A.W) K LIYE FARMA DIA HAI (AYE MERAY MEHBOOB (S.A.W), HAM NE AAP K ZIKAR KO BULAND KR DIA). DOOSRI JAGA FARMAYA (BESHAK ALLAH OR US K FRISHTAY NABI PAK (S.A.W) PR DROOD BHAIJTAY HAIN).
AB YE SAB KUCH HAMARI APNI MARZI HAI K HAM KIA KRTAY HAIN. LAIKIN KUCH B KRNAY YA COMMENT KRNAY SE PEHLAY SIRF ITNI BAAT APNAY SAMNAY ZAROOR RAKH LAIN K NABI PAK (S.A.W) IS BAAT K BILKUL MUHTAJ NAI HAIN K HAM MAIN SE KON UN KI AAMAD KI KHUSHI MANATA HAI OR KON NAI, KUN K UN KA ZIKAR TO HAR WAQAT ALLAH K YAHAN HO RAHA HAI. SO BE CAREFUL ABOUT EVERY THING K APNAY AAP KO ALLAH K FRISHTON KI SAFF MAIN SHAMIL KRWANA HAI YA MUKHALIFAT KRNAY WALAY MUNAFIQON KI SAFF MAIN JO NABI PAK (S.A.W) KA KALMA B PARHTAY HAIN OR AAP (S.A.W) KI ZAAT PAR ATTACK B KARTAY HAIN.
(SAL ALLAH O ELAHAY WASALLAM).
Asma Khan
Jan 22. 2013
Assalamoalaykum Warahmatullahi Wabarakatuhoo, Dear sisters & Brothers instead of arguing /debating /conflicting & unnecessary discussions on the Celebration of birthday of Prophet Mohammad Sallallahoalayhiwassalam as either we must it / not , We MUST MUST MUST implement His Great Sunnah in each & every way & every day of our life . And must recite Durud as much as we can everyday .That will be real celebration . In Sha Allah .
Ali Akbar
Jan 21. 2013
Allah SWT has created this world for a special purpose. There has been lots of living and non living things created by Allah among which human beings and jinns would be only be accounted for their deeds (good or bad). They would be treated accordingly. All this was done by the creator Allah SWT who has loved our Holy Prophet (PBUH) and he is the only being given right to save his ummah from hell (Dozakh). It is because of Love Of Allah With Muhammad (PBUH). So when we think well we comes to know that how lucky we muslims are being included in ummah of Holy Prophet (PBUH). This is a greatest of all gifts Allah has given us. This is also true that Allah has created this world because of his beloved Holy Prophet (PBUH). Therefore if someone celebrates this festival he is doing the right thing because The Quran has been given by Allah to Holy Prophet who lead his life according to the teaching of Quran and Allah has bound us to follow his Sunnah. The Sahabas have loved Prophet (PBUH) without any arguments. They kept on looking his face with love and Allah blessed them all. So if any one with true love of Muhammad (PBUH) celebrates his birth festival (MiladunNabi) casues happiness to Allah SWT and this act is not specially forbidden in Islam anywhere. Remember our prayers without love of our Prophet SAW are not acceptable to Allah. So please don't raise questions on the validity of this day because the simple is that who loves Holy Prophet (PBUH) celebrates this days physically or by heart and its not right for any muslim to give any comments aganst celebrating this days because the most unhappy personality on birth of our Prophet was Iblees (shaitan laeen) and his followers. so its our own choice to be among the happy one or……………
Muhammad Haroon Sabir
Jan 22. 2013
Brother Ali Akbar you started your comments very clearly but in the last you diverted towards a point where you or me is not the authority. Referring Quraan or Hadith in this way and extracting results/ opinion from it is not your job nor mine. We can only share our opinion about the past practice of the Sahaba/ Taabein/Taba Taabein and so on. Non of them has celebrated this day like we celebrate it today. Also the shea's are celebrating the day of Imam Hussain. This is not correct like they are celebrating. If someone celebrate the birthday of our beloved messenger (PBUH) inside a masque, offer prayers and dua it is good. Like wise shias celebrate the muharram inside their Imamabargah it is good. This is just my opinion every one has the right to oppose on grounds of facts and reality.
Bilal Raza Khan
Jan 21. 2013
It is proven from the Quran and Hadith that celebrating the Milad not just allowed, but preferred.
Quran says: "Say: "In the bounty of God. And in His Mercy, in that "LET THEM REJOICE" : that is better than the (wealth) they hoard" (Surah Yunus, 10:58).
So Quran speaks of rejoicing about the Mercy of ALLAH, and we know that the Prophet (Peace be upon him) is the Mercy to all the worlds and the entire creation.
Qur'an states at another place: Translation: "We have not sent you but as a “Mercy to the worlds” (Surah al-Anbiya, 21:107).
Qur'an states regarding Yahya (Peace be upon him): "So Peace on him the day he was born, the day that he dies, and the day that he will be raised up to life (again)!" [Surah al-Maryum, (19:15)].
So the days when Anbiya (Peace be upon them) are born are days of "Tranquility" in sight of Allah.
Book 006, Number 2606 (Sahih Muslim).
Abu Qatada Ansari (Allah be pleased with him) reported that Allah's Massenger (may peace be upon him) was asked about fasting on Monday, whereupon he said: It is (the day) when I was born and revelation was sent down to me.
It is clear from this Hadith that the Holy Prophet (Peace be upon him) was very happy about the day of his birth and so fasted out of gratitude. Fasting is a form of worship, so one can celebrate this day by any form of ibada. One can fast or hold gatherings or provide food to the poor, all being acts of worship.
Volume 7, Book 62, Number 38: (Sahih Bukhari).
Narrated 'Ursa; Thuwaiba was the freed slave girl of Abu Lahb whom he had manumitted, and then she suckled the Prophet. When Abu Lahb died, one of his relatives saw him in a dream in a very bad state and asked him, "What have you encountered?" Abu Lahb said, "I have not found any rest since I left you, except that I have been given water to drink in this (the space between his thumb and other fingers) and that is because of my manumitting Thuwaiba."
Abu Lahab freed Thuwaiba on joy at birth of Prophet (salallaho alaihi wasalam), even the worst of Kufaar and greatest of enemies is given relaxation in his Adhaab due to freeing Thawaiba by pointing with his finger, so Imagine the situation of a momin who rejoices on Mawlid.
Mohamed Ishrath
Jan 20. 2013
Celebrating birthdays is a practice of the Kuffar and has never been part of Islamic teachings.
Bilal Raza Khan
Jan 21. 2013
It is proven from the Quran and Hadith that celebrating the Milad not just allowed, but preferred.
Quran says: "Say: "In the bounty of God. And in His Mercy, in that "LET THEM REJOICE" : that is better than the (wealth) they hoard" (Surah Yunus, 10:58).
So Quran speaks of rejoicing about the Mercy of ALLAH, and we know that the Prophet (Peace be upon him) is the Mercy to all the worlds and the entire creation.
Qur'an states at another place: Translation: "We have not sent you but as a “Mercy to the worlds” (Surah al-Anbiya, 21:107).
Qur'an states regarding Yahya (Peace be upon him): "So Peace on him the day he was born, the day that he dies, and the day that he will be raised up to life (again)!" [Surah al-Maryum, (19:15)].
So the days when Anbiya (Peace be upon them) are born are days of "Tranquility" in sight of Allah.
Book 006, Number 2606 (Sahih Muslim).
Abu Qatada Ansari (Allah be pleased with him) reported that Allah's Massenger (may peace be upon him) was asked about fasting on Monday, whereupon he said: It is (the day) when I was born and revelation was sent down to me.
It is clear from this Hadith that the Holy Prophet (Peace be upon him) was very happy about the day of his birth and so fasted out of gratitude. Fasting is a form of worship, so one can celebrate this day by any form of ibada. One can fast or hold gatherings or provide food to the poor, all being acts of worship.
Volume 7, Book 62, Number 38: (Sahih Bukhari).
Narrated 'Ursa; Thuwaiba was the freed slave girl of Abu Lahb whom he had manumitted, and then she suckled the Prophet. When Abu Lahb died, one of his relatives saw him in a dream in a very bad state and asked him, "What have you encountered?" Abu Lahb said, "I have not found any rest since I left you, except that I have been given water to drink in this (the space between his thumb and other fingers) and that is because of my manumitting Thuwaiba."
Abu Lahab freed Thuwaiba on joy at birth of Prophet (salallaho alaihi wasalam), even the worst of Kufaar and greatest of enemies is given relaxation in his Adhaab due to freeing Thawaiba by pointing with his finger, so Imagine the situation of a momin who rejoices on Mawlid.
Sulaimaan Yusuf
Jan 20. 2013
no its an innovation and shouldn't be celebrated.The most ardent followers of the Prophet(saw) were his companions and there is not a single evidence of any companion celebrating his birthday.For Muslims, there are only two occasions for generalized celebrations, the two Eids and that's it.
Celebrating birthdays is a practice of the Kuffar and has never been part of Islamic teachings.
Villager Chou
Jan 20. 2013
Yes, but the date is not correct, i.e. 12 Rabi-ul-awal. The proved date of birth of our Prophet is 09 Rabi-ul-awal (Ref. Rahiq-ul-Makhtoom – This book won the International Award – Ist Prize in Mecca in 2010). And in face 12 Rabi-ul-awal is a death date (Confirmed by all Scholars). So on the date of death we should celeberate joy, instead of sadness. So we should distribute meals to poors on 12 Rabi-ul-awal. Hope no body will be enoyed.
Zameer Shaikh
Jan 20. 2013
We are proud to be Ummati of Prophet MUHAMMAD Sallahu walehi wa Sallam, therefore we must celebrate our beloved Prophet MUHAMMAD Sallahu walehi wa Sallam Milad Sharif, as our generation and coming generation should know the value of our Prophet MUHAMMAD Sallahu walehi wa Sallam.
Sulaimaan Yusuf
Jan 20. 2013
If you are proud and want others to value our Prophet(saw), shouldnt it be done by upholding his teachings and following his Sunnah rather than blatantly going against them and doing something which he never commanded.
Bilal Raza Khan
Jan 21. 2013
It is proven from the Quran and Hadith that celebrating the Milad not just allowed, but preferred.
Quran says: "Say: "In the bounty of God. And in His Mercy, in that "LET THEM REJOICE" : that is better than the (wealth) they hoard" (Surah Yunus, 10:58).
So Quran speaks of rejoicing about the Mercy of ALLAH, and we know that the Prophet (Peace be upon him) is the Mercy to all the worlds and the entire creation.
Qur'an states at another place: Translation: "We have not sent you but as a “Mercy to the worlds” (Surah al-Anbiya, 21:107).
Qur'an states regarding Yahya (Peace be upon him): "So Peace on him the day he was born, the day that he dies, and the day that he will be raised up to life (again)!" [Surah al-Maryum, (19:15)].
So the days when Anbiya (Peace be upon them) are born are days of "Tranquility" in sight of Allah.
Book 006, Number 2606 (Sahih Muslim).
Abu Qatada Ansari (Allah be pleased with him) reported that Allah's Massenger (may peace be upon him) was asked about fasting on Monday, whereupon he said: It is (the day) when I was born and revelation was sent down to me.
It is clear from this Hadith that the Holy Prophet (Peace be upon him) was very happy about the day of his birth and so fasted out of gratitude. Fasting is a form of worship, so one can celebrate this day by any form of ibada. One can fast or hold gatherings or provide food to the poor, all being acts of worship.
Volume 7, Book 62, Number 38: (Sahih Bukhari).
Narrated 'Ursa; Thuwaiba was the freed slave girl of Abu Lahb whom he had manumitted, and then she suckled the Prophet. When Abu Lahb died, one of his relatives saw him in a dream in a very bad state and asked him, "What have you encountered?" Abu Lahb said, "I have not found any rest since I left you, except that I have been given water to drink in this (the space between his thumb and other fingers) and that is because of my manumitting Thuwaiba."
Abu Lahab freed Thuwaiba on joy at birth of Prophet (salallaho alaihi wasalam), even the worst of Kufaar and greatest of enemies is given relaxation in his Adhaab due to freeing Thawaiba by pointing with his finger, so Imagine the situation of a momin who rejoices on Mawlid.
Sulaimaan Yusuf
Jan 21. 2013
Nowhere in the Quran or Hadith is this proven, if it was the Sahabah(ra) would have been the first to practice it, and they didnt.
Deriving laws from the Quran can be done only through the original Arabic text and not a mere flawed translation, so please dont misguide people by false 'quoting' from the Quran.
And even the verses you have 'written' above,
Let them rejoice, THAT IS BETTER THAN THE WEALTH THEY HOARD. – it doesnt speak about celebrating birthdays.
And the days they were born are meant to be the exact days that they were born and not every recurring day in the yearly/monthly/weekly calendar.
Your last point clearly demonstrates your lack of insight, it has been a clearly understood principle that dreams and their interpretations cannot/will not be used as a source of deriving Islamic law.
Anisa Taha
Jan 21. 2013
I agree on the position of celebrating the milad of Rasul, to remind the community of his worth
Muhammad Tahir Ghaffar
Jan 20. 2013
Yes it must be!