CELEBRATING THE PROPHET'S BIRTHDAY AL-MAWLID
لقاءات الباب المفتوح
Audio Clip Link:
https://sounds.binothaimeen.net/storage/uploads/ftawamp3/Lw_375_19.mp3
Response to Those Who Claim the Legitimacy of the Mawlid (Prophet's Birthday Celebration)
Question:
This message arrived from Mecca, in which the questioner says:
"Many people say that the Mawlid is not an innovation (bid'ah) because it involves remembrance of the Messenger (peace be upon him) and glorification of his memory, and it does not include any entertainment such as singing or other things—it is merely remembrance of the biography of the Chosen One (peace be upon him).
What is the ruling if the Mawlid is conducted in this manner? I want a comprehensive and clear answer on this topic, because many people see nothing innovated in it since it is merely remembrance?"
Answer:
Shaykh: All praise is due to Allah, the Lord of the worlds. I send prayers and blessings upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, his companions, and those who follow them in righteousness until the Day of Judgment.
There is no doubt that the Prophet (peace be upon him) is the master of the children of Adam. There is no doubt that he has rights over us greater than the rights of our mothers and fathers. There is no doubt that we must prioritize love for him over love for ourselves, our children, our parents, and all of humanity. There is no doubt that he possesses virtues and merits that no one else possesses. This is all agreed upon.
Regarding the question about celebrating the Mawlid (the birthday of the Prophet, peace be upon him and his family), we will examine this issue from two perspectives:
First, from a historical perspective: It has not been established that his birth occurred on the night of the 12th of Rabi' al-Awwal or on the day of the 12th of Rabi' al-Awwal. In fact, some contemporary astronomers have determined that his birth was on the 9th of Rabi' al-Awwal. Therefore, there is no historical basis for claiming that the Mawlid is on the 12th or the night of the 12th.
Second, from a religious perspective: We ask, what do those who celebrate the Mawlid intend by it? Do they intend to express their love for the Messenger (peace be upon him and his family)? If so, then the true expression of love for him is to manifest his teachings, adhere to them, and defend them against every innovation.
Do they intend to remember the Messenger (peace be upon him and his family)? The remembrance of the Messenger (peace be upon him) is already achieved through what is legislated every day: the callers to prayer announce from the minarets, "I bear witness that Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah." In every prayer, the worshipper says, "Peace be upon you, O Prophet, and the mercy of Allah and His blessings," and "I bear witness that there is no god but Allah, and I bear witness that Muhammad is His servant and Messenger," and "O Allah, send prayers upon Muhammad and upon the family of Muhammad." In fact, every act of worship is a remembrance of the Messenger (peace be upon him and his family), because worship is built upon two foundations: sincerity to Allah and following the Messenger (peace be upon him). Through following the Messenger (peace be upon him), remembrance is established in the heart.
Do they intend to increase prayers upon the Prophet (peace be upon him and his family) and highlight his virtues? We say: Yes, this is a noble intention, and we are with them in encouraging frequent prayers upon the Prophet (peace be upon him and his family) and in highlighting his virtues among his Ummah, because this leads to perfecting love for him, honoring him, and following his teachings.
However, is this practice restricted to the day he was born? Or is it something general, applicable at all times? The answer is the latter.
Then we say: Consider the words of Allah Almighty:
"And the first forerunners [in the faith] among the Muhajireen and the Ansar and those who followed them with good conduct - Allah is pleased with them and they are pleased with Him."
(Quran 9:100)
Are we following the Muhajireen and the Ansar in establishing this Mawlid? Or in establishing the celebration of the Prophet’s birthday (peace be upon him and his family)? The answer is no, because the Rightly Guided Caliphs, all the Companions, the Tabi'in (those who followed them in righteousness), and the Imams of the Muslims after them never established this celebration or encouraged it.
Are we more entitled to the Messenger (peace be upon him and his family) than they were? Were they neglectful or remiss in fulfilling this right of the Messenger (peace be upon him and his family)? Or were they ignorant of it? None of this is true, because if the reason exists and there is no obstacle, the necessary outcome must occur. The Companions had no obstacle preventing them from establishing this celebration, but they knew it was an innovation and that true love for the Messenger (peace be upon him) lies in perfect adherence to his teachings, not in introducing into the religion something that is not part of it.
If a person is sincere in their love for the Messenger (peace be upon him and his family) and believes he is the master of humanity, let them adhere to his teachings: whatever is found in his teachings, they should perform, and whatever is not found, they should avoid. This is pure love and complete love.
Moreover, these Mawlid celebrations often involve mixing between genders, excessive words that border on exaggeration regarding the Messenger (peace be upon him and his family), and even recitations like the "Burda" attributed to Al-Busiri, in which he says:
"O most noble of creation, I have no one to seek refuge in besides you when calamities strike."
How can he say, "I have no one to seek refuge in besides you" when a great calamity strikes? Is this correct? This implies that the afflicted person does not turn to Allah Almighty or seek refuge in Allah Almighty. This is shirk (associating partners with Allah).
He also says:
"If you do not take me by the hand on the Day of Judgment with forgiveness, then say, 'O the slip of the foot!'"
Does the Messenger (peace be upon him) save people on the Day of Judgment? The prophets (peace be upon them) on that day will be saying, "O Allah, save us, O Allah, save us," as they cross the Sirat (the bridge over Hell).
He also says in this poem, addressing the Prophet (peace be upon him and his family):
"Indeed, from your generosity are this world and the next."
The world and the next (the Hereafter) are from the generosity of the Messenger (peace be upon him)? And not even all of his generosity—his generosity is greater than this! If this world and the Hereafter are from the generosity of the Messenger (peace be upon him), what remains for Allah Almighty in this world and the Hereafter? Nothing remains. Both abodes are from the generosity of the Prophet (peace be upon him and his family).
He also says:
"And from your knowledge is the knowledge of the Preserved Tablet and the Pen."
Subhanallah! From his knowledge—and not even all of his knowledge—is knowing what is on the Preserved Tablet? Yet Allah Almighty specifically commanded His Prophet to say:
"Say, 'I do not tell you that I have the depositories of Allah or that I know the unseen, nor do I tell you that I am an angel. I only follow what is revealed to me.' Say, 'Is the blind equivalent to the seeing? Then will you not give thought?'" (Quran 6:50)
If the Prophet (peace be upon him and his family) did not know the unseen in this world, how can it be said that he knows the knowledge of the Preserved Tablet and the Pen? Rather, the knowledge of the Preserved Tablet and the Pen is part of his knowledge? This is exaggeration that the Messenger (peace be upon him) would not approve of; rather, he would reject and forbid it.
Furthermore, during these Mawlid celebrations, things occur that resemble the behavior of the insane: We have heard that while people are sitting, they suddenly jump up and stand all at once, claiming that the Prophet (peace be upon him) has appeared in the gathering and they stood out of respect for him. This is something no rational person would do, let alone a believer. It is akin to madness! The Prophet (peace be upon him and his family) is in his grave and will not emerge until the Day of Resurrection, as Allah Almighty says:
"And behind them is a barrier until the Day they are resurrected." (Quran 23:100)
In summary: Celebrating the Mawlid of the Prophet (peace be upon him and his family) is not valid from a historical perspective and is not permissible from a religious perspective. It is an innovation, and the most truthful and knowledgeable of Allah’s creation regarding His legislation said: "Every innovation is misguidance."
I call upon my Muslim brothers and sisters to abandon it and turn to Allah Almighty, to honor the Sunnah and the teachings of the Prophet (peace be upon him and his family), and not to introduce into the religion of Allah what is not part of it. I advise them to protect their time, minds, thoughts, bodies, and wealth from being wasted in this innovative celebration. I ask Allah Almighty to grant us and them guidance, success, and rectification in all matters. Indeed, He is over all things competent.
Source: Series of Fatwas "Noor 'ala al-Darb" > Tape No. [375]
Audio Clip Link:
https://sounds.binothaimeen.net/storage/uploads/ftawamp3/od_131_08.mp3
Ruling on Sitting to Listen to the Celebration of the Prophet’s Birthday
Question:
Honorable Sheikh, you mentioned that celebrating the Mawlid (the Prophet’s birthday) is an innovation (bid'ah). What is the ruling on someone who sits in mosques with those who introduce innovations—meaning, they talk about the life and birth of the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him)? May Allah reward you with goodness.
Answer:
Anyone who participates with another in an innovation bears the sin of it. It is not permissible for a person to join these people in their celebrations because they are innovations. How can a person be content to sit with people engaged in an innovation that the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) described as misguidance?!
Source: Series of Open Door Sessions > Open Door Session [131]
Audio Clip Link:
https://sounds.binothaimeen.net/storage/uploads/ftawamp3/Lw_138_11.mp3
Birthdays and the Ruling on Celebrating the Mawlid (the Prophet's Birthday)
Question:
May Allah bless you. A message from a listener, M. A. S., from the Arab Republic of Egypt, asks in his message: What is the ruling of Islamic law in your view on birthday celebrations and celebrating the anniversary of the Prophet’s (peace be upon him) birth, as these are widespread among us? Please enlighten us, may Allah bless you.
Answer:
We have examined this issue and say: The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) is a messenger to all creation, and it is obligatory for all people to believe in him and follow him. Moreover, it is obligatory for us to love him more than we love ourselves, our parents, and our children, because he is the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him). We believe that part of the teachings of the Prophet (peace be upon him) and a sign of loving him is that we do not precede him by introducing matters he did not legislate for us, as that constitutes going ahead of him. Allah Almighty says:
“O you who have believed, do not put [yourselves] before Allah and His Messenger but fear Allah.
Indeed, Allah is Hearing and Knowing. O you who have believed, do not raise your voices above the voice of the Prophet or be loud to him in speech like the loudness of some of you to others, lest your deeds become worthless while you perceive not.” (Quran 49:1-2)
Holding a celebration for the Prophet’s (peace be upon him) birth can only be in one of three situations:
1. A person does it out of love and reverence for the Prophet (peace be upon him).
2. A person does it for amusement and play.
3. A person does it to imitate the Christians, who celebrate the birth of Jesus, son of Mary (peace be upon him).
Regarding the first scenario: If it is done out of love and reverence for the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him), then in this case it would be considered an act of religion and worship, because loving and revering the Prophet (peace be upon him) is part of the religion. Allah Almighty says:
“O Prophet, indeed We have sent you as a witness, a bringer of good tidings and a warner, that you [people] may believe in Allah and His Messenger and honor him and respect the Prophet and exalt Allah morning and afternoon.” (Quran 48:8-9)
However, if this is part of the religion, then it is not permissible for us, nor is it appropriate, to introduce into the religion of the Prophet (peace be upon him) something that is not part of it. Doing so — i.e., introducing into the religion of the Prophet (peace be upon him) something that is not from it — entails one of two invalid matters:
Either the Prophet (peace be upon him) did not know that this is part of his law, in which case he would be ignorant of the law he was tasked with conveying, and those after him who established these celebrations would be more knowledgeable about the religion of Allah than His Messenger. This is something no rational person, let alone a believer, would utter.
Or the Prophet (peace be upon him) knew that this matter is legislated but concealed it from his nation. This is even worse than the first, as it implies that the Prophet (peace be upon him) concealed some of what Allah revealed to him and hid it from the nation. This is a great betrayal, and far be it from the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) to conceal anything revealed to him. Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her) said: “If the Prophet (peace be upon him) were to conceal anything revealed to him, he would have concealed Allah’s saying:
‘And you concealed within yourself that which Allah is to disclose, and you feared the people, while Allah has more right that you fear Him.’”
(Quran 33:37)
Thus, holding celebrations for the Prophet’s (peace be upon him) birth under the pretext of love and reverence is invalidated.
As for the second scenario: If these celebrations are held for amusement and play, it is well-known that it is among the worst things to perform an act that appears to show reverence for the Prophet (peace be upon him) while actually being for play and amusement. This is a form of mockery and ridicule. If it is for amusement and play, how can it be taken as a religious act to honor the Prophet (peace be upon him)?
The third scenario: If someone does this to imitate the Christians in their celebrations of the birth of Jesus, son of Mary (peace be upon him), then imitating the Christians in such a matter is prohibited, because the Prophet (peace be upon him) said: “Whoever imitates a people is one of them.”
We further say: This celebration of the Prophet’s (peace be upon him) birth was not practiced by the Companions (may Allah be pleased with them), nor by the Tabi’in (their successors), nor by the followers of the Tabi’in. It only emerged in the fourth century after Hijrah. So where were the predecessors of this nation regarding this matter that those who practice it consider part of the religion of Allah? Were they less loving and reverent toward the Messenger of Allah than us? Or were they more ignorant than us regarding the rights and reverence due to the Prophet (peace be upon him)? Or what?
Anyone who holds this celebration claims to be honoring the Prophet (peace be upon him), thereby claiming for himself that he is more reverent and loving toward the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) than the Companions, the Tabi’in, and their followers. Without a doubt, loving and revering the Prophet (peace be upon him) is achieved by following his Sunnah, because following his Sunnah is the strongest indicator that a person loves and reveres the Prophet (peace be upon him). As for preceding him and introducing innovations into his religion that he did not legislate, this does not indicate perfect love and reverence for the Messenger (peace be upon him).
Some may say: “We only hold it as a reminder.” We say: Subhanallah! You take as a reminder something that the Prophet (peace be upon him) did not legislate and the Companions (may Allah be pleased with them) did not practice, even though you have reminders that are established and agreed upon by all Muslims, greater and more enduring than this?
All Muslims say in the call to prayer five times a day: “I bear witness that there is no god but Allah, and I bear witness that Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah.”
All Muslims say in their prayers: “I bear witness that there is no god but Allah, and I bear witness that Muhammad is His servant and Messenger.”
All Muslims say upon completing ablution: “I bear witness that there is no god but Allah, and I bear witness that Muhammad is His servant and Messenger.”
In fact, the remembrance of the Prophet (peace be upon him) is present in every act of worship a person performs, because worship requires sincerity and following the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him). If a person is mindful of this while performing worship, he must necessarily remember the Prophet (peace be upon him) and his faith in this act—and that is remembrance.
In any case, what Allah and His Messenger have legislated in terms of signs of love and reverence for the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) is sufficient compared to what people have innovated in his religion that Allah and His Messenger did not legislate. We ask Allah Almighty to guide everyone to what is good.
Moreover, these celebrations often include exaggeration and excessive praise that may lead a person out of the religion, and they involve mixing between men and women, which raises concerns about fitnah (temptation) and corruption. We ask Allah to grant the Islamic nation righteousness in its affairs and to guide it to what ensures the well-being of its religion and worldly life, its honor and dignity. He is Generous and Noble. Praise be to Allah, Lord of the worlds.
Source: Series of Fatwas “Noor ‘ala al-Darb” > Tape No. [138]
Audio Clip Link:
https://sounds.binothaimeen.net/storage/uploads/ftawamp3/od_086_09.mp3
How to Respond to Extremist Sufis Regarding the Controversy of Celebrating the Mawlid
Question:
If extremist Sufis and their like claim that the virtue of Monday is that the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) commanded fasting on it and explained its virtue, and that celebrating his memory annually is even more appropriate, how do we respond to them?
Sheikh: I say, if they intend to celebrate Monday, then it should be done weekly. Why specify it?
Questioner: Because of the virtue of Monday, as he was born on it.
Sheikh: Perhaps you mean the Mawlid?
Questioner: Yes.
Sheikh: State it clearly.
Questioner: No, they don’t.
Answer:
Sheikh: They say: The Messenger said, "That is the day I was born on," indicating the glorification of the day he was born, not Monday specifically. Because the Prophet’s birth, as they believe, is on the 12th of Rabi' al-Awwal, not necessarily a Monday. But we say: Even if we assume that the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) glorified the day he was born, how did he glorify it? By fasting. Did he glorify it with this reprehensible celebration? This is an argument against them, not for them. We say: If you are sincere in following the Messenger, then glorify it as he did, by fasting. Moreover, the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) did not intend to glorify the day he was born; rather, he intended to explain that Allah Almighty ordained important events for humanity on this day: his birth, his commissioning as a prophet, and the revelation to him. And I say to them: If that is the case, then you should also hold mourning and condolences, because the Prophet passed away on a Monday.
Source: Series of Open Door Sessions > Open Door Session [86]
Audio Clip Link:
https://sounds.binothaimeen.net/storage/uploads/ftawamp3/od_037_08.mp3
Response to the Claim that Celebrating the Prophet's Birthday Unites Muslims
Question:
Your Eminence, in previous sessions, we learned about religious innovations (bid'ah) and their ruling. We find that some people, regarding celebrations of the Prophet's birthday, say that these celebrations unite the hearts of Muslims after the Ummah has become divided. What is your response to these people?
Answer:
Our response to those who say that celebrating the Mawlid (the Prophet's birthday) unites hearts and revives the memory of the Messenger of Allah, peace be upon him, is as follows:
First, we do not concede to that. Those who gather for this purpose disperse without having achieved anything substantial, and it is absolutely impossible for hearts to be united through an innovation (bid'ah).
Second, this involves introducing something that Allah has not legislated. Allah, the Exalted, has already established another means for uniting hearts: people gather every day in the houses of Allah five times (for prayers), and this is sufficient to achieve unity. We have no need for this innovation they have introduced, claiming that it brings about unity.
As for commemorating the Messenger of Allah, peace be upon him—glory be to Allah, the Almighty! Should a person’s commemoration of the Messenger only occur once a year? Do we not remember the Messenger in every act of worship? For example, when you intend to perform ablution (wudu), two things are necessary: sincerity to Allah and following the example of the Messenger, peace be upon him. When do you feel that you are following him? At that very moment, you are remembering the Messenger, peace be upon him. You perform ablution as a follower of the Messenger, you pray as a follower of the Messenger—and then there is public commemoration. Praise be to Allah, at least five times a day, we publicly declare in the call to prayer (Adhan): “I bear witness that Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah.” Thus, we have no need for this innovation—the innovation of celebrating the Mawlid.
We respond to them with an example and say: Glory be to Allah! What about the Companions? What about the Successors (Tabi'in)? What about the Successors of the Successors (Tabi' al-Tabi'in)? All three preferred generations passed without anyone introducing this celebration. This celebration was not known until the fourth century after the Hijrah (around 400 AH). It is undoubtedly an innovation, and it is not a praiseworthy one. Every innovation is misguidance.
Source: Series of Open Door Sessions > Open Door Session [37]
Audio Clip Link:
https://sounds.binothaimeen.net/storage/uploads/ftawamp3/od_035_09.mp3
The Ruling on Celebrating the Prophet's Birthday (Mawlid)
Question:
In some countries, people celebrate the Prophet’s birthday (Mawlid) as they celebrate Eid al-Fitr or Eid al-Adha. The head of the household provides extra food, drinks, sweets, buys gifts, and visits relatives. Is this considered an innovation (bid'ah)? And what is our duty regarding this matter?
Answer:
Yes, this is undoubtedly an innovation (bid'ah). Our duty regarding this matter is to clarify to people that this is an innovation and that every innovation is misguidance. We should say: "Restrain yourselves and do not burden yourselves with this matter that only increases you in misguidance."
Furthermore, we tell them: "If you truly love the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him), do not precede him (in religious matters), and do not introduce into his religion what is not part of it." Did the Prophet (peace be upon him) establish a festival for Muslims other than the three Eids? In fact, when he came to Medina and found the Ansar celebrating festivals that they had from the pre-Islamic era, he said to them: "Allah has replaced them for you with what is better: Eid al-Adha and Eid al-Fitr." Thus, the Prophet (peace be upon him) instructed them to abandon festivals that are not legislated in Islam and encouraged them to celebrate the two Eids.
Source: Series of Open Door Sessions > Open Door Session [35]
Audio Clip Link:
https://sounds.binothaimeen.net/storage/uploads/ftawamp3/mm_066_09.mp3
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