Clarification on Mawlid an-Nabi صلى الله عليه وسلم

Summary

This script explores the Islamic ruling on celebrating the Prophet Muhammad's birthday (Mawlid). The speaker emphasizes that neither the Quran nor Hadith mention celebrating the Prophet's birth. The Prophet himself, his companions, and early generations of Muslims did not practice this tradition. The speaker attributes the introduction of Mawlid to the Ismaili Shia sect in the 6th century and argues that it constitutes an innovation (bid'ah) in Islam. The script concludes with a call to adhere to the authentic teachings of the Prophet and avoid innovations.

Takeaways

• 📖 The ruling on celebrating the Prophet Muhammad's birthday (Mawlid) should be derived from the Quran and Hadith.
• ❌ There is no evidence from the Quran supporting the celebration of the Prophet's birthday.
• 📜 The Hadith also does not mention or encourage celebrating the Prophet’s birthday, even though other celebrations like Eid and Jumu'ah are explicitly explained.
• 🕌 The Prophet's companions (Sahaba) such as Abu Bakr, Umar, Uthman, and Ali did not celebrate the Mawlid either.
• 📅 The exact date of the Prophet's birth is not certain, with various scholars suggesting different days, and there is no consensus on it.
• 🔍 Celebrating the Mawlid was introduced centuries later, originating from the Fatimid dynasty, and it was not part of the early generations of Muslims (Salaf).
• ⚠️ Islam teaches that all acts of worship and celebrations must be based on clear evidence from the Quran and Sunnah, and anything not established by the Prophet is considered innovation (bid’ah).
• 📅 While fasting on Mondays was mentioned by the Prophet, it was not connected to celebrating his birthday, but because of other religious reasons like deeds being presented to Allah on those days.
• ❗ All innovations in religion (bid’ah) are considered misguidance and could lead to negative consequences in the afterlife, according to Islamic teachings.
• 🛑 Even having a ‘Seerah conference’ or similar events specifically on the 12th of Rabi' al-Awwal can be seen as bid’ah if tied to the religious significance of the Prophet’s birthday.

Q & A

What is the first source to look for when seeking an Islamic ruling?

The first source to look for when seeking an Islamic ruling is the Quran, as it is the primary source of guidance in Islam.

Is there any mention of celebrating the Prophet Muhammad's (PBUH) birthday (Mawlid) in the Quran?

No, there is no mention or proof in the Quran regarding the celebration of the Prophet Muhammad’s (PBUH) birthday.

Did the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) or his companions celebrate his birthday?

No, neither the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) nor his companions celebrated his birthday. The Sahaba (companions) and the early generations of Muslims did not practice this celebration.

When did the practice of celebrating the Prophet's birthday (Mawlid) start?

The practice of celebrating the Mawlid started around the 6th century, initiated by the Fatimid Ismaili Shia rulers in Egypt.

What is the stance of the four major Sunni schools of thought regarding the celebration of Mawlid?

The four major Sunni schools of thought—Hanafi, Maliki, Shafi'i, and Hanbali—did not endorse or practice the celebration of Mawlid.

Why do some people argue that fasting on Mondays is related to the Prophet’s birthday?

Some people argue that fasting on Mondays is related to the Prophet's birthday because the Prophet (PBUH) mentioned that he was born on a Monday. However, the reason for fasting on Mondays was that deeds are presented to Allah on that day.

What did the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) explicitly tell his followers to celebrate in Islam?

The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) explicitly taught his followers to celebrate specific days such as Eid al-Fitr, Eid al-Adha, and Friday (Jumu'ah) but did not mention celebrating his birthday.

What did the Prophet (PBUH) say about innovations (Bid'ah) in religion?

The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) warned against innovations (Bid'ah) in religion, stating that every Bid'ah is a misguidance and every misguidance leads to the fire.

What is the harm in celebrating the Mawlid according to the speaker?

The harm in celebrating the Mawlid, according to the speaker, is that it constitutes an innovation (Bid'ah) in religion, which the Prophet (PBUH) strictly forbade. Celebrating something not prescribed in Islam is seen as altering the religion.

Why is it not sufficient to say that celebrating the Mawlid is just a harmless party or a way to remember the Prophet (PBUH)?

It is not sufficient to say that celebrating the Mawlid is a harmless party because it is tied to religion, and in Islam, any act connected to worship or religious observance requires clear proof from the Quran or Sunnah. Without proof, it is considered a Bid'ah.