The annual celebration of the Eidul Maolud; birthday of Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him) has always been a heated argument among Islamic scholars for years. While some are in support and believe there’s a need to observe the day, other scholars are strongly against it, warning Muslims not to celebrate it.
Prophet Muhammad, who Muslims believe is the last messenger sent to mankind was born on 12th Rabiul Awwal 570AD in Medinah formerly called Yathrib. He was called to prophethood at 40 and delivered the divine message for 23 years after which he died at the age of 63.
Every aspect of Prophet Muhammad’s life up to his death was of great significance to Islam and Muslims across the world. Every aspect of his 23 years of prophethood was well documented in what is called the Hadith, meaning the tradition of the prophet. The Hadith which covers the dos and don’ts is seen by Muslims as a template and guidelines to better understand Allah’s command in the holy Qur’an.
There is a difference of opinions among scholars of Islam regarding the celebration of Maulid Nabiy. Some support the marking of Eidul Maolud while others forbid Muslims from celebrating it. Those who are against it claim that it is an innovation in Islam and should not be encouraged because it was not on record that he neither celebrated his birthday nor did he instruct the early Muslims to do it on his behalf either during his lifetime or after his death. They also have the following to state as reasons why they don’t celebrate the birth of Prophet Muhammad.
It is on record that the prophet told his Companions not to exaggerate about him as the Christians had exaggerated about Jesus (upon whom be peace). He said: “Do not exaggerate about me as the Christians exaggerated about the son of Maryam. I am only a slave, so say, ‘The slave of Allah and His Messenger.’” What has been reported is that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah 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: “That is the day on which I was born and the day on which I was entrusted with the Mission or when I was first given Revelation.
None of the beloved companions of Prophet Muhammad ever celebrated him. Going further to inquire to know if any of the highly revered imams in Islam– Abu Haneefah, Malik, al-Shafi’i, Ahmad, al-Hasan al-Basri, Ibn Seereen (may Allah have mercy on them) – observe Maolud or command others to do it or say that it was good? Celebrating Maolud was not even mentioned during the first and best three centuries. 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.
Thus this celebration became a sign of one’s love for the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him)? But can it be possible that the Sahabah, the imams and the people of the best three centuries were unaware of it, and it was only those who came later who were aware of its importance?! These among other reasons are why some Muslims don’t participate in the annual celebration of Eidul Maolud.
The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah 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 said: “The best of speech is the Book of Allah, and the best of guidance is the guidance of Muhammad. The evilest of things are those which are newly-invented (in religion), and every innovation is going astray.” (Reported by Muslim and al-Nasai).
-Jamiu Abubakar
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