Celebrating the Prophet’s ﷺ Birthday: Unveiling the Facts
In the diverse tapestry of Islamic traditions, few topics spark as much fervor and contention as the celebration of the birthday of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) ﷺ. Often referred to as Mawlid or Milad, this occasion stands at the crossroads of faith and cultural practices, dividing opinions and causing debates within the Muslim community.
The Elusive Date of the Prophet’s Birth
The debate commences with uncertainty about the actual date of the Prophet Muhammad’s (peace be upon him) ﷺ birth. The commonly acknowledged date is the 12th of Rabi-ul-Awwal, although historical evidence does not definitively confirm this. It is firmly established, however, that the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) passed away on the 12th of this month.
Turning to Quran and Sunnah
Muslims are guided by the Quran and Sunnah, especially in matters of worship and religious practices. All acts of worship in Islam must have their basis in these primary sources, emphasizing that personal opinions do not determine acts of worship.
A significant point of discussion emerges from the absence of any mention of celebrating the Prophet’s (peace be upon him) ﷺ birthday in the Quran. Acts of worship require explicit support from the Quran and authentic Sunnah, making it essential for celebrations like Mawlid to be rooted in these foundations.
The Historical Practice of the Prophet and Companions
Delving into history, we find no evidence that the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) ﷺ celebrated his own birthday or encouraged his companions to do so. Likewise, the companions, who lived with and observed the Prophet’s actions closely, did not partake in such celebrations.
Even the great scholars and imams of the early Islamic period, including Abu Haneefah, Maalik, al-Shaafi’i, and Ahmad, did not endorse or acknowledge the Mawlid. It only gained prominence much later, departing from the teachings and practices of the Prophet and his companions.
Misconceptions Addressed
Argument 1: Fasting on Mondays
A common argument revolves around the Prophet’s practice of fasting on Mondays. While it’s true that the Prophet mentioned being born on a Monday as a reason for fasting, the primary motivation was to present his deeds to Allah while in a state of fasting. This practice does not directly correlate to the celebration of his birth, as the Prophet (peace be upon him) ﷺ fasted on Mondays throughout the year, not exclusively on the 12th of Rabi-ul-Awwal.
Argument 2: Love for the Prophet
Expressing love for the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) ﷺ should ideally manifest through following his Sunnah and teachings daily, rather than singling out a particular day for celebration.
Argument 3: Harmlessness of the Celebration
Even without engaging in reprehensible practices, deviating from the Sunnah to celebrate a specific day remains inconsistent with Islamic teachings. The absence of endorsement from the Prophet and the early companions makes this a deviation from the correct path.
Will Allāh Punish Me For Praying?? | An Excellent Reply To Mawlid Celebrators.
روى البيهقي بسند صحيح عن سعيد بن المسيب أنَّه رأىٰ رجلاً يصلي بعد طلوع الفجر أكثر من ركعتين، يكثر فيها الركوع والسجود ؛ فنهاه ؛ فقال : يا أبا محمد! أيعذبني الله على الصلاة؟! قال : لا ، ولكن يُعذِّبُك علىٰ خِلافِ السُّنـَّة.
Narrated by al-Bayhaqī with a correct chain of narration that Imām Sa’īd b. Al-Musayyib رحمه الله once saw a man praying more than two (Sunnah) Rak’āt after the beginning of Fajr, making bows and prostrations abundantly in it, so he forbade him.
The man said, “O Abū Muḥammad, is Allāh going to punish me for praying?” the Imām replied: “No, but He will punish you for OPPOSING the Sunnah.”
● [المصدر : إرواء الغليل في تخريج أحاديث منار السبيل ٢\٢٣٦]
A golden reply to those who ask “Will Allāh punish us for commemorating the birth of Prophet ﷺ?”, we say YES Allāh will punish those who innovate into His Deen, may Allāh grant us correct understanding of this religion and protect us from all kinds of innovations and misguidance,
Sh. al-Albānī رحمه الله said in its commentary: وهو سلاح قوي على المبتدعة (.. And this narration is a STRONG WEAPON against the innovators).
Conclusion: True Love Through Following
In essence, true love and veneration for the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) ﷺ are best demonstrated through following his authentic teachings. Islamic practices should be aligned with the Quran and Sunnah, ensuring that acts of worship are firmly rooted in the foundations laid by the Prophet.
As Muslims, our devotion is defined by our adherence to the Quran and the authentic Sunnah, guiding us to practice Islam as it was intended by the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) ﷺ and his companions.
“And whoever obeys Allah and His Messenger will be in the company of those whom Allah has blessed: the prophets, the truthful, the martyrs, and the righteous – what excellent companions these are!” (Quran, 4:69)
Let us strive to embody this spirit of true love and reverence for our beloved Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) ﷺ through our actions, following his example in every facet of our lives.
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