Should we celebrate the Prophet Muhammad’s (peace be upon him) birthday or not? Is it an innovation (bid’ah) or a reminder for those who have forgotten the life of the Messenger of Allah?
This question becomes the focal point of discussions in the media and among the scholars of the Ummah, especially when opposing opinions arise, such as the Wahhabi (incorrectly labeled as Salafi) stance. They vocally oppose any form of expressing love for the Prophet during this time of the year. Yet, as we approach the Prophet’s birthday (Mawlid), this debate surfaces as if the Muslim world has no other concerns, as though the major issues of the Ummah have been resolved, and what remains is this recurring argument over celebrating the Mawlid.
Before we answer this persistent question, which won’t sway those who oppose any form of celebration, let us understand the history and significance of this day so we can evaluate it in its proper context.
1. Historical Background
Historical sources suggest that the celebration of the Prophet’s birthday began during the Fatimid era, specifically after the Fatimids moved their caliphate from Morocco to Egypt and established the city of Cairo.
The Islamic conquest of Egypt occurred nearly 300 years before the Fatimids arrived, but during this period, Islam had not fully spread throughout the country. In fact, Islam was not the majority religion at the time. It took nearly five centuries for Islam to become prevalent across Egypt. During this time, Egyptian Muslims continued to celebrate Coptic and Pharaonic festivals. Islam had not yet left a significant imprint on society, so when the Fatimids arrived, they introduced new celebrations to encourage Egyptians to embrace Islam and feel closer to it.
Among these efforts were cultural practices such as the preparation of Ashura sweets for the Day of Ashura, the introduction of kunafa and qatayef during Ramadan, and the famous Eid cakes, along with the “Mawlid Bride” figurine associated with the Prophet’s birthday. These traditions aimed to bring Egyptians closer to Islam, and the celebration of the Mawlid was one such initiative. Over time, the practice spread to the Maghreb, the Levant, and beyond, reaching all Muslim countries.
In the same context, many Sunni scholars recognized this celebration as a praiseworthy innovation (bid’ah hasanah), as it serves to remind the forgetful of the Prophet’s love and unites Muslims under the banner of remembering the Prophet’s life and attributes. Sunni scholars have authored numerous books and treatises appreciating the Mawlid and its role in reinforcing Islamic values.
2. The Mawlid Celebration
One scholar stated, “Out of respect for this noble birth, we have every right to display joy and happiness every year on this beloved occasion by celebrating it from its time onward.”
Celebrating the Prophet’s birthday is a reminder of the Messenger of Allah and his noble life. It allows us to reflect on his actions and strive to follow his Sunnah, providing a wake-up call for those who may have forgotten.
On this day, well-off Muslims give charity to the poor, making this occasion a source of goodness for the needy. Many impoverished individuals look forward to this day, viewing it as a time of charity and generosity.
3. The Nature of the Celebration
While we reject any unlawful or un-Islamic practices during these celebrations, the day itself reminds us of charity, the Prophet’s Sunnah, and the obligation to follow his example. As one scholar mentioned, “Celebrating the Prophet’s birthday is a social activity with religious benefits, much like the religious conferences and seminars held today, which did not exist before. Therefore, the definition of innovation (bid’ah) does not apply to the Mawlid celebrations, just as it does not apply to religious conferences. However, these celebrations should be free from any unlawful acts.”
Imam Ibn Hajar stated that “The original practice of celebrating the Mawlid is an innovation not recorded by any of the pious predecessors from the first three generations. However, it contains both praiseworthy aspects and elements that should be avoided. Those who adopt its praiseworthy aspects while avoiding its negative elements are engaging in a good innovation (bid’ah hasanah).”
Ibn Hajar also mentioned, “I have found an established basis for this practice. The Prophet (peace be upon him) arrived in Madinah and found the Jews fasting on the Day of Ashura. He asked them why they were fasting, and they replied, ‘This is the day when Allah saved Moses and drowned Pharaoh. So, we fast on this day as a form of gratitude to Allah.’ The Prophet said, ‘We have more right to Moses than you,’ and he fasted and ordered the Muslims to fast.”
4. Scholars and the Debate
Meanwhile, the Wahhabis, who never tire of arguing over this day, issuing misguided fatwas to prohibit its celebration and turning people away from the remembrance of the Prophet, should instead focus on the real struggles faced by Islam and Muslims today. Shouldn’t we talk about the state of our Muslim lands, besieged by foreign powers like Russia and Iran, where Muslims are killed and burned? Isn’t it more pressing to address the destruction of places like Mosul, which has been reduced to ruins and whose people have been displaced? What about the millions of refugees scattered across the world, awaiting winter with no clothing or shelter? Isn’t it enough that ISIS and al-Nusra have been spread throughout our lands? And why can’t they accept that an entire Ummah expresses its love for the Prophet every year on his birthday, no matter how much they oppose it?
Fear Allah and stop these frivolous fatwas, like the prohibition of celebrating the Mawlid and other distractions that do not reflect the core values of Islam. The Muslim Ummah faces far more critical issues that should take precedence.
