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Celebrating Prophet’s (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) Birthday is Bid’ah
Praise be to Allah.
There is nothing in the Quran to say that we should celebrate the Mawlid or birthday of the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him). The Prophet himself (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) did not do this or command anyone to do it, either during his lifetime or after his death. Indeed, he told them not to exaggerate about him as the Christians had exaggerated about Jesus (upon whom be peace). He (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) 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.’” (Reported by al-Bukhaari).
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.” (Reported by Muslim, al-Nisaa’i and Abu Dawood).
Moreover, we know that the Sahabah (may Allah be pleased with them) were the people who loved the Prophet most.
Was it reported that Abu Bakr, who was the closest of people to him and the one who loved him the most, celebrated the birthday of the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him)?
Was it reported that ‘Umar, who ruled for twelve years, or ‘Uthmaan, did this?
Was it reported that ‘Ali, his relative and foster son, did this?
Was it reported that any of the Sahabah did this?
No, by Allah! Is it because they were not aware of its importance, or did they not truly love the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him)? No one would say such a thing except one who has gone astray and is leading others astray.
Did any of the imaams – Abu Haneefah, Maalik, al-Shaafi’i, Ahmad, al-Hasan al-Basri, Ibn Seereen – do this or command others to do it or say that it was good?
By Allah, no!
It was not even mentioned during the first and best three centuries. The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said in a saheeh hadeeth: “The best of mankind are my generation (or my century), then those who come after them, then those who come after them. Then there will come a people who will not care if their testimony comes before their oath or vice versa (i.e., they will not take such matter seriously).” (Reported by al-Bukhaari, Muslim and al-Tirmidhi).
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 Imaams 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?!
The first ever Mawlid (celebration of the Prophet Muhammad’s birthday was on the 12th of the Islamic month Rabee al-Awwal) was organized by Shi’a Fatimids they belonged to the Ismaili branch of the Shi’a. They ruled Egypt between the years of 297-567 Hijri year. Mawlid was organized in the palace and only the statesmen could attend them.
The first Mawlid by Sunni Muslims was organized by Muzaffar ad-Din ibn Zain al-Din, who was the ruler of Irbil (in Iraq), in Hijri year of 604. Those ceremonies which were organized with long-term preparations were attended by all people. Muzaffar ad-Din invited Islamic scholars, student of knowledge and Sufis from the neighboring regions to Irbil.
The Messenger of Allah (pbuh) said: “Every innovation is misguidance and going astray” [Reported by Abu Dawood (no. 4607), at-Tirmidhee (no. 2676) and it is saheeh. Ibn Hajr authenticated it Takhreej Ahaadeeth Ibn ul-Haajib (1/137).]
Plus the Prophet (pbuh) said: “… and every innovation is misguidance and all misguidance is in the Hellfire.” [Reported by an-Nasaa’ee (1/224) from Jaabir bin Abdullaah and it is saheeh as declared by Shaikh ul-Islaam Ibn Taymiyyah in Majmoo’ ul Fataawaa (3/58).]
The Prophet (pbuh) said, “He who innovates something in this matter of ours that is not of it, will have it rejected.” Recorded in, Bukhari and Muslim. Also the prophet said, “Whoever does an act which is not in agreement with our matter, will have it rejected.” [Sahih Muslim]
The Prophet (pbuh) said, “Never was a prophet before me, but he disclosed to his people what he knew to be best for them, and warned them of what he knew to be evil for them.” [Sahih Muslim].
Every act of worship that would bring any Muslim closer to Jannah (Gardens of Paradise) the Prophet (pbuh) taught us about it. The Prophet (pbuh) said, “There is nothing that would bring you closer to Jannah (Gardens of Paradise) and farther from the Fire but it has been clarified [by me] to you.” [Recorded by Ahmad and others; authenticated by al-Albaanee and others.]
So how could Mawlid be something that leads to Jannah (Gardens of Paradise), be best for Muslims and the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) never knew about (let alone teach it) when the hadiths above indicate all good act of worship the prophet taught the ummah before he died. This is why there is no bid’ah hasanahs (good innovations) as all good acts of worship the prophet taught the ummah.
Moreover celebrating Mawlid is haraam because a Muslim is only suppose to celebrate two festivals, Eid al-‘Adha and Eid al-Fitr as these are confirmed in the sunnah of the Prophet. So celebrating this day involves opposing the Sunnah of the Prophet which is clear cut haraam.
Abu Dawood (1134) narrated that Anas said: When the Messenger of Allah came to Madinah they had two days when they would play. He said: “What are these two days?” They said: “We used to play on these days during the Jaahiliyyah (before Islam).” The Messenger of Allah said: “Allah has given you instead of them two days that are better than them: the day of al-Adha and the day of al-Fitr.” [This hadith was classed as sahih by al-Albaani in Sahih Abi Dawood]
Those who celebrate Mawlid are imitating the Christians (disbelievers) by imitating their celebration of ‘Isa’s (Jesus) birth day (Christmas). The only differences between the two are the names of the celebrations and which one of Allahs prophets’ birthday is being celebrated. The Prophet (pbuh) said, “Whoever imitates a people is one of them.” [Narrated by Abu Dawood, 3512]
Those who deviate from the Prophet Muhammad’s guidance are destroyed. The Prophet said, “…. I have left you upon clear guidance. Its night is like its day. No one deviates (by doing bid’ah (innovation)), from it after me except that he is destroyed.” [Ahmad, Ibn Maajah (no. 43) and al-Haakim. It is declared sahih by Shaykh al-Albaanee in as-Saheehah (no. 937).]
What the Quran tells us is that love of the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) is demonstrated by following the guidance he brought. Allah says (interpretation of the meaning):
“Say (O Muhammad): ‘If you (really) love Allah, then follow me, Allah will love you and forgive you your sins. And Allah is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful.
Say: ‘Obey Allah and the Messenger.’ But if they turn away, then Allah does not like the disbelievers.” [Surah Ali ‘Imran 3:31-32]
The first aayah explains that love is just a claim, but the proof of sincerity is following what the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) brought. The second aayah reaffirms the importance and necessity of obeying Allah and His Messenger. Hence Allah ended the aayah with a very stern warning in which those who refuse to obey are described as kaafirs, and Allah does not love the disbelievers.
We ask Allah to keep us safe from that. 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 (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: “The best of speech is the Book of Allah, and the best of guidance is the guidance of Muhammad. The most evil of things are those which are newly-invented (in religion), and every innovation is a going astray.” (Reported by Muslim and al-Nisaa’i).
We ask Allah to protect us from bid’ah and to bless us by helping us to follow. Allah knows best. May Allah bless our Prophet Muhammad.
Assalamualaikum
dear brother,Sheikh Muhammed Salih Al-Munajjid,
As you rightly said it must be a day of worship.
To make it a day of worship we must know its significance.
Every one is not well versed in the deen.
So by making it a day of special worship we are warding off the satan who is always bringing forgetfulness about the deen.
Also for the children it must be an occasion for them to make friends with THE best of friends ;THE RASOOLULLAH SAL !!
It is not said in the Quran or Hadis NOT to make this day a DAY OF JOY!!
Also we can hear bayans about the LIFE of the Rasoolullah to polish our Iman.
Like you said brother a day of worship it WIIL BE! Insha Allah
BIDAA applies only to THE LAWS OF THE RELIGION.
INSTEAD OF LOVING THE RASOOLULLAH SAL MORE THAN OUR FAMILY AND OUR LIVES IF WE MAKE HIM SAL JUST LIKE ANY ORDINARY PERSON IT IS EXTREME BIDAA=WRONG DEVIATION.
If we make the 5 obligatory prayers into 6 obligatory prayers,
make Ramadan shorter or longer,
Increase the rate of Zakat tax for the poor from 2.5% to 25%
Or if we make the performance Haj wajib=obligatory for all- the poor and the sick-
or say that we can perform haj anywhere else other than in Makkah, these are the bidaa that we are asked to avoid which will destroy the religion.
Further bidas attempted in Arab countries like making it illegal to marry a second wife without the permission of the first wife,
or passing legislation to limit the mahr/gift payment to wife at the time of nikah,
or demanding mahr and monthly income for expenses from the wife as a condition to marry her! ARE BIDAA.
This is prevalent in Sri Lanka and in some parts of south India.
This is clearly wrong deviation=bidaa.
Saying drinking ALCOHOL is not haram
or zina is not haram
or thieving is not haram , homosexuality is not haram or trying to make anything that is made haram by Allah swt and the Messenger sal into a halal act is wrong deviation=bidaa.
THOSE WHO DO SUCH BIDAA WILL BE IN THE HELLFIRE.
Anything that NEGATES/ABOLISHES the law of Allah swt is called bidaa.
Going in a car instead of riding a camel is not the meaning of bidaa because it is NOT WRONGFUL DEVIATION.
We must not promote the divisive thoughts of purists.
They may have good intentions. Allahu alam.
We must not confuse bidaa =wrong deviation with the English word INNOVATION.
Innovation is actually a positive word in the English language.
It is the noun of the verb ‘innovate’, it applies to secular things only , like engineering etc where it brings advancement and progress.
It is the job of scientists!!
INNOVATION IS NOT THE EQUIVALENT OF BIDAA IN ARABIC.
As Mohammed Marmaduke Pickthall said Quranic Arabic words cannot be translated into English because the English language has no equivalent words.
So please do not use this word to convey the meaning of the word : bidaa.
YOU MAY TRANSLATE IT AS ‘WRONGFUL DEVIATION FROM ALLAH SWT’S LAWS’.
IF NOT AJAMIS=NON ARABS LIKE US WILL NOT UNDERSTAND.
The nearest meaning must portray the meaning INHERENT/RESIDING in the word bidaa
which is: ‘FUNDAMENTAL PRINCIPLES AND LAWS ARE NO GO AREAS FOR THE SO CALLED REFORMISTS’.
WE MUST NOT SUBSCRIBE TO PROPAGANDA MADE BY PURISTS BECAUSE AMEERUL MUMINEN OMAR KHATTAB (RAL) HAD PREACHED AGAINST PURISTS.
EVERY DEED IS JUDGED BY THE OUTCOME OR RESULTS OF ITS PERFORMANCE.
IF THE RESULT OF MAKING IT A DAY OF WORSHIP POLISHES OUR IMAN
WE MUST CERTAINLY DO IT
TO HELP OUR KIDS TO CHANGE COURSE AS THEY ARE NOW TAKING
FOOTBALLERS,
FILM STARS
AND SINGERS ,
AND CORRUPT POLITICIANS
AS THEIR ROLE MODELS.
ALLAH SWT KNOWS BEST.
MAY ALLAH SWT MAKE THE REST OF OUR LIVES THE BEST OF OUR LIVES.
MAY ALLAH SWT GIVE US HEALTH AND IKHLAS=SINCERITY AND HONESTY.
BECAUSE THE ROOH=SPIRIT OF ALL GOOD AMAL IS IKHLAS.
RASOLLULLAH SAL HAS INSISTED THAT WE MAKE THIS DUA, BECAUSE IF WE HAVE GOOD HEALTH WE WILL BE WINNERS IN THIS DUNYA
AND IF WE HAVE IKHLAS WE WILL BE WINNERS INTHE AHIRA
INSHA ALLAH.
YOUR BROTHER IN ISLAM
MOHAMED B MARIKAR
@MOHAMED B MARIKAR
Brother, I would like to state the correct Definition of bid’ah in reply to your comment.
Definition of Bid’ah:
The root of the word bid’ah in Arabic means initiating something without any precedent. For example, Allah says (interpretation of the meaning):
“The Originator of the heavens and the earth…” [Surah al-Baqarah 2:117]
In the terminology of shari’ah, bid’ah means something that has been introduced into the religion of Allah that has no general or specific basis to support it.
Shaykh Muhammad ibn ‘Uthaymeen (may Allah have mercy on him) said:
“According to shari’ah, the definition is ‘Worshipping Allah in ways that Allah has not prescribed.’
If you wish you may say, ‘Worshipping Allah in ways that are not those of the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) or his rightly guided successors (al-khulafaa’ al-raashidoon).’”
The first definition is taken from the ayah (interpretation of the meaning):
“Or have they partners with Allah (false gods) who have instituted for them a religion which Allah has not ordained?” [Surah al-Shura 42:21]
The second definition is taken from the hadith of the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him), who said:
“I urge you to adhere to my way (Sunnah) and the way of the rightly-guided successors (al-khulafa’ al-raashidoon) who come after me. Hold fast to it and bite onto it with your teeth [i.e., cling firmly to it], and beware of newly-invented matters.”
So everyone who worships Allah in a manner that Allah has not prescribed or in a manner that is not in accordance with the way of the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) or his rightly-guided successors (al-khulafa’ al-raashidoon), is an innovator, whether that innovated worship has to do with the names and attributes of Allah, or to do with His rulings and laws.
With regard to ordinary matters of habit and custom that you mentioned (like drinking alcohol, zina, etc), these are not called bid’ah (innovation) in Islam. These are sins.
And there is no such thing in Islam as bid’ah hasanah (good innovation).”
Brother Naved
Very good and comprehensive article. Indeed the biddattis have done big damage to the ummah of islaam. may Allah give hidaayat to the grave worshippers and such ppl who make the prophet pbuh more than a human… someone with ilmul gaib, noor, etc.
also if possible can you provide more info on the date of births of the prophet pbuh, as there is a huge controverssy whether he was actually born on 12-rabi alawwaal. jazakAllah khaiir.