Shaykh Muhammad Salih Al-Munajjid
Language: English | Format: PDF | Pages: 13 | Size: 1 MB
Many people have asked about the ruling concerning celebrating the birthday of the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him), standing up for him, sending salaam (greetings) upon him and reading soorahs from the Qur’aan during such celebrations, holding gatherings of dhikr, doing various things to show their joy, reciting qaseedahs and poems, and other things that are done to commemorate “Mawlid” which many people celebrate on the 12th day of Rabee’ al-Awwal each Hijri year.
The answer is that it is not permitted to celebrate the birthday of the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him), or the birthday of any other person, because this is a matter that has been innovated in the religion. The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) did not do this, neither did his successors, the Rightly-Guided Khaleefahs (al-khulafaa’ al-raashidoon), or others among his Companions (may Allaah be pleased with them), or those who followed them exactly (in faith) during the best centuries – these are the people who had the best knowledge of the Sunnah of the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him), who loved him the most and followed the sharee’ah most perfectly, better than any who came after them. It is proven that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “Whoever innovates something in this matter of ours (i.e., Islam), will have it rejected” i.e., it will be thrown back at him. In another hadeeth, he said: “I advise you to adhere to my sunnah and the way of the rightlyguided successors (al-khulafaa’ al-raashidoon) who will come after me, and to cling stubbornly to it. Beware of newly-invented things (in religion), for every newly-invented thing is an innovation and every innovation is a going astray.” These two ahaadeeth contain a very stern warning against coming up with innovations (bid’ah) and acting on them. Allaah says in His clear Book (interpretation of the meaning):
“… And whatsoever the Messenger gives you, take it, and whatsoever he forbids you, abstain from it…” [al-Hashr 59:7]
“… And let those who oppose the Messenger’s commandment beware, lest some fitnah (disbelief, trials, afflictions, etc.) befall them, or a painful torment be inflicted on them.” [al-Noor 24:63]
“Indeed in the Messenger of Allaah you have a good example to follow for him who hopes in (the Meeting with) Allaah and the Last Day and remembers Allaah much.” [al-Ahzaab 33:21]
“And the first to embrace Islam of the muhaajiroon (those who migrated to Madeenah from Makkah) and the Ansaar (the citizens of Madeenah who helped and gave aid to the muhaajiroon), and also those who followed them exactly (in Faith). Allaah is well-pleased with them as they are wellpleased with Him. He has prepared for them Gardens under which rivers flow (Paradise), to dwell therein forever. That is the supreme success.” [al-Tawbah 9:100]
“… This day, I have perfected your religion for you, completed My favour upon you, and have chosen for you Islam as your religion…” [al-Maa’idah 5:3] Continue reading
