Framing the Discussion in Islam
The discussion about Mawlid, Eid, Milad-un-Nabi, and whether it is allowed in Islam usually starts with how Muslims understand worship, remembrance, and religious limits. Scholars often explain that this debate is not about love for the Prophet Muhammad PBUH, but about how that love should be shown.
The View That Considers Mawlid a Bid’ah
Those who regard Mawlid as forbidden describe it as innovation (bid’ah) because of the lack of precedent. They highlight that the companions and Sahaba did not celebrate the Prophet’s birthday, and their actions are taken as primary examples. They rely on the Quran, emphasizing Quranic perfection, which states that Islam is perfected, implying there should be no new religious additions.
Concerns About Religious Imitation
Another concern raised is imitation of others, especially Jewish and Christian practices, which are clearly discouraged. From this angle, true commemoration is defined through fasting on Mondays, studying the biography (Seerah), and strictly following the Sunnah in authentic ways of honor and remembrance.
Textual Evidence Often Quoted
This position also cites that There is nothing in the Quran that say Muslims should celebrate al-Nabi. It is emphasized that the Prophet himself did not do it, nor command anyone, during his lifetime or after death. As reported by al-Bukhari, he told Companions not to exaggerate, just as Christians exaggerated about Jesus, the son of Maryam, reminding people he was a slave and Messenger of Allah, deserving peace and blessings upon him without exaggeration.
The Perspective That Permits Mawlid
On the other side, many scholars see Mawlid as permissible, viewing it as a positive expression of love and gratitude for the life and message of the Prophet. They argue that celebrating does not automatically mean creating a mandated ritual, but can remain a cultural and communal act that brings benefit, happiness, and unity to the community.
The Significance of Rabi-ul-Awwal
Supporters often point to Rabi-ul-Awwal, the 3rd month of the Islamic calendar, as a time of special prominence and blessings. The Beloved Prophet Muhammad Mustafa was born on the 12th, a Monday at dawn, in the Holy land of Makkah, and is described as a mercy for all creation, even the reason for the creation of the universe.
Quranic Emphasis on Rejoicing
They cite verses from the Quran Karim, including Ambiya 21:107, which speaks of mercy to the entire world, and Surah Younus, Verse 58 (Yunus 10:58, part 11), where Allah orders rejoice over His munificence, saying it is better than all possessions. For them, this mercy is fully embodied in the Prophet.
Historical Narrations and Scholarly Opinions
Narrations about Abu Lahab, his slave girl Suwaybah, and the reward he received after death, as reported in Musannaf Abdul Razzaq and explained by Shaikh Allama Badr-ud-Din Ayni in Umda-tul-Qari, are often mentioned. Scholars like Sayyiduna Haq Muhaddis Dehelwi and Ibn-e-Jawzi considered this credible evidence that rejoicing over the Prophet’s birth carries benefit.
How Mawlid Is Commonly Observed Today
In practice, a Meelad gathering focuses on devotion, advising to avoid songs and music. These gatherings include Durood-o-Salam, standing respectfully, sweets distributed to the poor and needy, Fatiha, supplications for this world and the hereafter, and learning about the Prophet’s miracles, characteristics, excellence, and eminence through authentic narrations.
Balancing Scholarly اختلاف (Difference)
Across the four main schools of thought, many historical scholars, Imams, and later figures like Ibn Taymiyyah have discussed favorably that there is no single universally agreed-upon answer. It often depends on Islamic school, interpretation, and method—whether one chooses to abstain with strict adherence to early practices, or expresses devotion in a way that strengthens Iman and benefits the community.
Learning the Topic With Clarity
From personal teaching experience, structured learning helps reduce confusion. Studying both sides through Our Courses, with a flexible Monthly fee and a Free trail, allows students to understand the issue with balance, respect, and scholarly depth rather than emotion alone.