To Celebrate or Not to Celebrate...That is the Question

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#1 [Permalink] Posted on 12th February 2011 23:08

To Celebrate or Not to Celebrate...That is the Question

By Asma bint Shameem

Some of us celebrate it with great devotion and diligence, while some of us are against it with an equally great vengeance. Some say it is our religious duty while others say it is nothing but bid'ah.

People argue about it. Families split up, friends forsake each other. And sometimes people literally fight over it and hurt one another.

So what is it that I am talking about?

I am talking about celebrating the birthday of the Prophet (Sal Allaahu Alaiyhi wa Sallam), the Mawlid or Milad, as some of us say.

Yes, the 12th of Rabi-ul-Awwal came and went. But, ever wondered..... what is the reality regarding the celebration of the birth of our beloved Prophet anyway?

Let's examine the facts.

First of all, whenever a Muslim is faced with a problem or confusing situation, what are we supposed to do? Allaah tells us:

"O you who believe! Obey Allaah and obey the Messenger (Muhammad), and those of you (Muslims) who are in authority. (And) if you differ in anything amongst yourselves, refer it to Allaah and His Messenger, if you believe in Allaah and in the Last Day. That is better and more suitable for final determination" [Nisaa':59]

Referring it to Allaah and His Messenger means to turn to Allaah's Book and the Sunnah of the Prophet (Sal Allaahu Alaiyhi wa Sallam).

1. What does the Qur'aan say about the Mawlid?

Nothing. Yes that's right.....NOTHING.

There is absolutely nothing in the Quraan that tells us to celebrate the birthday of the Prophet (Sal Allaahu Alaiyhi wa Sallam). Not one single ayah.

You see, all acts of worship are tawqeefi which means that they are not subject to personal opinion and it is not permissible to do any acts of worship except those which are approved by Shareeah.

So, for example, I cannot pick a special day or time, say the 22nd of every month, and start celebrating that day as a form of worship.
Why?
Because there is nothing in the Shareeah that permits me to do that.

Also, I cannot start praying three rakaah for Fajr from tomorrow, even if I want to worship Allaah more, because Fajr Salah is only two rakaat as commanded upon us by the Shareeah.

And similarly, if there is no order for us to celebrate the birthday of the Prophet (Sal Allaahu Alaiyhi wa Sallam), then we dont.

In fact, the Prophet (Sal Allaahu Alaiyhi wa Sallam) said: "Whoever innovates anything in this matter of ours (i.e., Islam), that is not part of it will have it rejected." (Bukhaari).

Now someone might argue that we dont celebrate the Mawlid/Milad as an act of worship.

So let's see what other evidences we have.

2. What does the Sunnah say about it?

Again, there is nothing in the Sunnah of the Prophet (Sal Allaahu Alaiyhi wa Sallam) that shows us that the Prophet (Sal Allaahu Alaiyhi wa Sallam) EVER celebrated his birthday or that of his wives, children, or Sahaabah.

There is not a single hadeeth that tells us that he (Sal Allaahu Alaiyhi wa Sallam) thought this day was significant enough to celebrate it.

Just think.....if there was any good in doing so, wouldnt he would have done so himself and wouldnt he have ordered the Sahaabah to do so?

And obviously, it is not possible that he (Sal Allaahu Alaiyhi wa Sallam) forgot to tell us about it, Aoodhu billaah!

Did the Sahaabah celebrate the Mawlid/Milad?

The Sahaabah were witnesses to the revelation of the Quraan.

They had the Prophet right in front of their eyes.

They ate, drank, sat, slept, talked, walked, lived with the Prophet (Sal Allaahu Alaiyhi wa Sallam).

If they misunderstood anything or were mistaken, the Prophet (Sal Allaahu Alaiyhi wa Sallam) immediately corrected them. And thus, their understanding and practice of Islaam was the best.

Yet, when we look at the lives and practice of the Sahaabah, we find that none of them EVER celebrated the birth of their beloved Prophet, whether during his life or even after he passed away.
Not Abubakr, not Umar, not Uthman, not Ali, nor Aaishah, Ibn Umar, Ibn Masud, Talha, Az-Zubair, not a single Sahaabi.

Doesn't that prove anything?

The Sahaabah absolutely loved the Prophet (Sal Allaahu Alaiyhi wa Sallam). They gave up their homes, families, lives, everything they had... for his sake, in the blink of an eye. Yet this love did NOT promote them to celebrate his birth.
This love translated into the practical application of his teachings and NOT picking the 12th of Rabi-ul-Awwal as a day of celebration.

What about the Four Imaams and other Ulama?

Did any of the Imaams - Abu Haneefah, Maalik, al-Shaafi'i, Ahmad, al-Hasan al-Basri, do this or command others to do it or say that it was good? No. In fact, it was not even mentioned during the first and best three centuries.

The Prophet (Sal Allaahu Alaiyhi wa Sallam) said: "The best of mankind are my generation, then those who come after them, then those who come after them. (Bukhaari, Muslim and al-Tirmidhi).

And if the 'best of mankind' didnt celebrate his birth, then we shouldnt either.

Actually, the celebration of the Prophet's birthday appeared many centuries later. By this time, many of the features of true religion had disappeared and bid'ah had become widespread.

Think about it!

Can it be possible that the Sahaabah, the Imaams and the people of the best three centuries were unaware of the importance of celebrating the birthday of the Prophet or that they were lacking in their love for him?

And it was only those who came later who were aware of it or loved him more?!!! How can that be?!!

Actually, dear brother/sister in Islaam, TRUE love of the Prophet (Sal Allaahu Alaiyhi wa Sallam) is shown and proven by following the guidance that he brought. So follow his Sunnah to the best of your ability and don't fall into innovated forms of worship. It is nothing but a trap of the Shaytaan.

"Say (O Muhammad): 'If you (really) love Allaah, then follow me, Allah will love you and forgive you your sins. And Allaah is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful. (Aal 'Imraan 3:31)

And remember the words of the Prophet (Sal Allaahu Alaiyhi wa Sallam) when he said:

"The best of speech is the Book of Allaah, 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 (bid'ah) is a going astray."
(Muslim and al-Nisaai).

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#2 [Permalink] Posted on 13th February 2011 13:06

Received this in an email yesterday. I think it's a publication "Shabakah"

Milaad.pdf

Downloads: 3400

[190.11 kB] About celebrating Milad

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#3 [Permalink] Posted on 14th February 2011 09:24

So its that time of the year again!!! Subhanallah!

I went to a wedding over the weekend and met a "quttar" "solid" hardcore brelvi! and no prizes to those who guess what was the main topic.... yes.... Milaad!

The funniest thing was none of them joined me to read namaaz that is farz and only one of them donned a beard!!

They are co deluded that they thought a DEOBANDI is not a hanafi, but i managed to convince him the they are hanafi's and not wha ever he thinks.

funny thing is, he didnt know that im a deobandi. lol, he just moaned and i just continued to tell him to be less agressive and hold a meaningful conversation.

May Allah give them hidayat, bichareh

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#4 [Permalink] Posted on 1st September 2011 22:26

Just saw this due to the new votes tab.

I was on Holiday during this post. MashaAllah, had to rate it up too.

at that time of the year I had over 30 comments on my FAKE TOMB blog post. MashaAllah, news spread fast as people were celebrating the Milad with aid of the fake images too. How Ironic.

InshaAllah will convert into PDF and add it to the Download PDFs thread.

Jazakallah.

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#5 [Permalink] Posted on 2nd September 2011 12:32

True, just +1'd it too so more serious topics can climb up over my silly ones which I did not expect at the time.

Re: Mawlid
Has anyone ever seen it done in Islamic manner?

Ironic question? One is an act itself being Un-Islamic/Unlawful, and one is the manner.

Let's put aside the act itself, have you seen the mannerisms? I have seen Christmas lights, Christmas trees even, the entire Masjid covered in flowers (what's this all about?) wasn't the Masjid a place of worship and the house of Allah?

I have heard of music and dancing, I have seen kawali music and heavy metal rock type dancing (heads banging).

Is ANY of this Islamic? No wonder all non-Muslims are completely confused with us

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#6 [Permalink] Posted on 2nd September 2011 13:49

That's Barelwi in a nut shell.

Let's pray they don't light the new clock on this day too as they doing for adhan.

Some one should ask the Saudi's, where's your evidence. They are giving these Barelwi the green light. (Excuse the pun)

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#7 [Permalink] Posted on 4th September 2011 01:14

"abu mohammed" wrote:

Just saw this due to the new votes tab. I was on Holiday during this post. MashaAllah, had to rate it up too. at that time of the year I had over 30 comments on my FAKE TOMB blog post. MashaAllah, news spread fast as people were celebrating the Milad with aid of the fake images too. How Ironic. InshaAllah will convert into PDF and add it to the Download PDFs thread. Jazakallah.

I have come across this article which I think I will add to the pdf. InshaAllah, just need a bit of time on the pc. www.central-mosque.com/index.php/Innovations/mawlid-an-in...

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#8 [Permalink] Posted on 4th September 2011 16:47

The New Barelwi Eid card! (For Eid Milaadun Nabi saw)

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#9 [Permalink] Posted on 30th October 2011 10:21

these barelvi people are seriously deluded

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#10 [Permalink] Posted on 8th February 2012 08:47

assalamu alaikum..

Just a genral question. did the 12 months of the islamic clander started with hijra or does some of the months come before that. i dont know if y question make sense but im trying to understand.. if the month rabbi awal is from before or after hijra..

if it is after then the nabi (peace be upon) was not born in the islamic months as they was not establied.
sorry if i make no sense but its that time of the year.

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#11 [Permalink] Posted on 8th February 2012 09:42

"abu safwan" wrote:

assalamu alaikum.. Just a genral question. did the 12 months of the islamic clander started with hijra or does some of the months come before that. i dont know if y question make sense but im trying to understand.. if the month rabbi awal is from before or after hijra.. if it is after then the nabi (peace be upon) was not born in the islamic months as they was not establied. sorry if i make no sense but its that time of the year.

s-date-of-birth.-.html&sa=U&ei=7UEyT7TII4eo8APvpo38Bg&ved=0CAQQFjAA&client=internal-uds-cse&usg=AFQjCNF55UpkUA-vT-LcDHFueNxF3DPSgg">http://www.muftisays.com/forums/members-research-group/6119/the-prophet- (saw) s-date-of-birth.-.html

As I understand, The Hijri Calendar was started after the Prophet (SAW) passed away by Hadhrat Umar (RA). There were many choices as to when to start the calendar but in the end it was decided that the Islamic calendar was to start from the Hijra of the Prophet (SAW). So the Months were already in place, it was just the year that was introduced.

There is also another link within the above post giving the date of Death of the Prophet (SAW)

D.O.B. Monday 9 Rabi ul Awal

D.O.D. Monday 2 Rabi ul Awal

Not the 12th as is celebrated by the Ahle Biddah.

I will ask Seifeddine to post the link to a lecture regarding the Islamic Calendar.

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#12 [Permalink] Posted on 8th February 2012 10:05

abu mohammed wrote:

lecture regarding the Islamic Calendar.

Hijrah of the Prophet (صلى الله عليه وسلم) - by Shaykh Mumtaz ul Haq - http://www.streathammosque.org/uploads/sm/Hijrah%20of%20the%20Prophet%20Muhammad%20%28SAW%29.mp3

Talks about the start of the calendar at the beginning of the lecture.

al-Hafidh Ibn Hajar (رحمه الله), Allama Aini (رحمه الله) and Hafidh Ibn Katheer (رحمه الله) have mentioned a narration on the authority of Maimoon Ibn Mehran (رضي الله عنه), 'Once a document was handed over to Umar (رضي الله عنه), which was dated with the month of Sha'aban. Upon this he said, 'Which Sha'aban is meant, the past or the future?" Later, he collected the Companions (رضي الله عنهم) and consulted them and fixed the calendar." (Fath Al-Bari 7:268, Umdah Al-Qari 17:66, Al-Bidayah Wa An-Nihayah 3:206).

According to another narration: 'A person came from Yemen to Umar (رضي الله عنه) and told him that he had seen in Yemen a thing which they call as "date " to mark the daily events in their life. They write about everything using it as a measure of time, and declare that such an event happened in such and such a year and the month or a day. On hearing this, Umar (رضي الله عنه) declared: "This is a good practice to fix a date to mark events in history and to regulate the daily lives of people and religious events according to it." When he collected the people, they advised him to fix it from Prophet Muhammad's (صلى الله عليه وسلم) birth, and some of them were of the mind to start the Islamic calendar from the date when he first received a revelation from Angel Jibra'eel (عليه السلام) in the Cave of Hira. Some others were of the opinion to mark this event from his Hijrah from Makkah to Madinah and a few others from his death. Umar (رضي الله عنه) said, "Let us fix the date from the time of Hijrah." (Fath Al-Bari 7:269, Al-Bidayah Wa An-Nihayah, 3:206)

Another narration states that Abu Musa Ash 'ari (رضي الله عنه) wrote a letter to Umar (رضي الله عنه) wherein he explained: "We receive many letters from you without a date put on them," i.e. it becomes very difficult to know when the letter was written, whereupon Umar (رضي الله عنه) collected the Companions (رضي الله عنهم) and consulted them about their views on this matter. For the affairs of his administration over the Islamic Empire needed a marking of events. Some of them advised him to fix the time from the time When Allah (سبحانه و تعالى) commissioned Prophet Muhammad (صلى الله عليه وسلم) to be the last Messenger and Prophet of Allah. Whereas others disagreed about this matter and opined that some of them were of the opinion that the date must be fixed from the time of Hijrah (Migration of the Holy Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم from Makkah to Madinah), and a few of them were inclined to mark the events of Islamic history after the death of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (صلى الله عليه وسلم).

But, the majority of the Companions رضي الله عنهم were of the opinion that the Islamic Calendar should commence from the year of Hijrah. Umar (رضي الله عنه) - after hearing all their views - declared his final judgment in the favor of this opinion. (Fath Al-Bari 7:268, Thiqat-e-Ibn Hibban 2:206)

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#13 [Permalink] Posted on 9th February 2012 02:37

Mufti Adams fatawa on mawlid. i think it would be better if ulema when explaining mawlid use the same approach as mufti adam here, it helps bring some sort of unity between different groups. Although i do understand why the majority of the ulema stand firm on the biddah stance, as many may take this kind of fatawa as permission to celebrate mawlid which could eventually lead to the same way it is celebrated today.

Mawlid? - Answer by Ibn Adam Al-Kawthari

Why do some Sunni Ulama- like the Dewbandis- prohibit the Mawlid?

Question # q-11251622
Date Posted: 30/06/2004

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

In the name of Allah, Most Compassionate, Most Merciful,
In an age and time when Muslims are being attacked by the enemies of Islam from every angle possible, to debate and talk about something which is a non-issue (yes, a non-issue), such as "celebrating the Mawlid" is doing injustice to ourselves.

Thousands of Muslims are being massacred and persecuted day in day out, many are involved in all sorts of un-Islamic activities, youngsters are on the brink of disbelief (kufr), our young brothers and sisters are involved in drinking, drug abuse and fornication, yet here we are debating whether it is permissible to celebrate the birthday of the Messenger of Allah (Allah bless him & give him peace).

I personally was reluctant to write on this subject, but my dear friend Sidi Faraz Rabbani ordered me to compile a piece explaining the Deobandi position with regards to the Mawlid. Thus, adhering to his command, I will endeavour to explain the ruling on celebrating the Mawlid, as understood by the Deobandi scholars.

Before explaining the Deobandi position on the Mawlid, I would like to emphasize that unfortunately many of our disputes, disagreements and arguments are due to not understanding (or not wanting to understand, should I say) the opposite parties stance on a particular issue. I have experienced this many times. This is a problem on both, the Deobandi and Barelwi, sides.

Rather than find excuses for the statements of fellow Muslims and interpret them so they are justified, we force people to believe something which they themselves no dot believe. In my personal experience, this is the main reason why so many Muslims are divided.

I hear some Deobandis claim that the Barelwis believe this and that, yet when I speak to some of our Barelwi brothers about the issue, they categorically state that this is not what we believe; rather.......and then they explain their stance. The case is same with the Barelwis, in that they themselves decide for the Deobandis that agree or disagree; this is what you believe, despite the Deobandis rejecting it.

This is quite unfortunate indeed. If we look at all the other religions, faiths, nations, groups, and organisations, they try and increase the numbers of their associates. The Christians claim that most of the world's population are followers of their faith, and many other religions also try their best to include every individual in their religion who has a minor attachment to them, in order to increase the size of their following. However, Muslims are the only ones who try their best to decrease the Ummah of the Messenger of Allah (Allah bless him & give him peace) by forcing people to believe what they don't, and reduce the Muslim Ummah as much as possible. We don't hesitate for one moment in branding one another as disbelievers.

The great Hanafi Imam, Allama Ibn Abidin (Allah have mercy on him) states in his renowned Sharh Uqud Rasm al-Mufti:

"Branding someone a non-believer (kafir) is a great thing indeed; hence I do not label a believer as a non-believer as long as one sign of him believing is found....One should not issue a Fatwa of a believer's disbelief (kufr) as long as it is possible to interpret his statement in a justified manner, or there is a difference of opinion regarding him disbelieving, even if there is a weak narration." (Sharh Uqud Rasm al-Mufti, 1/36)

Thus, one should not haste in branding and terming other Muslims as disbelievers or sinners and innovators, for branding a Muslim a disbeliever is a grave thing indeed. The Messenger of Allah (Allah bless him and give him eternal peace) said: "Any person who calls his brother: O Unbeliever! (then the truth of this label) would return to one of them. If it is true, (then it is) as he asserted, (but if it is not true), then it returns to him (and thus the person who made the accusation is an Unbeliever)." (Sahih al-Bukhari, no. 6130 and Sahih Muslim, no. 60, reported by Ibn Umar, Allah be pleased with him)

Thus, it is very important that we have tolerance, patience and forbearance. We must be precautious in what we say. We should try and look for excuses for our fellow Muslim brothers and sisters. If a statement or viewpoint of a fellow Muslim seems incorrect, then rather than condemning the person, go and investigate as to whether it is true or otherwise. Don't force others to believe what they themselves do not believe.

Many of the issues on which the Deobandis and Barelwis are divided are for this very reason. In reality, there is no "significant" difference, rather it is only a case of interpretation or how it was said, yet there is so much fuss made about it.

For example: The matter of whether the Messenger of Allah (Allah bless him & give him peace) had knowledge of the unseen is made such an issue, but if we were to ponder deeply with cool headedness, it would become clear that there is no real difference.

The Deobandis state that the Messenger of Allah (Allah bless him & give him peace) had knowledge of many unseen things, but the knowledge was given to him by Allah Most High. Thus, one cannot call the Messenger of Allah (Allah bless him & give him peace) the "knower of the unseen" (a'lim al-Ghayb), for that is used when one has knowledge of the unseen without someone else informing him. When I asked some of my Barelwi friends that do you believe that the messenger of Allah (Allah bless him & give him peace) had knowledge of the unseen in a manner that Allah has? They said: "of course not" How can the Messenger of Allah (Allah bless him & give him peace) be equal in knowledge to Allah. However, he had the knowledge of the unseen, but it was given to him by Allah Most High.

Now, when we look at these two positions, it becomes clear that both the Deobandis and Barelwis agree that the Messenger of Allah's (Allah bless him & give him peace) Knowledge of the unseen was given to him by Allah Most High. The only minute difference is whether one can call him A'lim al-Ghayb or otherwise. The Deobandis state that because the knowledge was given to him by Allah most High, it is not correct to call him A'lim al-Ghayb, for that title is for someone who knows of the unseen without being informed by another. The Barelwis, on the other hand, say there is nothing wrong in giving this title to the Messenger of Allah (Allah bless him & give him peace) even if the knowledge to him was given by Allah Most High.

Thus, the difference is very minute indeed, but rather than explain to people that it is a very minute difference, we make it a fundamental part of one's Aqidah. The Deobandis insist that the Barelwis regard the Messenger of Allah (Allah bless him & give him peace) to be equal to Allah, and that they regard his knowledge to be similar to that of Allah, whereas the Barelwis refuse to accept that the Deobandis also believe that the Messenger of Allah (Allah bless him & give him peace) also had knowledge of the unseen, and that they disrespect the Messenger of Allah (Allah bless him & give him peace)

The second point to remember is that we must abstain from using the various names and titles like Deobandis, Barewlis, etc. I myself have used these terms here, because I had no choice. I am explaining the differences of the two schools, thus it was indispensable for me to use them. But in our day-to-day conversations, we should not call ourselves and others but with the title of Muslims and Sunnis.

Allah Most High says:

"He has chosen you, and has imposed no difficulties on you in religion; it is the cult of your father Ibrahim. It is he who has named you Muslims, both before and in this (Revelation); that the Messenger may be a witness for you and you be witnesses for mankind." (Surah al-Hajj, V. 78)

Thus, we must avoid using names other than that of being a Muslim. To use different names and titles in order to incite others and cause friction and disunity among Muslims is a grave sin, and must be avoided.

Once a student approached a Syrian Arab Scholar and said: "I need to ask you some questions, but before I do that, I need to know whether you are a Barelwi or Deobandi" He said: "I am a Muslim, follower of the Shafi'i School, I don't know what this Barelwi/Deobandi thing is" The student insisted that he must be one of them. He suggested that the Shaykh look into the classical Aqidah books and see the Aqidahs of these two groups. The Shaykh said: "I have read almost all of the major works in Aqidah but have never found these names. The student insisted that it must have been overlooked by the Shaykh!

Once a brother said to me that Allama Ibn Abidin was a Deobandi and Imam Suyuti a Barelwi! I became infuriated and said: "This is completely incorrect. How can you call someone a Deobandi when Deoband did not even exist? The reality is that the Deobandis, Barelwis and also others follow the likes of Allama Ibn Abidin and Imam Suyuti.

Therefore, these titles and names should be completely avoided. I sincerely advice our brothers and sisters to abstain themselves and prevent others from using these names, for it causes nothing but friction.

Thirdly, when we look at the issues of difference between the Barelwis and Deobandis, it is quite evident that some of them are minor and petty issues. You won't find any of the classical books of Aqidah discussing these issues.

Thus, we need to overlook these petty issues and concentrate on the more important issues of Islam. People are in need of real guidance, someone to help them strengthen their faith, teach them about the basics of Islam, not someone who debates whether one can say Ya Rasul Allah or otherwise.

Unfortunately, we have given extra significance to these issues than they deserve. These were issues that were associated to a person's individual connection with Allah Most High and His beloved Messenger (Allah bless him & give him peace), but we have made them into the basic tenets of Creed (aqidah) and issues that distinguish belief from disbelief and piety from impiety (fisq).

One a brother phoned me and said: "I need to ask you a question concerning business and trade but first tell me are you from the Aqidah of Assalatu wassalamu alayka ya Rasul Allah? I said that this is not a matter of Aqidah. It is similar to saying: "Do you have the Aqidah of Subhan Allah or Assalamu Alayka ayyuhan Nabi"! I explained to him that these are minute and petty issues and debating about them should be avoided.

Keeping the above three points in mind, we come to the issue of celebrating the birthday of our beloved Messenger of Allah (Allah bless him & give him peace).

The Deobandi stance on the Mawlid is that, not only is it permissible to celebrate it, rather it is an great act of virtue, as long as the celebrations are free from the unlawful or reprehensible activities, such as free intermingling of the sexes, excessive wasteful spending, fixing of a particular date, etc, and it is not held to be something necessary to do such that those who choose not to participate are considered to be in the wrong.

This is the Deobandi viewpoint and it would not be appropriate to force it down them that they totally reject the celebration of the Mawlid. As mentioned earlier that it is wrong to force upon others their beliefs and opinions, rather we should take what they say at face value.

The fundamental book that explains the viewpoints of the Deobandi scholars is al-Muhannad ala al-Mufannad compiled by Shaykh Mawlana Khalil Ahmad al-Saharanfuri and endorsed by many scholars, such as: Imam Ashraf Ali al-Tahanawi, Shaykh al-Hind Mawlana Mahmud al-Hasan Deobandi and many others (Allah have mercy on them all). The abovementioned viewpoint can be seen quite clearly in this book.

Shaykh Khalil Ahmad (a student of Shaykh Rashid Ahmad Gangohi) states:

"Far be it from any Muslim that he says (let alone us): mentioning the birth of the Messenger of Allah (Allah bless him & give him peace), or even mentioning the soil under his footwear and the urine of his donkey, is an act of reprehensible and unlawful innovation.

Thus, aspects that have even a minute connection with the Messenger of Allah (Allah bless him & give him peace), mentioning them is from the much-loved of practices and from the greatest of recommendations, be it the mention of his blessed birth, or the mention of him reliving himself, standing, sitting, sleeping and being awake. This has been explained in detail in my book al-Barahin al-Qati'a in many places." (al-Muhannad, P. 78)

The above text quite categorically states the permissibility of celebrating the Mawlid. However, what the Deobandi Ulama reject is the unlawful and evil practices that have found its way in some Mawlid celebrations, especially in the Subcontinent. Thus, Shaykh Khalil Ahmad (Allah have mercy on him) further states:

"It is clear from the above that we do not reject the mentioning of the Messenger of Allah's (Allah bless him him & give him peace) birth; rather, we reject and refute those evils that are attached to such gatherings as you may have seen them in the Indian subcontinent, such as mentioning fabricated and false narrations, intermingling of the sexes, excessive wasteful spending in lights and decoration, holding it to be something necessary to do such that those who choose not to participate are slandered and called non-believers, and other evils from which very few gatherings (in the subcontinent) are free.
However, if the gathering is free from such evils, far be it from us that we say: Celebrating the birth of the Messenger of Allah (Allah bless him & give him peace) is evil and an innovation..." (ibid, p. 80)

Let us now look at the Fatwa of Shaykh Mufti Taqi Usmani (may Allah preserve him), with which some people have a problem. The respected Shaykh states:

"As I explained in my article on celebration of Eid-e-Milad-un-Nabi (Mawlid), holding a meeting to discuss different aspects of the life of the Holy Prophet (Allah bless him & give him peace) is a very meritorious act for which the Muslims should strive to the best of their ability. But confining this discussion to the events of the birth of the Holy Prophet and restricting it to a particular date and holding attendance at such meetings as necessary or obligatory for every Muslim renders this practice as bid'ah or innovation.

Mostly the meetings of Mawlid today are of this type. Therefore, contemporary Ulema of Deoband have declared it a bid'ah.

If the life of the Holy Prophet is made subject of a meeting, and the meeting is free of the above mentioned defects, nobody can call it a bid'ah. It is in this context that some scholars of the past have allowed the practice." (Taken from the www.albalagh.net website)

The upshot of the above Fatwa is that there are three things which are disapproved of:
1) Mentioning only the events of the Messenger of Allah's (Allah bless him & give him peace) birth in the gatherings,

2) Restricting the gathering to a particular date,

3) Thinking it to be obligatory and binding upon everybody,

Thus, if the above three main evils are avoided, not only will celebrating the Mawlid be permissible; rather, it will be a great act of virtue.

I myself once asked Shaykh Taqi Usmani (Allah preserve him) that if the evils were avoided in such gatherings, would they be permitted? He replied in the affirmative and said the most important of these evils that must be avoided is that of restricting the celebration to a particular date.

This is quite significant, because during my stay in Syria, I observed Mawlid gatherings being celebrated on many different dates of Rabi' al-Awwal. So much so that many gatherings would even take place outside of this month. The celebrations and gatherings would be spread out right through the year, although they would become more widespread in the month of Rabi' al-Awwal.

Thus, in light of Shaykh Taqi Usmani's words, these Mawlid gatherings are not only permitted, rather highly recommended practices. It would be wrong (and an innovation) to specifically restrict the Mawlid gathering to the 12th of Rabi' al-Awwal in a way that it would not take place on any other date.

Below is another Fatwa authorized by Mufti Taqi Usmani (may Allah preserve him):

"The gatherings arranged to remember the birth of the Prophet Muhammad, Sallallahu alayhi wasallam, the mercy to the mankind, are called Milad gatherings. Remembering the life of the Prophet Sallallahu alayhi wasallam, and teaching others about it, is an act of great blessing and virtue. However all good deeds have to be performed according to the rules and guidelines established by the Shariah. To exceed them is a grave sin. For example reciting the Qur'an is a great act of virtue, but it is prohibited to do so while one is in ruku or sujud in prayers. Likewise, Salat is one of the most important acts of worship. Yet, it is haram to perform it at sunrise or sunset.

Similarly, there are rules governing the blessed remembrance of the Sirah. For example, this remembrance must not be associated with a particular day or month; it should be considered equally virtuous during every month of the year, every week of the month, and every day of the week. Also it can take any permissible form. For example you can arrange a reading of an authentic book on Sirah or have a lecture delivered by a scholar. Doing that is not only permissible but it will bring great reward. But it is important to stay away from the evils found in the prevalent Milad gatherings. Here are some of those evils:

1) A particular date (12 Rabi al-Awwal) has been designated for this remembrance.

2) The element of show-off (riya) is commonly present in these gatherings.

3) If someone does not attend these gatherings, he is looked down upon.

4) Distribution of sweets is considered an indispensable part of the proceedings.

5) To meet the expenses, donations are collected from sometimes unwilling people who give money under social pressure. According to the hadith it is not permissible to take any Muslim's money without his willingness.

6) Intermixing of men and women commonly takes place in these gatherings. People stay late at night in these meetings thereby missing the next morning's prayers.

7) The focus of the talks delivered there is very limited. The Prophet, Sallallahu alayhi wasallam, has given guidance for every aspect of our life. These cover acts of worship, dealing with other people, morals and manners, social relationships, business dealings, etc. However, it has been observed that the prevalent Milad talks concentrate mainly or solely on the account of the birth of the Prophet, Sallallahu alayhi wasallam, and his miracles. They do not attempt to cover the vast teachings of the Prophet, Sallallahu alayhi wasallam.

For these reasons, one should refrain from the prevalent Milad gatherings. However, if care is taken to avoid all of these evils and to follow the Shariah carefully, then a meeting organized to remember the Prophet, Sallallahu alayhi wasallam , with the sole purpose of seeking Allah's pleasure, will Insha-Allah be a blessed event. And Allah knows best. (End of Fatwa)

Written: Muhammad Abdul Muntaqim Sylheti (Darul-Ifta, Darul-uloom Karachi) Concurrence from:

Justice Mufti Muhammad Taqi Usmani

Mufti Muhammad Rafi Usmani

Mufti Abdul Rauf Sakkharvi

And many others. (See: www.albalagh.net)

The above Fatwa of Dar al-Uloom Karachi and approved by Shaykh Mufti Taqi Usmani (Allah have mercy on him) also gives the same message, in that the Mawlid, if free of impermissible matters, cannot be considered blameworthy or an innovation.

In my personal view, it is only a difference of interpretation and the way one puts forth his viewpoint. It is a case of what we discussed earlier that one says something and much more is added to it.

If we were to look at the same above Fatwa endorsed by Mufti Taqi Usmani and turn it around, the message would seem quite the opposite. There are two ways of putting your argument forward.

For example: One can say that celebrating the Mawlid is a great act of virtue, a highly praiseworthy practice, etc....Then conclude the Fatwa or article by saying: However, if there are evils attached to the gathering, it would not be permitted. On the other hand, one may say: "celebrating the Mawlid is wrong, an innovation, has too many evils, etc....Then conclude the answer by saying: However, if these evils were avoided it would be permissible.

Now, even though these two arguments give the same message, the assumption made is quite the opposite. It's just a case of "how you say it".

It is related that the great Deobandi scholar of Hadith, Fiqh and Tasawwuf, Shaykh Mawlana Rashid Ahmad Gangohi (Allah have mercy on him) once on his journey to Makkah al-Mukarramah for Umra visited his Shaykh and spiritual master, Haji Imdad Allah Muhajir al-Makki (Allah have mercy on him). Incidentally, on one of the days a Mawlid gathering was organized. His Shaykh Haji Imdad Allah (Allah have mercy on him) said to Shaykh Gangohi that there is a Mawlid gathering organized, would you like to attend with me? He reused and said: "How can I attend a gathering of Mawlid when I prevent others from attending it in India due the evils that have been attached to them. If they (people in India) came to know of me attending a Mawlid what would they say? Upon hearing this, his Shaykh Haji Imdad Allah said: "May Allah reward you. I would have not been happier if you attended the Mawlid than I am in you refusing to come with us, because you are steadfast on what you believe to be the truth.

Thereafter, Haji Imdad Allah al-Makki attended the Mawlid and one of the servants and students of Shaykh Mawlana Rashid Ahmad Gangohi also, without informing his Shaykh, went to the Mawlid. This student of Shaykh Rashid Ahmad said after attending the Mawlid: "If my Shaykh, Mawlana Rashid Ahmad Gangohi would have attended the Mawlid gathering, he would have not condemned it, for it was free from evil and impermissible matters. (See: Malfuzat of Mufti Mahmud al-Hasan Gangohi, 1/99)

The Deobandis also have gatherings in which they mention the Sirah, characteristics and ways of the messenger of Allah (Allah bless him & give him peace). Songs and Anashid in praise of the best of creation are sung. These gatherings are organized throughout the year and become more common in the month of Rabi' al-Awwal. However, they do not attach it to a particular date, and also, rather than calling them "Mawlid gatherings" they call them Sirah gatherings, denoting that not only the birth of the Messenger of Allah (Allah bless him & give him peace) will be discussed rather his life in general.

Therefore, we can conclude the Deobandi viewpoint on celebrating Mawlid saying that it is a highly praiseworthy act for which one will be rewarded. However, it will be wrong and an innovation to attach the impermissible matters to it, and this is how they understand the statement of scholars such as Hafidh Ibn Hajar, Imam Suyuti and others when they permitted the celebration of the Mawlid.

By looking into the books of the Deobandi Ulama, we can sum up these evils and impermissible practices in the following:

1) A particular date (i.e. 12th of Rabi' al-Awwal) is fixed,

2) Only the birth events of the Messenger of Allah (Allah bless him & give him peace) are discussed,

3) It is called a day of Eid, whilst Islam has only prescribed two Eids,

4) Celebrating the Mawlid is considered to be necessary,

5) Unlawful practices (such as intermingling of the sexes) take place,

If we were to look at the statements of those who support the celebration of Mawlid, it becomes clear that they also strongly condemn the various evils mentioned by the Deobandi scholars.

The great Sufi and Maliki scholar residing in Makkah al-Mukarramah, Sayyid Muhammad ibn Alawi al-Maliki (may Allah preserve him) states in his short treatise regarding celebrating the Mawlid, Hawl al-ihtifal bi zikra mawlid al-nabawi al-sharif:

"How many times have we stressed that the Messenger of Allah's day of birth is not considered a Eid, neither do we regard it as a day of Eid, for it is a day greater and more virtuous than the day of Eid. Eid only comes once a year, whilst celebrating the birth of the Messenger of Allah (Allah bless him & give him peace) and mentioning his Sirah should be a constant thing, without restricting it to a particular time or place." (P.8-9)

He further sates:

"We celebrate the birth of the Messenger of Allah (Allah bless him & give him peace) constantly and all the time, at every occasion and at every event of happiness and joy. This is increased in the month of his birth "Rabi' al-Awwal" and the day of his birth "Monday". (p. 11)

He also states:

"One of the innovations (bid'a) of the Mawlid is that, it is practiced by some of those who celebrate it by carrying out unlawful activities, being negligent with prayers, involvement if Riba and not implementing the outward and inward Sunnahs of the Messenger of Allah (Allah bless him & give him peace)." (p. 49)

And:

"One of the innovations that is practised in some countries is restricting the mention of the Messenger of Allah's (Allah bless him & give him peace) sirah, characteristics, and praise, feeding others and carrying out other commendable actions to only the month of Rabi' al-Awwal because of the birth of the Messenger of Allah (Allah bless him & give him peace). However, it is necessary that these acts are not restricted to the month of Rabi' only; rather, it is necessary (wajib) upon a Muslim that he carries out these good deeds constantly in every day of the month, for the mention of the Messenger of Allah (Allah bless him & give him peace) is not attached to a particular time...." (p. 50)

And:

" If we met and mentioned the praises of the Messenger of Allah (Allah bless him & give him peace), his struggles, his characteristics and did not even mention the story of his birth, to which people have become accustomed- to such an extent that they consider a Mawlid gathering incomplete without it....,we would have celebrated the Mawlid." (p. 40)

We can see from the above quotes of Sayyid Muhammad ibn Alawi al-Maliki (may Allah preserve him) taken from his book which he compiled in support of the Mawlid (and should be read by those who reject the Mawlid totally), it becomes clear that there is agreement between what the scholars of Deoband say and those who celebrate Malwid. As such, there is no disagreement in reality.

In conclusion, we need to develop patience and sincerity in our efforts to bring about more tolerance in this world. Try to make differences seem non-existent. There is no real difference between the Deobandi scholars and the Barelwis, in that they both agree with the Mawlid and disagree with the evils and unlawful practices that are practiced by some.

Indeed, there are some ignorant Muslims who do practice the evils mentioned by the Deobandi scholars, but rather than refute their celebration of the Mawlid, Deobandis should strive and correct these practices. If they begin to refute the Mawlid altogether, then those who practice it will say that these are Wahhabis, etc, and won't even reflect upon their unlawful actions. Conversely, if they support the Mawlid, there is a great chance of them correcting the evils. Thus, they should be given an alternative of pure and uncontaminated gathering of Mawlid in which the Sirah of the Messenger of Allah (Allah bless him & give him peace) is mentioned. A Gathering in which people are encouraged to implement the Sunnahs and characteristics of the beloved of Allah, whether you call it a Mawlid gathering or a Sirah gathering, for names are irrelevant. This is my sincere advice to the Deobandis.

As far as our Barelwi brothers are concerned, rather than arguing the rationality of Mawlid gatherings and trying to prove it, they should try and stamp out the evils practiced by some individuals. Explain to the masses that celebrating the Mawlid is not sufficient. One has to be a complete believer. One needs to implement the ways of the Messenger of Allah (Allah bless him & give him peace) in all aspects of one's life. Use these Mawlid gatherings to spread the message.

If we do this, then, not only will we have a more harmonious relationship, but we will see Muslims becoming stronger in their faith and better Muslims as a whole. May Allah guide us all to the straight path. I seek forgiveness if I may have offended anybody. May Allah unite us and gather us all in Paradise, Ameen.

And Allah knows best

Muhammad ibn Adam
Darul Iftaa
Leicester , UK

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Brother SM

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#14 [Permalink] Posted on 9th February 2012 08:53

Thank you Brother SM
very good pices of work from Mufti Adam

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abu safwan

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#15 [Permalink] Posted on 9th February 2012 10:39

"Brother SM" wrote:

Asslamo Allaikum,

It is interesting to note that after a thorough analysis of the subject and introducing restrictions which are extremely difficult to adhere to, the matter of Mawlid still remains to be merely Mub’ah not a matter of Eeemaan/Kuf’aar which some Muslims elevate it to be.

It isn’t even MUSTAHAB!

Secondly, if a person does Taqleed then let him/her bring evidence from Dhaahir Riwayah of Hanafi Madhab on the matter, not Muta’khireen (Deobandi, Barelwee or Syrian or even British Ulamah). What you will find instead from those who try to justify this MUBAH (at best) act is bring:

Quotations from anyone and everyone (Sha'fa'e Maliki etc)
Quotations from later Ulamah on the matter

Can someone please provide me authentic, verifiable quotations from Imam Abu Haneefa (RA), Abu Abu Yusuf (RA), Imam Muhammad (RA) or any of the illustrious students of Hanafi Madhabs? Imam Tahawi (RA)? How come the foremost Imams of the Madhabs of the Silent on the matter?

I have always maintained that Deobandi/Barelwee disputes can be easily solved by referring to the original sources of the Madhab. For many years I have asking and looking for this so if anyone has anything from earlier sources please let me know and it will be much appreciated.

What I do know is that Katams & Seerah conferences (amongst Deobandees in UK) have sprung up right before my eyes and in my lifetime so perhaps my children will be used to Deobandees also doing Mawlid because the watering down (in UK) has already started.

Jazakullah Khairun

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