Islamic Beliefs & Teachings: Celebrating Mawlid-un-Nabi ﷺ

Contents of Article:

1.0 Permissibility of Mawlid-un-Nabi through Quran
2.0 Evidence from Ahadith
3.0 Celebration of Mawlid in opinion of Ijma(Consensus) of Scholars
4.0 Very Good explanation by Ahmed Diddat (teacher of Zakir Naik) on Mawlid
5.0 Celebration of Mawlid-e-Nabi Around the World:
6.0 Reference Books & Articles

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1.0 Permissibility of Mawlid-un-Nabi through Quran:

Almighty Allah says in the holy Quran:

1) Eisa, the son of Maryam, said, “O Allah, O our Lord! Send down to us a table spread from heaven, so that it may become a day of celebration for us – for our former and latter people - and a sign from You; and give us sustenance - and You are the Best Provider Of Sustenance.” [Surah Al-Ma’idah-5, Verse 114]

The day when food is sent from skies is day of rejoice for Eisa and their followers, further adding the latter people to the above ayah indicating it as celebration day for the generations to come., then should not we be delighted and rejoice when soul of universe (Peace be with him) was born?

And, well rejoicing the favors of Al mighty Allah was not limited to bani israel, the Quran commanded Muslims and other nations to publicize and rejoice his favors as stated below.

2) "And abundantly proclaim the favors of your Lord". [Surah Duha 93:11]

3) Allah has indeed bestowed a great favor upon the Muslims, in that He sent to them a Noble Messenger (Prophet Mohammed - peace and blessings be upon him) from among them, who recites to them His verses, and purifies them, and teaches them the Book and wisdom; and before it, they were definitely in open error. (The Holy Prophet Mohammed – peace and blessings be upon him – is one of Allah’s greatest favours to mankind.) [Surah Aal-e-Imran-3, Verse 164]

4) It is He who sent His Messenger with guidance and the religion of truth to manifest it over all religion. And sufficient is Allah as Witness. [Surah Fath 48:28]

5) Indeed there has come to you a Noble Messenger from among you - your falling into hardship aggrieves him, most concerned for your well being, for the Muslims most compassionate, most merciful. [Taubah 9:128]

6) O mankind! The advice has come to you from your Lord and a cure for the hearts - and guidance and mercy for believers. [Surah Yunus 10:57]

7) Say, “Upon Allah’s munificence and upon His mercy - upon these should the people rejoice”; that is better than all their wealth and possessions. [Surah Yunus 10:58]

And We did not send you (O dear Prophet Mohammed - peace and blessings be upon him) except as a mercy for the entire world. (Prophet Mohammed – peace and blessings be upon him – is the Prophet towards all mankind.) [Surah Ambiya 21:107]

Subhanallah, And this is what we do, we celebrate; we rejoice; we do spend our money to show gratitude to Allah Almighty on his greatest mercy and Blessing i.e. celebrations of Milad-un-Nabi because the Allah Subahanahu wa tala says that the biggest favor and mercy for the worlds (not only to the mankind) is prophet Muhammad (peace and abundant blessings be upon him) and commands us to publicize and rejoice his favors.

In fact the mercy due to prophets birth is not only limited to a day/month but for the whole year, whole life, for entire ummah and for the generations to come. But special gathering of zikr and programs are arranged on particular day of birth, since the importance of specific days attached to prophet are special and established by Quran.

Allah states in Quran in regards to prophet Yahya peace be upon him "So peace be upon him the day he (Yahya peace be upon him) was born, the day that he dies and the day that he will be raised to life" [Surah Maryam 19:15]

in another instance Quran records statment of prophet Eisa followed by testament of Allah "And peace is upon me the day I was born, and on the day I shall taste death, and on the day I will be raised alive." [Surah Maryam 19:33] Allah azzawajal says "This is Eisa (Jesus), the son of Maryam; a true statement, in which they doubt". [Surah Maryam 19:34]

Though every day is mercy and due blessings of prophet, sending blessings on specific days, remembrance of these days is sunnah of prophets and sunnah of Allah azzawajal. Those who say not to give importance to specific day or raise their eyebrows are surely misguided

Mawlid-e-Nabi is a day of celebration, festival of all the festivals.

The 12th of Rabī’-un-Nūr is the Eid of all the Eids for Muslims. Indeed, if the Holy Prophet had not come into this world, there would have been no Eid and no Shab-e-Barā-at. In fact, all the glory and greatness of the world as well as the Hereafter is by virtue of the blessed arrival of the Holy Prophet

Woĥ jo na tĥay to kucĥ na tĥā woĥ jo na ĥaun to kucĥ na ĥo
Jān ĥayn woĥ jaĥān kī, jān ĥay to jaĥān ĥay

Without him was nothing - without him is nothing
He is the kernel, without a soul there is no being

2.0 Evidence from Ahadith :

a. Practice of Prophet
Abu Qatada Ansari (Allah be pleased with him) reported that Allah's Massenger (may peace be upon him) was asked about fasting on Monday, whereupon he said: It is (the day) when I was born and revelation was sent down to me. [Book 006, Number 2606 Sahih Muslim]

This Hadith is also reported in by Imam al-Bahayqi in his “Sunnan ul Kubra” (Vol. 4, pg. 300 Hadith no 8182, 8259), in the “Sunan” of Imam Nisai and the “Musnad” of Imam Ahmad bin Hanbal.

It is clear from this Hadith that the Holy Prophet (Peace be upon him) was happy and thankful for the day he was born and fasted out of gratitude. Fasting is a form of worship, so one can celebrate this day by any form of ibada. One can fast or hold gatherings or provide food to the poor, all being acts of worship.

b. The Place where Prophets were Born are also given due respect in Islam and are sign of reverence:

Hadrat Anas bin Malik (RA) narrates that Prophet (Peace be upon him) while mentioning his journey of Miraaj explains: Jibreel (a.s) asked me to get off from Buraak at Bethlehem and told me to say the prayer there, after which he said: Do you know where you have prayed (O Messenger of Allah)? You prayed at Bethlehem where Isa (a.s) "was born". [Sunnan Nisai, vol 1, pg 241, Hadith 448]

Imam al-Bayhaqi (rah) narrated this hadith with a different route from another Sahabi called "Shaddad bin Aws (RA). After narrating it he said, This Sanad is "SAHIH" [al-Bayhaqi in Dalayl un Nubuwah (2/355-356)]

c. Jibrael Ameen hosted flags on Kaba on the dawn of blessings

Sayyidatuna Amina radi Allahu tala anha states,

" I saw that three flags are sited, one in east, one in west and third on roof of Ka'aba and prophets peace be upon him birth took place" (Imam Jalauddin Suyuti in Khassaisul Kubra, Vol 1, pg 82, darul kutub, beirut)

Ruh-ul-Ameen nay gara Kabay ki chat pe Jhanda
Ta Arsh Ur pharayra subh-e-shab-e-wiladat

Ruh-ul-Ameen erected flag onto the roof of the Kabah
that flew up to the Heaven on the Dawn of Blessings

d. Ka'aba expressed happiness on birth of prophet

It is narrated on the authority of Hadhrat ‘Amr bin Qutaibah says: I heard my father say and he was a great reservoir of knowledge that when the time of the birth of the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) came near, Almighty Allah ordered His angels to open all the doors of all the heavens and to open the doors of paradise as well. Then they should present themselves on earth and start congratulating each other. The mountains raised themselves further. The waves of the sea grew even higher. The creation of the oceans and seas started congratulating each other. All the angels had come. Satan was chained with 70 chains and he was cast face-down in the ocean. Devils and rebellious genie were chained. That day the sun was adorned with great radiance and 70,000 damsels were stood above it. They waited for the birth of the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam). Almighty Allah decreed for all women that year that they would be all blessed with a son. All the trees were laded with fruits and every fear was replaced with solace. When the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) was born, the whole world became radiant and the angels started congratulating each other. On each heaven, a pillar of precious stones was raised, due to which the sky became radiant. That pillar is well known in the highest heavens (Mala-e-A’ala) which the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) saw during the heavenly journey of Meraj. He was told that this is the pillar which was raised in honor of your birth. On the night of His birth, Almighty Allah planted 1000 fragrant trees on the side of Houz-e-Kauthar. Their fruit was made fragrance for the dwellers of paradise. The dwellers of all the spiritual realms started supplicating for safety. All idols prostrated. Laat and ‘Uzza came out of their places and were saying: ……The Trustworthy Prophet has come. The True One has come to them. The Quraish doesn’t realize what distinction has it been granted. For days after it, people heard a voice from the Ka’aba. It was saying: Now my radiance will be returned to me. Now those who circumambulate (perform Tawaf) will come to me. Now, I will be cleaned of the filth of the days of ignorance. O ‘Uzza! You are finished. The Ka’aba swayed for 3 days and 3 nights. This was the first sign that the Quraish saw on the occasion of the birth of the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam). (Khasaais-e-Kubra, Vol. 1, Pg. No. 80)

Hadhrat ‘Abdul Muttalib says: I heard a voice from the walls of the Ka’aba: The Master of the Universe has been born. His very presence will dispel the darkness of disbelief. He will purify the world and will invite people towards the One Lord Almighty. (As Seeratul Halabiyya, Vol. 1, Pg. No. 86)

e. Reward to Abu Lahb on expressing gratitude on Prophets birth:

e1. Narrated 'Ursa; Thuwaiba was the freed slave girl of Abu Lahb whom he had manumitted, and then she suckled the Prophet. When Abu Lahb died, one of his relatives saw him in a dream in a very bad state and asked him, "What have you encountered?" Abu Lahb said, "I have not found any rest since I left you, except that I have been given water to drink in this (the space between his thumb and other fingers) and that is because of my manumitting Thuwaiba." [Sahi Bukhari, vol 7, book 62, No. 38]

Abu Lahab freed Thuwaiba on joy at birth of Prophet (salallaho alaihi wasalam), even the worst of Kufaar and greatest of enemies is given relaxation in his Adhaab due to freeing Thawaiba by pointing with his finger, so Imagine the situation of a momin who rejoices on Mawlid, detailed explanation of this hadith shall be given in the last section of Verdicts from classical scholars.

e2. It is proven that Abu Lahab's punishment of fire is reduced on every Monday because he rejoiced on brith of Prophet (salallaho alaihi wasalam) and freed the slave-woman Thawba (RA) When Abu Lahab, whose eternal abode is hell fire and regarding whom whole surah of Tabat Yada (i.e. Surah Lahab) was revealed, he gets Takhfif in his Adhaab every Monday then Imagine the situation of a (momin) who has spent his life in rejoicing over birth of Prophet (saw) and died as a Mawhid [ Mawrid as Sadi Fi Mawlid al Hadi by Imam al-Dimishqi and Imam Suyuti in Hassan al Maqsad fi Amal al Mawlid, Page No. 66]

f. Reciting Mawlid and praising Prophet:

f1 Sayyiduna al -Abbas ibn Abd al Muttalib composed and reciting poetry in praise of prophet and his blessed birth:

After gaining victory and success in Ghazwa Tabook when Rasoolullah (SallAllaho Alaihi wa Aalihi wa Sallam) arrived in Madinatul Munawwara, Hadrat Sayyiduna Abbas (Radi Allahu Ta’ala Anhu) requested permission from the Prophet (SallAllaho Alaihi wa Aalihi wa Sallam) to read a few stanzas in his praise then Mercy on the Mankind (Peace and Blessings of Allah be Upon Him) said, "My dear Uncle! Go ahead. May Almighty Allah keep your mouth well."

This is what Sayyiduna al-`Abbas ibn `Abd al-Muttalib said:
من قبلها طبت في الظلال وفى مستودع حيث يخصف الورقثم هبطت البلاد لا بشر أنت ولا مضغة ولا علقبل نطفة تركب السفين وقد ألجم نسرا وأهله الغرقتنقل من صلب إلى رحم إذا مضى عالم بدا طبقوردت نارا لخليل مستترا في صلبه أنت كيف يحترقثم احتوى بيتك المهيمن خندف علياء تحتها النطقوأنت لما ولدت أشرقت الارض ونارت بنورك الافقفنحن في ذلك الضياء وفى النور وسبل الرشاد نخترق

... Before you came to this world, you were excellent in the shadows and in the repository (i.e. loins)in the time when they (Adam and Eve) covered themselves with leaves.Then you descended through the ages...When you were born, the earth shone (lit/shining) and your light illuminated the horizon.We travel in that illumination and in the light and in the paths of right guidance.”

[Kitaab al-Wafa, Page 35, Vol. 1 /Khasais al-Kubra, Page 97, Vol. 1 / Insaan al-Uyoon page 96, Vol. 1 / Seerat an-Nauwiya, Page 37 / Jawahir al-Bihaar, Page 40 /Anwaar al-Muhammadiyah, Page 62-84 /Hujjatulahi Ala al-Alameen, Page 222 / Muwahib al-Laduniyah, Page 23 /Al Isti’aab Mustadrik, Page 327, Vol. 3 / al-Bidaya wa an-Nihaya, Page 258, Vol. 2 /Kitaab al Mallal wan Nahal, Page 240, Vol. 2 /Majma'i Zawahid, Page 217, Vol. 8 /Talkhees al-Mustadrik, Page 327, Vol. 3 /Subl al Huda war-Rishaad, Vol. 5, Page 469 /Ibn-e-Kathir’s Mawlad al-Mustafa, Page 29-30, Published in Lahore 1958]

Ibn Kathir, in hisMawlid, p 19, writes, “The Night of the Prophet’s (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) birth is a magnificent, noble, blessed and a holy night, a night of bliss for the Believers, pure, radiant with lights and of immeasurable price.”

Mullah Ali al-Qari in his ‘Sharh al-Shifa’ (1:364) says it is related by Abu Bakr al-Shafi`i and Tabarani, and cited by Ibn `Abd al-Barr and Ibn al-Qayyim respectively in ‘al-Isti`ab’ and ‘Huda Nabiyy Allah (SallAllaho Alaihi wa Aalihi wa Sallam)’.

This has been stated in distinguished works of great Muhaditheen such as Imam Jalal al-Din as-Suyuti, Muhadith ibn Jauzi, Allamah Ibn Hajr, Allamah Halbi, Allamah Dahlaan Makki, Allamah Nabhaani, Allamah ibn Abdul Birr, Allamah Haakim, Ibn Kathir and Allamah Sharistaani (Radi Allahu Ta’ala Anhum al-Ajma’een).

f2. Hazrath Hassan Bin Thabit (ra) used to recite Naat and Praising Prophet in mosque/gatherings in present of Prophet:

Hazrat Aaisha (Radi ALLAH Anha) narrates, that Holy Prophet (Peace Be Upon Him) built a MIMBER for Hazrat Hassan (Radi ALLAH Anho) in Masjid-e-Nabawi Shareef, and Hazrat Hassan use to Recite Naats standing on that MIMBER and also use to give answers to MUSHRIKEEN on behalf of Syyeduna Muhammadur Rasoolullah (Sallallaho Alaihi Wasallam). For this act of Hazat Hassan Holy Prophet (Sallallaho Alaihi Wasallam) said "Untill Hassan recites and give answers to mushrikeen on this MIMBER, Jibreel-e-Ameen helps him." (Bukhari Shareef, Ziaul Hadeeth page 91)

Sarkaar Nay Hassan Ko Mimber Pay Bithaya, Sarkar Kay Sana Khwan Ki Toqeer Baree Hay.

Those who object on praising Beloved Prophet SallAllaho Alaihi wa Aalihi wa Sallam in poetry and reciting his praise on his mawlid must take a serious note to it!!

3.0 Celebration of Mawlid in opinion of Ijma(Consensus) of Scholars

a.Importance of the Night of Mawlid-e-Nabi: Imam Shahab-ud-din Abul Abbas al-Qastalani

When it is said that Prophet (Sallallaho Alaihi wa Sallam) was born at night time then the question arises which of the two nights is greater i.e. Night of Decree or the Night of Prophet (Sallallaho Alaihi wa Sallam)'s birth?

Imam Shahab-ud-din Abul Abbas al-Qastalani (Rahimuhullah) said, The Night of Prophet Sallallaho Alaihi wa Sallam birth is superior due to 3 reasons

1) He (Sallallaho Alaihi wa Sallam) arrived (in this world) on the Night of Mawlid whereas Night of decree was granted to him (afterwards), therefore the arrival of Prophet Sallallaho Alaihi wa Sallam is greater than what has been granted to him, hence night of Mawlid is higher in virtue.

2) If Night of decree is vitreous night because Angels descend in it, then Night of Mawlid has the virtue of Prophet (Sallallaho Alaihi wa Sallam) being sent to world. The Prophet Sallallaho Alaihi wa Sallam is superior to Angels, therefore night of Mawlid becomes superior.

3) Due to night of decree, the Ummah of Muhammad (Sallallaho Alaihi wa Sallam) was given imminence, whereas due to Night of Mawlid all creations were given Fazilah, as Prophet (Sallallaho Alaihi wa Sallam) is sent as Mercy to worlds/creations (Quran 21:107), hence the blessing was made general for all creations.

Ref:
1. Imam Qastallani in Al Muwahib al Laduniya Volume 1, Page No. 145
2. Imam Zarqani in his Sharah of Al-Muwahib, Volume 1, Page Nos 255-256

b. Imam Jalaluddin Suyuti (rah)

a.Imam Jalal ud din Suyuti (ra), said The birth of beloved Prophet (peace be upon him) is a great blessing for us and his death is very saddening for us too, however Shariah has ordered us to rejoice and thank Allah on blessings, whereas on calamity it has taught us to have patience, [Husn al-Maqsad fi Amal al-Mawlid Pg 54-55]

b.The reality of Mawlid is that people gather to recite Quran to the extent that is easy, also to discuss narrations which are regarding Prophet (salallaho alaihi wasalam), the signs which took place on his birth. Then dinning is arranged for them and they return without adding anything more to this "Bidat al Hasanah". The one who arranges it gets Thawab due to honoring Prophet (salallaho alaihi wasalam) and showing gratitude on his birth [As-Suyuti – Rahimuhullah in Al Hawi lil Fatawi, Volume 1, Page No. 292, Published by Maktaba al Asriya, Beirut, Lebanon]

c. Opnion of Ibn-e-kathir (Salafi Imam)

Ibn Katheer says regarding Shah Malik al-Muzzafar (rah) the brother in law of Salah-ud-din Ayyubi (rah) the great warrior of Islam that,

He [Shah Malik al-Muzzafar (rah)] was a generous, mighty master, and glorious ruler, whose works were very good.He built Jamiya al Muzaffari near Qasiyun…During Rabi ul Awwal he used to celebrate Mawlid ash Shareef with great celebration, Moreover, he was benevolent, brave, wise, a scholar, and just person – Rahimuhullah wa Ikraam – Sheikh Abul Khattab (rah) wrote a book on Mawlid an Nabwi for him and named it At-Tanwir fi Mawlid al Bashir al Nazeer, for which he gave him 1000 dinars. His rule stayed till the Rule of Salahiya and he captured Aka and he remained a man worthy of respect.

Al-Sabt mentions that a person attending the gathering of Mawlid held by Muzzafar said: He used to fill the table with 5000 well cooked goats, 10,000 chickens, 100-thousand bowls (of milk) and 30,000 trays of sweets.

[Tarikh Ibn Kathir, Al Bidayah Wan Nihaya Volume 13, Page No. 174]

d. Imam Ibn Hajr al Haytami (Rahimuhullah):

The gatherings of Mawlid and Adhkaar which take place during our time, they are mostly confined to good deeds, for example in them Sadaqat are given, Dhikr is done, Darud and Salam is sent upon the Prophet (salallaho alaihi wasalam) and he is praised. [Imam al Haythami (rah) in Fatawa al Hadithiyyah, Page No. 202]

Imam Jalal ud din Suyuti (Rahimuhullah) answers why celebrating on birth supersedes the sorrow of Prophet (saw) passing away on same date.

The birth of Prophet (salallaho alaihi wasalam) is a great blessing for us and his death is very saddening for us too, however Shariah has ordered us to rejoice and thank Allah on blessings, whereas on calamity it has taught us to have patience while hiding it, this is why Shariah has told us to do Aqiqa on birth which is a form of being happy and thankful to Allah for giving us birth, but on death there is no concept of sacrificing an animal and even lamenting is forbidden. Hence in light of rulings prescribed by shariah one should rejoice in Rabi ul Awwal on birth of our beloved Prophet (salallaho alaihi wasalam) [Husn al-Maqsad fi Amal al-Mawlid Page No. 54-55]

Note: The day of Prophet (Peace be upon him)'s demise is not 12th Rabi ul Awwal as wrongly perceived by some people due to books like "Sealed Nector" The authentic day of his demise is proven to be12nd Rabi ul Awwal from Sahih narrations. [refer to book on Birth date Of Prophet 9th or 12th in reference books given in end of artical]

May Allah give hidaya to all brothers and sisters to understand Sahih Emaan and save us from the misguided sects and the hell fire.

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4.0 Very Good explanation by Ahmed Diddat (teacher of Zakir Naik) on Mawlid

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UF8KS9sGDH0

5.0 Celebration of Mawlid-e-Nabi Around the World:

a. Mawlid in Chechnya.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o5XT3VGoiKA

b. News clips of local authorities/leading news papers from Oman, Kuwait,
Bahrain, UAE confirming declaring public holiday on occasion of Milad un Nabi to mark Prophets birthday and celebrations

Oman: