Is there any goodness in celebrating the birthday of the messenger (salAllahu alayhi wa sallam)? There 4 possible answers to this question: 1) The messenger and his companions celebrated it, taking it as an Eid 2) There is goodness in it but the prophet (salAllahu alayhi wa sallam) did not inform his companions of it 3) There is goodness in it, but the companions did not do it 4) There is no goodness in it Now let us go through each possibility and come to the correct conclusion, and Allah's aid is sought. ************************************************ 1) The messenger and his companions celebrated it, taking it as an Eid It is interesting to note that there is not a single authentic narration which mentions that the messenger (salAllahu alayhi wa sallam) or the companions celebrated the "milad un nabi" and took it as an Eid - i.e. a celebration recurring on a yearly basis. The people of misguidance try to argue by saying that the messenger (salAllahu alayhi wa sallam) fasted on Mondays in celebration of his birth. Let us look at the narrations: Imam Muslim narrated from Abu Qataadah al-Ansaari (may Allah be pleased with him) that the Messenger of Allah was asked about fasting on Mondays and he said: “On (that day) I was born and on it Revelation came down to me.” Imam Al-Tirmidhi narrated, in a hadeeth that he classed as hasan, from Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him) that the Messenger of Allah (salAllahu alayhi wa sallam) said: “Deeds are presented (to Allah) on Monday and Thursday and I like my deeds to be presented when I am fasting.” So we see that THREE reasons were given for fasting on Mondays - i) The birth of the messenger (salAllahu alayhi wa sallam) ii) The beginning of revelation was on a Monday iii) Deeds are presented to Allah on these days and he wanted his deeds to be shown to Allah while he (salAllahu alayhi wa sallam) was fasting So we see that the messenger (salAllahu alayhi wa sallam) fasted on Mondays for a variety of reasons, but that he would fast EVERY Monday and he would NOT just ONE day in the year. Likewise, there are many narrations that mention, in great detail, the two Eids of Al-adha and Al-Fitr but there are NO narrations that mention how the companions took the birthday of the messenger as a third Eid. Think about it, we know their biographies in great detail yet we don't find any mention of them celebrating the birth of the messenger (salAllahu alayhi wa sallam). They conveyed the most tiny details of the sunnah to us, yet they overlooked something as massive as celebrating the birth of the messenger?! We can spend a long time on this, but it is clear, and all Praise is for Allah, that neither the messenger (salAllahu alayhi wa sallam) nor his companions celebrated the "milad un nabi" taking it as an Eid - because if they did, then there would be many narrations about it, especially if it was as important as some people claim it is. ************************************************ 2) There is goodness in it but the prophet (salAllahu alayhi wa sallam) did not inform his companions of it If we say this then this is a very serious accusation on the messenger of Allah! (Allah forbid!) Allah told our messenger (salAllahu alayhi wa sallam) that if he hid any knowledge of this religion then he would not have fulfilled his mission. In the Qur'an, Allah says: "O Messenger, announce that which has been revealed to you from your Lord, and if you do not, then you have not conveyed His message" (5:67) Likewise, on the farewell Hajj, the messenger (salAllahu alayhi wa sallam) made his companions bear witness that he had delivered the message in its entirety and then he called Allah to bear witness. It is recorded that he said to the companions: "Have I not conveyed (the message)?’ They said: ‘Yes.” He said: ‘O Allah, bear witness.’” (Ibn Majah) Likewise, the messenger (salAllahu alayhi wa sallam) taught us everything that will bring us closer to Paradise and save us from the fire. In the authentic narration he said: "“I have not omitted anything that will bring you closer to Paradise but I have enjoined it upon you, and there is nothing that will keep you further from Hell but I have commanded you to do it." So we see, and all Praise is for Allah, that he DID NOT tell us to celebrate his birthday, and if there was any goodness in it, he would have told us to do it. There is no "hidden" knowledge which he did not openly teach the masses. (salAllahu alayhi wa sallam) He was the most enthusiastic to teach the people what would benefit them. He detailed every little detail of how to get closer to Allah yet he never mentioned this celebration. Ever. ************************************************ 3) There is goodness in it, but the companions did not do it This is a great insult upon the companions! They were the ones who witnessed the revelation coming down. They knew the reasons behind the revelation and they understood the meanings and objectives of the Qur'an being revealed. They are the ones who preserved the Qur'an and Sunnah by memorising, writing it down and teaching to the succeeding generations. They preserved the smallest details of the messenger salAllahu alayhi wa sallam's life - from the way he slept, to the way he made wudhu, his salah, his hajj, his appearance, his character, even down to his etiquettes of showering with his wives salAllahu alayhi wa sallam. The companions were the foremost in goodness. Whenever there was something that would bring them closer to Allah, they would rush to do it. Allah said about them in the Qur'an - "Allah is pleased with them, and they are pleased with Him - those are the party of Allah . Unquestionably, the party of Allah - they are the successful" (58:22) Anyone who comes today and says that he has found a way to worship Allah that the companions did not know about is astray and is in great danger, for Allah said about the one who does not follow the way of the believers: "And whoever contradicts and opposes the Messenger after the right path has been shown clearly to him, and follows other than the believers' way. We shall keep him in the path he has chosen, and burn him in Hell - what an evil destination." (58:22) Who are the believers in this ayah? They are the companions! So whoever leaves the way of the messenger salAllahu alayhi wa sallam and his companions, then Allah will drive that person to hell. So we see, and all Praise is to Allah, that had there been any goodness in this celebration then the companions would have been the first to do it, and they would have preserved and narrated it to us, just like they did for the rest of the Qur'an and Sunnah. ************************************************ 4) There is no goodness in it This then, is the only thing that remains. Why? Because neither the messenger (salAllahu alayhi wa sallam) nor his companions were upon this celebration. Had there been any goodness in it, they would have done it and it would have reached us in a pure, preserved way. In reality, for approximately 600 years, the muslims did not know of nor celebrate this event. Rather, it is something that has been introduced to mislead people away from the true sunnah. We do not tell people NOT to love the messenger, rather love of Muhammad (salAllahu alayhi wa sallam) is a condition of our emaan. We love him more than even our ownselves. But there is a way to love him (salAllahu alayhi wa sallam). Love for him is not displayed by innovating into his sunnah and leaving his way. Love is not displayed by disobeying him. If you truly love him then grow a beard, pray 5x a day, fast on mondays and thursdays, implement his sunnah but most importantly, uphold the message of tawheed that he was sent with. This year if you want to celebrate "milad" then stop and ask yourself, am i more knowledgeable or those companions? Abu Ibraheem Husnayn
Mawlid Al-Nabi (The Prophet’s (SAW) Birthday) Praise be to Allaah. There is nothing in the Qur’aan to say that we should celebrate the Mawlid or birthday of the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him). The Prophet himself (peace and blessings of Allaah 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 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 Allaah and His Messenger.’” (Reported by al-Bukhaari). What has been reported is that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah 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 Sahaabah (may Allaah 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 Allaah 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 Sahaabah did this? No, by Allaah! Is it because they were not aware of its importance, or did they not truly love the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah 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 Allaah, no! It was not even mentioned during the first and best three centuries. The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah 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 Allaah be upon him)? But can it be possible that the Sahaabah, 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?! What the Qur’aan tells us is that love of the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) is demonstrated by following the guidance he brought. Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning): “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. Say: ‘Obey Allaah and the Messenger.’ But if they turn away, then Allaah does not like the disbelievers.” [Aal ‘Imraan 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 Allaah be upon him) brought. The second aayah reaffirms the importance and necessity of obeying Allaah and His Messenger. Hence Allaah 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 Allaah to keep us safe from that. The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah 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 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 is a going astray.” (Reported by Muslim and al-Nisaa’i). We ask Allaah to protect us from bid’ah and to bless us by helping us to follow. Allaah knows best. May Allaah bless our Prophet Muhammad. islamqa.info/en/249
Is there any goodness in celebrating the birthday of the messenger (salAllahu alayhi wa sallam)?
There 4 possible answers to this question:
1) The messenger and his companions celebrated it, taking it as an Eid
2) There is goodness in it but the prophet (salAllahu alayhi wa sallam) did not inform his companions of it
3) There is goodness in it, but the companions did not do it
4) There is no goodness in it
Now let us go through each possibility and come to the correct conclusion, and Allah's aid is sought.
************************************************
1) The messenger and his companions celebrated it, taking it as an Eid
It is interesting to note that there is not a single authentic narration which mentions that the messenger (salAllahu alayhi wa sallam) or the companions celebrated the "milad un nabi" and took it as an Eid - i.e. a celebration recurring on a yearly basis.
The people of misguidance try to argue by saying that the messenger (salAllahu alayhi wa sallam) fasted on Mondays in celebration of his birth. Let us look at the narrations:
Imam Muslim narrated from Abu Qataadah al-Ansaari (may Allah be pleased with him) that the Messenger of Allah was asked about fasting on Mondays and he said: “On (that day) I was born and on it Revelation came down to me.”
Imam Al-Tirmidhi narrated, in a hadeeth that he classed as hasan, from Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him) that the Messenger of Allah (salAllahu alayhi wa sallam) said: “Deeds are presented (to Allah) on Monday and Thursday and I like my deeds to be presented when I am fasting.”
So we see that THREE reasons were given for fasting on Mondays -
i) The birth of the messenger (salAllahu alayhi wa sallam)
ii) The beginning of revelation was on a Monday
iii) Deeds are presented to Allah on these days and he wanted his deeds to be shown to Allah while he (salAllahu alayhi wa sallam) was fasting
So we see that the messenger (salAllahu alayhi wa sallam) fasted on Mondays for a variety of reasons, but that he would fast EVERY Monday and he would NOT just ONE day in the year.
Likewise, there are many narrations that mention, in great detail, the two Eids of Al-adha and Al-Fitr but there are NO narrations that mention how the companions took the birthday of the messenger as a third Eid.
Think about it, we know their biographies in great detail yet we don't find any mention of them celebrating the birth of the messenger (salAllahu alayhi wa sallam). They conveyed the most tiny details of the sunnah to us, yet they overlooked something as massive as celebrating the birth of the messenger?!
We can spend a long time on this, but it is clear, and all Praise is for Allah, that neither the messenger (salAllahu alayhi wa sallam) nor his companions celebrated the "milad un nabi" taking it as an Eid - because if they did, then there would be many narrations about it, especially if it was as important as some people claim it is.
************************************************
2) There is goodness in it but the prophet (salAllahu alayhi wa sallam) did not inform his companions of it
If we say this then this is a very serious accusation on the messenger of Allah! (Allah forbid!)
Allah told our messenger (salAllahu alayhi wa sallam) that if he hid any knowledge of this religion then he would not have fulfilled his mission. In the Qur'an, Allah says: "O Messenger, announce that which has been revealed to you from your Lord, and if you do not, then you have not conveyed His message" (5:67)
Likewise, on the farewell Hajj, the messenger (salAllahu alayhi wa sallam) made his companions bear witness that he had delivered the message in its entirety and then he called Allah to bear witness. It is recorded that he said to the companions: "Have I not conveyed (the message)?’ They said: ‘Yes.” He said: ‘O Allah, bear witness.’” (Ibn Majah)
Likewise, the messenger (salAllahu alayhi wa sallam) taught us everything that will bring us closer to Paradise and save us from the fire. In the authentic narration he said: "“I have not omitted anything that will bring you closer to Paradise but I have enjoined it upon you, and there is nothing that will keep you further from Hell but I have commanded you to do it."
So we see, and all Praise is for Allah, that he DID NOT tell us to celebrate his birthday, and if there was any goodness in it, he would have told us to do it. There is no "hidden" knowledge which he did not openly teach the masses. (salAllahu alayhi wa sallam)
He was the most enthusiastic to teach the people what would benefit them. He detailed every little detail of how to get closer to Allah yet he never mentioned this celebration. Ever.
************************************************
3) There is goodness in it, but the companions did not do it
This is a great insult upon the companions! They were the ones who witnessed the revelation coming down. They knew the reasons behind the revelation and they understood the meanings and objectives of the Qur'an being revealed. They are the ones who preserved the Qur'an and Sunnah by memorising, writing it down and teaching to the succeeding generations.
They preserved the smallest details of the messenger salAllahu alayhi wa sallam's life - from the way he slept, to the way he made wudhu, his salah, his hajj, his appearance, his character, even down to his etiquettes of showering with his wives salAllahu alayhi wa sallam.
The companions were the foremost in goodness. Whenever there was something that would bring them closer to Allah, they would rush to do it. Allah said about them in the Qur'an - "Allah is pleased with them, and they are pleased with Him - those are the party of Allah . Unquestionably, the party of Allah - they are the successful" (58:22)
Anyone who comes today and says that he has found a way to worship Allah that the companions did not know about is astray and is in great danger, for Allah said about the one who does not follow the way of the believers:
"And whoever contradicts and opposes the Messenger after the right path has been shown clearly to him, and follows other than the believers' way. We shall keep him in the path he has chosen, and burn him in Hell - what an evil destination." (58:22)
Who are the believers in this ayah? They are the companions! So whoever leaves the way of the messenger salAllahu alayhi wa sallam and his companions, then Allah will drive that person to hell.
So we see, and all Praise is to Allah, that had there been any goodness in this celebration then the companions would have been the first to do it, and they would have preserved and narrated it to us, just like they did for the rest of the Qur'an and Sunnah.
************************************************
4) There is no goodness in it
This then, is the only thing that remains. Why? Because neither the messenger (salAllahu alayhi wa sallam) nor his companions were upon this celebration. Had there been any goodness in it, they would have done it and it would have reached us in a pure, preserved way.
In reality, for approximately 600 years, the muslims did not know of nor celebrate this event. Rather, it is something that has been introduced to mislead people away from the true sunnah.
We do not tell people NOT to love the messenger, rather love of Muhammad (salAllahu alayhi wa sallam) is a condition of our emaan. We love him more than even our ownselves.
But there is a way to love him (salAllahu alayhi wa sallam). Love for him is not displayed by innovating into his sunnah and leaving his way. Love is not displayed by disobeying him.
If you truly love him then grow a beard, pray 5x a day, fast on mondays and thursdays, implement his sunnah but most importantly, uphold the message of tawheed that he was sent with. This year if you want to celebrate "milad" then stop and ask yourself, am i more knowledgeable or those companions?
Abu Ibraheem Husnayn
Mawlid Al-Nabi (The Prophet’s (SAW) Birthday)
Praise be to Allaah.
There is nothing in the Qur’aan to say that we should celebrate the Mawlid or birthday of the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him). The Prophet himself (peace and blessings of Allaah 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 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 Allaah and His Messenger.’” (Reported by al-Bukhaari). What has been reported is that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah 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 Sahaabah (may Allaah 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 Allaah 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 Sahaabah did this? No, by Allaah! Is it because they were not aware of its importance, or did they not truly love the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah 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 Allaah, no! It was not even mentioned during the first and best three centuries. The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah 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 Allaah be upon him)? But can it be possible that the Sahaabah, 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?! What the Qur’aan tells us is that love of the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) is demonstrated by following the guidance he brought. Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning):
“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.
Say: ‘Obey Allaah and the Messenger.’ But if they turn away, then Allaah does not like the disbelievers.” [Aal ‘Imraan 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 Allaah be upon him) brought. The second aayah reaffirms the importance and necessity of obeying Allaah and His Messenger. Hence Allaah 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 Allaah to keep us safe from that. The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah 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 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 is a going astray.” (Reported by Muslim and al-Nisaa’i).
We ask Allaah to protect us from bid’ah and to bless us by helping us to follow. Allaah knows best. May Allaah bless our Prophet Muhammad. islamqa.info/en/249
This guy's understanding is terrible
"care to elaborate?"