Bismillaahir Rahmaanir Raheem
1. Absence of Evidence from the Qur'aan and Sunnah
The Qur'aan and the Sunnah are the primary sources of Islamic law. There is no evidence from these sources indicating that the Prophet Muhammad (صلى الله عليه وسلم) or his Companions celebrated his birthday. The Qur'aan commands: “Today I have perfected for you your religion and completed My favor upon you and have approved for you Islam as your religion” (Surah Al-Ma'idah, 5:3). This verse signifies that the religion was perfected and complete during the Prophet's lifetime, implying that no new practices, including birthday celebrations, are required.
2. The Prophet’s Practice and His Companions
The Prophet Muhammad (صلى الله عليه وسلم) did not celebrate his own birthday. Neither did his Companions, who were the best of the Ummah, celebrate his birthday. The Prophet said: "Whoever does an action which we have not commanded, it will be rejected" (Sahih Bukhari and Sahih Muslim). This indicates that adding practices not established by the Prophet or his Companions is not in accordance with Islamic teachings.
3. The Concept of Bid'ah (Innovation)
Celebrating Maulid is considered a form of bid'ah (innovation) because it introduces a practice into the religion that was not part of the original teachings. The Prophet Muhammad (صلى الله عليه وسلم) said: "Every innovation (bid'ah) is misguidance, and every misguidance is in the Fire" (Sunan Abu Dawood). Innovations in religious practices are generally viewed as deviations from the established teachings of Islam.
4. The Principle of Imitating Non-Muslims
Celebrating Maulid is also seen as an imitation of non-Muslim traditions. The Prophet Muhammad (صلى الله عليه وسلم) warned against imitating other religious practices, stating: "Whoever imitates a people is one of them" (Abu Dawood). The celebration of birthdays, including that of the Prophet, was not a practice in early Islam and is not part of the religious tradition.
5. Focus on Following the Sunnah
Islam emphasizes following the Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad (صلى الله عليه وسلم) in worship and conduct. The Prophet said: "Take from me your rites of pilgrimage" (Sahih Muslim). This indicates that practices should be based on the Prophet’s established actions and teachings. Since the celebration of Maulid was not practiced by the Prophet or his Companions, it is not part of the authentic Sunnah.
In conclusion, the prohibition of celebrating Maulid in Islam is based on the absence of evidence from the Qur'aan and Sunnah, the principle of avoiding bid'ah, the avoidance of imitating non-Muslim practices, and the emphasis on following the established Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad (صلى الله عليه وسلم).
