By Alpha Amadu Jalloh
This piece was originally delivered as a khutbah in our masjid in Melbourne, Australia, where we reflected on the dangers of innovation and the importance of holding firmly to the Qur’an and Sunnah. It addresses an issue that continues to divide Muslims globally, the celebration of Maulid Un Nabi, the Prophet Muhammad’s (peace be upon him) birthday. While many participate in this practice with the intention of honoring the Messenger of Allah, the reality is that Maulid is an innovation (bid’ah) that has no basis in authentic Islamic teachings.
Where Did Maulid Start?
The origins of Maulid are not rooted in the time of the Prophet (peace be upon him) or his noble Companions. Instead, historical records show that the Fatimid dynasty in Egypt, a Shia influenced political power in the 10th century, initiated the practice. They celebrated the birthdays of the Prophet, Ali, Fatima, and their leaders as part of their religious and political agenda. This alone should make Muslims pause: if this practice was truly part of the Prophet’s Sunnah, why did it take over three centuries after his death to emerge?
The Prophet’s Birth and Death on the Same Date
Muslim historians differ on the exact date of the Prophet’s birth. Some claim it was the 12th of Rabi’ al-Awwal, while others mention different dates, such as the 8th or the 9th. What is established with certainty is that the Prophet (peace be upon him) passed away on the 12th of Rabi’ al-Awwal. Therefore, those who gather to celebrate on this date are unknowingly commemorating the death of the Messenger of Allah. To celebrate on a day of such immense grief contradicts the spirit of the Sunnah and the reverence due to him.
No Celebration by the Companions
The Companions of the Prophet loved him more than anyone else in history. Abu Bakr (may Allah be pleased with him), Umar, Uthman, Ali, and all the great Sahabah never held gatherings to celebrate his birthday. They did not decorate streets, distribute sweets, or recite poetry in his name on this day. Instead, their love was proven through obedience and sacrifice. If celebrating the Prophet’s birthday were an act of worship or love, the Companions would have been the first to do so. Their silence on this matter speaks louder than the justifications made today.
Clear Warnings Against Innovations
The Prophet (peace be upon him) himself gave stern warnings against introducing new practices into religion.
In Sahih al Bukhari (Book 49, Hadith 861) and Sahih Muslim (1718), he said:
“Whoever introduces into this matter of ours that which is not from it, it will be rejected.”
In Sunan Abu Dawud (4607) and Jami‘ at Tirmidhi (2676), he said:
“The most truthful speech is the Book of Allah, and the best guidance is the guidance of Muhammad. The worst of affairs are newly invented matters, and every newly invented matter is an innovation, and every innovation is misguidance, and every misguidance is in the Fire.”
These ahadith leave no room for doubt. The celebration of Maulid, introduced centuries after the Prophet, is a misguidance.
The Qur’an is Clear
The Qur’an itself emphasizes that Islam is already complete and needs no additions. Allah says in Surah Al Ma’idah (5:3):
“Al yawma akmaltu lakum deenakum wa atmamtu ‘alaykum ni’matee wa radheetu lakum ul Islama deena.”
“Today I have perfected your religion for you, completed My favor upon you, and have chosen for you Islam as your religion.”
How then can Muslims claim to honor the Prophet by adding practices he never prescribed? Celebrating Maulid suggests, whether intentionally or not, that Islam was incomplete until this innovation emerged.
What Does True Love Mean?
Allah makes it clear how Muslims should demonstrate love for the Prophet. In Surah Aal Imran (3:31):
“Qul in kuntum tuhibboona Allaha fattabi’ooni yuhbibkumu Allahu wa yaghfir lakum dhunoobakum.”
“Say, if you love Allah, then follow me; Allah will love you and forgive you your sins.”
True love for the Prophet is in following his Sunnah, not creating rituals that he himself never practiced.
The Prophet also warned in Sahih al Bukhari (3445):
“Do not exaggerate in praising me as the Christians praised the son of Mary, for I am only His servant. So, call me the servant of Allah and His Messenger.”
Turning his birthday into a festival risks falling into the same trap as the Christians, who elevated Jesus (peace be upon him) beyond his rightful status.
The Monday Fast Argument
Some argue that because the Prophet (peace be upon him) fasted on Mondays, saying it was the day of his birth, this justifies an annual celebration. In Sahih Muslim (1162), the Prophet explained:
“It (Monday) is the day on which I was born, and on it the Revelation was sent down to me.”
But the Prophet’s act of fasting was a personal act of worship directed to Allah, not a celebration. He never instructed his Companions to gather, hold feasts, or distribute sweets on his birthday. To turn his weekly fast into a yearly festival is a distortion of his Sunnah.
Scholars’ Views on Maulid
Many leading scholars condemned the practice of Maulid. Imam al Shatibi, in Al I’tisam, classified it as a bid’ah. Sheikh ul Islam Ibn Taymiyyah wrote extensively in Iqtida al Sirat al Mustaqim that it was never practiced by the early generations and should be avoided. Even Imam al Suyuti, who attempted to excuse it, admitted it had no basis in the Sunnah.
Al Fudayl ibn Iyad (rahimahullah) famously said:
“Follow the paths of guidance, and do not be deceived by the large number of those who follow misguidance.”
The widespread celebration of Maulid does not make it right; truth is determined by evidence, not numbers.
Wasted Resources and Misplaced Priorities
Every year, enormous amounts of money are spent on processions, decorations, and feasts. Streets are filled with lights, songs, and poetry, while the poor and needy in our communities remain neglected. The Prophet (peace be upon him) taught us to care for the hungry, clothe the poor, and spread knowledge. Would it not be far more pleasing to Allah to invest these resources in acts of true worship and charity rather than innovations?
Holding Fast to the Qur’an and Sunnah
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) gave us clear instructions before his death. In Sahih Muslim (Book 44, Hadith 2408), he said:
“I have left among you two things; you will never go astray as long as you hold fast to them: the Book of Allah and my Sunnah.”
There was no mention of Maulid, no instruction to honor him through birthday gatherings. His guidance is complete and sufficient.
A Call to Reflection
Muslims today must reflect deeply: are we honoring the Prophet by doing what he did not do, or are we truly honoring him by following what he commanded? Love is not expressed by innovations but by obedience. The Companions, who sacrificed their wealth, their families, and even their lives for him, never once celebrated his birthday. Are we more loving of him than they were?
The practice of Maulid is not an act of devotion but a deviation. It emerged from history, not from revelation. By abandoning this innovation and returning to the Qur’an and Sunnah, Muslims can show their true love for the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him).
The way forward is simple: follow the Qur’an, follow the Sunnah, and avoid innovations. Celebrate the Prophet not once a year with festivities, but every day with obedience, prayer, charity, and adherence to his guidance. That is the truest honor we can give to the Messenger of Allah.