But I Love the Prophet ﷺ, so Why Shouldn't I Celebrate Mawlid?

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Mawlid or Mawlid Nabiyy, is a festival celebrated by many who believe it is an act of love for the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ. However, a closer look at our religion's foundations reveals that this celebration is, in fact, an act of bid'ah, an innovation in matters of faith that is not permissible. This is a difficult truth for many, but our love for the Prophet should inspire us to follow his way, not to invent new ones.

The evidence for this position is rooted in the Prophet's ﷺ own teachings and practices. Consider the hadith narrated by Anas (may Allah be pleased with him), who said: “The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) came to Madeenah and the people had two days when they would play and have fun. He said, ‘What are these two days?’ They said, ‘We used to play and have fun on these days during the Jaahiliyyah.' The Messenger of Allah ﷺ said, ‘Allah has given you something better than them, the day of Adhaa and the day of Fitr. (Eid Al Adha & Eid Al -Fitr)’” (Sunan Abi Dawood, 1134).





This hadith clearly establishes that only two Eids—Eid al-Adha and Eid al-Fitr—were prescribed for Muslims. These were the celebrations practiced and approved by the Prophet ﷺ and his noble companions. Mawlid is not one of these prescribed celebrations.

Furthermore, we must reflect on the example of the companions. They loved the Prophet ﷺ far more deeply than we can imagine. If celebrating Mawlid were a correct way to honor him or a part of Islam, they would have been the first to do so. Yet, they never did. Can those who celebrate Mawlid today claim to know better than the Prophet ﷺ and his companions? The answer is no. Mawlid is an innovation that lacks any supporting evidence in the Qur'an or Sunnah.

Some may argue that Mawlid is a "good bid'ah." But there's nothing of such in this deen of Allah. The Prophet ﷺ said: “The best of speech is the Book of Allah, 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. And every misguidance is in the Hellfire” (Reported by Al-Nasa'i).

This principle is further reinforced by the Qur'an, where Allah says (interpretation of the meaning): “This day, I have perfected your religion for you” [al-Ma'idah 5:3].

Dear brothers and sisters in Islam, our religion is complete and perfect. It requires no additions or subtractions from human hands. If you truly love the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ you will honor him in the way he taught us—by accepting the truth of the Qur'an and Sunnah and following the path he and his companions walked. Do not disobey him by participating in that which they did not.

We ask Allah to make us steadfast upon this deen of His. Aameen.



by Zaynab Boladale 

Comments

Anonymous said…
BaarakaLlahu feeh. May Allah keep you steadfast upon khayr
4 September 2025 at 12:02
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