The month of Rabi ul Awwal holds a special place in the hearts of Muslims worldwide. It was in this blessed month that Allah Almighty gave humanity His greatest gift: the birth of our beloved Prophet Muhammad ﷺ. Naturally, Muslims feel immense joy and gratitude when this month arrives.
But the important question is: How should we express this happiness? Should it be celebrated in the way taught by the Prophet ﷺ, or through innovations (Bid‘ah) that were introduced later?
Celebrating the Birth of the Prophet ﷺ
Allah describes the Prophet ﷺ as His greatest blessing. In the Qur’an, Allah says:
“Say, in the bounty of Allah and in His mercy – in that let them rejoice; it is better than what they accumulate.”
(Surah Yunus: 58)
Scholars explain that the “mercy” mentioned here refers to Prophet Muhammad ﷺ. Therefore, rejoicing at his birth is indeed an act of faith.
How to Rejoice According to the Sunnah
The Prophet ﷺ is the perfect role model for Muslims in every aspect of life. Allah says:
“Indeed, in the Messenger of Allah you have an excellent example.”
(Surah Al-Ahzab: 21)
Sunnah-Based Ways of Celebrating:
- Sending abundant Salawat (Durood) upon the Prophet ﷺ
The Prophet ﷺ said:
“Whoever sends blessings upon me once, Allah will send blessings upon him ten times.”
(Sahih Muslim: 408)
- Giving charity (Sadaqah)
Helping the poor and needy is among the best ways to show gratitude for the Prophet ﷺ. - Studying and teaching Seerah (the life of the Prophet ﷺ)
The Companions used to remember and share the life events of the Prophet ﷺ so that others could learn and follow his example. - Fasting on Mondays
The Prophet ﷺ was asked about fasting on Mondays and he said:
“It is the day on which I was born.”
(Sahih Muslim: 1162)
Innovations (Bid‘ah) in Rabi ul Awwal
Sadly, many practices have become common in the name of celebrating the Prophet’s birthday, though they were never done by him or his Companions.
Common Innovations Include:
Noisy processions and street parades
Mixed gatherings and un-Islamic forms of entertainment
Fireworks, excessive decorations, and lighting
Exaggerated praises with words not approved by Shariah
Rituals and customs with no basis in Qur’an or Sunnah
The Prophet ﷺ clearly warned:
“Whoever introduces into this matter of ours (Islam) something that is not from it, it will be rejected.”
(Sahih al-Bukhari: 2697, Sahih Muslim: 1718)
What Should We Do Instead?
To truly honor the Prophet ﷺ, we should express our happiness in ways that bring us closer to Allah:
Increase worship and remembrance of Allah
Give charity in His path
Study and share the Seerah of the Prophet ﷺ
Follow his Sunnah in daily life
This is the type of celebration that pleases Allah and benefits us in both worlds.
Conclusion
The month of Rabi ul Awwal is a reminder of the greatest blessing mankind ever received: the birth of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ. As Muslims, we must rejoice, but in the way he taught us.
Avoiding Bid‘ah and reviving Sunnah-based practices is the true way of celebrating Mawlid. By sending Salawat, giving charity, studying Seerah, and following his Sunnah, we can show real love and gratitude for the Messenger of Allah ﷺ.
Dua
May Allah fill our hearts with true love for the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, grant us the ability to follow his Sunnah, and protect us from all forms of Bid‘ah. Ameen.
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