It never fails; when the month of Rabiʿ al-Awwal arrives, debates resurface about whether Muslims should celebrate the birth of the Prophet Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him. Mawlid celebrations are common in many parts of the Muslim world, as well as in the West, particularly among communities that observe this longstanding, though disputed, tradition. For some, the occasion is marked simply by encouraging believers to learn more about the Prophet’s life or by increasing their salawat. Others participate in more elaborate festivities. Whatever the stance, the discussion often circles back to the significance, or lack of significance, of birthdays themselves. To B-Day or not to B-Day: that is the question. And it is a question that may trouble some of our children as they navigate majority non-Muslim societies where birthday celebrations are routine.
It is important to remember that the Prophet Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him, did not celebrate his birthday in the manner birthdays are celebrated today. Instead of setting aside a specific date, he would fast on Mondays, the day of the week on which he was born, as an expression of gratitude to his Lord. When he was asked about fasting on Mondays specifically, he said:
“That is the day I was born and the day I was sent with revelation…” (Sahih Muslim, 1162)
In other words, the practice of marking the actual date of birth of the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, and making it a day of commemoration is not a firmly established Sunnah. It is a tradition that arose centuries after his passing, well after the first three generations of his followers. The Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, cautioned against overpraising him as earlier communities had done with their prophets. Setting aside special days in his honor may fall into that category. He advised his followers:
“Do not exaggerate my status as the Christians have done with the son of Mary. Verily, I am only a servant, so refer to me as the servant of Allah and His Messenger.” (Sahih Bukhari, 3445)
Christmas is often regarded as a celebration of the birth of Jesus, peace be upon him, although the exact date of his birth remains disputed. As Muslims, we are forbidden from celebrating Christmas for many reasons, the most obvious being that it is a Christian tradition outside the bounds of our faith. Thus, even though we recognize Jesus, peace be upon him, as a mighty messenger of Allah, we do not celebrate his birth. By that same principle, if we do not celebrate his birthday, then we should not celebrate the birth of any other prophet, since Allah says in the Quran:
“Say, ˹O believers,˺ ‘We believe in Allah and what has been revealed to us; and what was revealed to Abraham, Ishmael, Isaac, Jacob, and his descendants; and what was given to Moses, Jesus, and other prophets from their Lord. We make no distinction between any of them. And to Allah we all submit.’” (Quran, 2:136)
A Balanced Opinion
It is hardly surprising that this topic continues to spark debate. These differing views and evidences can be complex, especially for young minds. All of this can be confusing to children, so it is best not to argue about the Mawlid in their presence. However, if you feel they are mature enough to understand, you may wish to explain what scholars have said about celebrating the Prophet’s birthday. One balanced way to approach this is to share the opinion of Dr. Main Khalid Al-Qudah, an Islamic jurisprudence expert from the Assembly of Muslim Jurists of America. His stance is both fair and compassionate, avoiding blame while recognizing different perspectives. He explained:
“Celebrating the birthday of the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) is not a Sunnah, nor is it an innovation (Bidah) as some people might think. It is simply a permissible act within the following criteria…”
Dr. Al-Qudah then outlined several important conditions:
- It is not to be regarded as an act of worship. People must believe that what they do is not an act of worship, and that there is no blame on those who do not do the same. Believing otherwise would render the celebration a bidah as rituals (ibadat) in Islam are restricted only to what has been narrated.
- The celebration must not be annual. Instead, it should be held on an irregular basis. Dr. Al-Qudah explained that regularity and consistency in such celebrations would turn the event into a bidah.
- No exaggeration is allowed. Some people may fall into excessive and blameworthy praise and admiration of the status of Prophet Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him, in their lectures or nasheeds. A few even believe that he can bring benefit or harm, that he knows the unseen or the future, or ascribe to him a divine nature, like what Christians did with Jesus, peace be upon him. The Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, warned against this type of behavior.
- It must be free from prohibited acts. The celebration must not be associated with sins, such as intermingling between men and women, using musical instruments in nasheed, or similar acts.
- The celebration should be private, not public. That is, an entire country should not take the Prophet’s birthday, peace and blessings be upon him, as a public holiday like Eid al-Fitr or Eid al-Adha. Doing so would make three Islamic holidays, whereas there are only two.
Dr. Al-Qudah further explained that Ibn Taymiyyah was asked about the status of congregating for rituals and other acts of devotion. In response, Ibn Taymiyyah gave a detailed ruling, noting in particular that gatherings to celebrate the Mawlid, or the birthday of the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him), are permissible if held on an irregular basis (Majmu al-Fatawa, vol. 23, pp. 132–133). Keeping this in mind, Dr. Al-Qudah concluded with the following advice:
“Nevertheless, I recommend that you do not celebrate the birthday of the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him), as this is not the appropriate way of showing love for the Prophet. The true way to express love is by following his Sunnah, and celebrating his birthday is not part of it. Had it been an act of devotion, the eminent Companions (may Allah be pleased with them) would have been the first to practice it.”1
Other scholars may hold different opinions regarding Mawlid, and celebrations can also vary from one family or community to another. What is most significant is to teach our children that differences of opinion exist. Whether about celebrating the Prophet’s birthday, certain cultural holidays, or even regular birthdays, we should respect other perspectives and avoid arguing or ridiculing others. Instead, we can honor the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, by modeling the same mercy, respect, and kindness that he exemplified. So the real question is not, “To B-Day or not to B-Day,” but rather, “How can I be more like the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him?”
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