Last week we mentioned what true love of the Prophet S.A.W meant i.e. following his teachings. Unfortunately, many in the Muslim world celebrate the birthday of Nabi S.A.W which was never practiced by Nabi S.A.W himself nor any of his companions nor any of the earlier generations. The Milaad celebration only came about by the Fatimids sect after the year 360 A.H during the era of the Banul Abbas who ruled Egypt at that time. Later on the King of Irbil Al Muzaffar reintroduced the celebrations at the end of the sixth century. When we look at these celebrations we realised it is a Shiite invention and contains lavish ceremonies of food, clothing, poetry, gifts etc. This shows the purpose was a political one to gain control and support of the public. Even though some origins may have been innocent and quiet without lavish celebrations, this was overpowered by other motives. Even today we see many laws of Shari’ah which Allah and his messenger S.A.W prescribed being broken through mixed gatherings, birthday cakes, music etc. This is a mockery of what the Prophet S.A.W was sent with and completely opposite to showing love.
The history of birthdays and Christmas is traced back to pagan rituals and even the church opposed it for many centuries. We should learn from other religions how they have very little left due to innovations with Christmas being 99% of festivities and so little being meaningful to one’s faith or spirituality. In fact, Isa A.S birthday wasn’t even on the 25th of December, most believe he was born in the summer and Christmas was originated from the winter solstice. Again this proves celebrations like these are not part of any religion yet people have made them up for their own gains. Similarly, in Islam there are only two days of celebration prescribed by Allah which are the two Eids. The reason for celebrating the two eids is because of two major events that take place in the year – one after fasting the month of Ramadhan, and one on the occasion of Hajj. There is a practical reason to celebrate as a reward from Allah after two major worships. These days cannot be attributed to any birth of a special person or situation and are unique. No other days have been prescribed as celebration in Islam except for these two. Therefore, we should avoid taking days like Milaad, Mi’raj, birthdays of Ali R.A, Hasan and Husain R.A as days of celebration as there is no basis of this in Islam. With regards to celebrating birthdays this too has no basis in Islam or any religion as it follows pagan rituals. Birthday cakes and candles goes back to ancient Greece where worshippers would bring round cakes to the temple of Artemis for the Goddess of the moon and hunt. The cakes were lit with candles to make it glow like the moon. This shows our ignorance where muslims have adopted many practices from others not knowing the origin of such practices. We must take care and research before we do anything that is not found in our deen be it celebrating birthdays, valentine’s day, Christmas, Easter etc. as the above shows the danger of such things that we may think is innocent but has contrary beliefs to Islam.
There is also a difference of opinion regarding the birthday of Nabi S.A.W we only can confirm he was born on a Monday and that it was in Rabi’ul Awwal. No specific date can be found so fixing a date for his birth is not possible. On the other hand, we are certain of his day of passing which was the 12th of Rabi’ul Awwal. Should we not then be in grief and sadness rather than celebrating?! That was the darkest day in the history of the world yet many create festivals to take joy out of it?! Very strange indeed. This is why it is important to understand and follow the true scholars of Islam who follow the pious predecessors, scholars, imams and companions so that we may be guided to act according to only what Allah and his messenger S.A.W instructed us.
In conclusion, we should show our love and reverence for our Prophet Muhammad S.A.W practically through following his way of life. We shouldn’t fall into innovations that he nor his companions practiced as this is going against his purpose.