Birthdays & Celebrations: To What Extent
My dear brothers and sisters in Islam, and all
sincere seekers in this age of Divine Manifestation, today we reflect on a
sensitive but important subject: the celebration of the birth of the Holy
Prophet Muhammad (pbuh), known as Mawlid.
As sincere Muslims, it is our duty to distinguish between what is truly Islamic and what comes from customs which are foreign to our faith. Islam is a complete and perfect religion, preserved by Allah. It does not need additions or innovations.
Islam does not recognise birthday celebrations
in the way they are practised in the modern world. Neither the Holy Prophet (pbuh),
nor his companions, nor the early generations of pious believers celebrated
such events with cakes, candles or wishes. These customs have roots in
pre-Islamic traditions, such as blowing out candles and making wishes; practices
that Islam discourages.
Allah says in the Qur’an: “Today I have perfected your religion for you, completed
My favour upon you, and chosen Islam as your way of life.” (Al-Maida
5: 4)
This verse clearly shows that Islam is
complete. Any innovation in worship is a change to that perfection.
Hazrat Muhammad (pbuh) never celebrated his own
birth, nor did he ask his companions to do so. He never organised gatherings,
songs or parades to mark the occasion. His silence on this matter speaks
volumes. If such a celebration were beneficial or recommended, he would have
practised it and taught it.
The Prophet (pbuh) said: “Whoever introduces
something into our religion that is not part of it, it will be rejected.”
(Bukhari and Muslim)
The celebration of Mawlid is an
innovation that appeared centuries after the Holy Prophet’s demise, especially
during the Fatimid era. It has no foundation in the Qur’an or Sunnah. While
some may see it as a way to express love for the Prophet (pbuh), true love is
shown through obedience to his teachings; not through practices he never
approved.
Allah says in the Qur’an: “Say: If you truly love Allah, then follow me; Allah will
love you and forgive your sins.” (Al-Imran 3: 32)
Islam does not forbid marking the birth of a
child or loved one with prayers, gratitude and blessings. But this should
remain private, within the home, without showing off, without sharing on social
media, and without imitating foreign customs. The Holy Prophet (pbuh) said: “Modesty
is part of faith.” (Muslim)
And Allah says: “Do
not display yourselves as women did in the days before Islam.”
(Al-Ahzab 33: 34)
What Islam encourages is learning and sharing
the life of the Prophet, i.e., his Seerah. We should speak of his character,
his mercy, his justice, his patience and his love for humanity. This is a noble
form of celebration, one that benefits all the believers and the whole world as
well. It is an opportunity to share Islam by showing the simple yet noble life
of the greatest prophet of all time.
The Holy Prophet (pbuh) said: “Convey from
me, even if it is just one verse.” (Bukhari)
Imitating the customs of non-Muslims can be
spiritually harmful. It may lead us to lose our Islamic identity. The Holy Prophet
(pbuh) warned us: “Whoever imitates a people becomes one of them.” (Abu
Dawud)
As Muslims, we are meant to be leaders in
faith, not followers of trends and traditions that go against our religion; our
Islam.
My dear brothers and sisters, remember that
Islam is a pure light. It cannot be mixed with the darkness of superstition or
harmful innovations. Celebrating the Holy Prophet’s birth through non-Islamic
means is a deviation. What we should do is increase our prayers, send blessings
upon him, study his life, follow his example and thank Allah for the precious
gift of his mission; a mission that continues to guide us until the Day of
Judgement.
Allah says: “Indeed,
Allah and His angels send blessings upon the Prophet. O you who believe! Send
blessings upon him and greet him with peace.” (Al-Ahzab 33: 57)
Matters of the home should remain within the
home. Islam values discretion, modesty and sincerity. Private celebrations, if
done with gratitude and without extravagance, are allowed. But Muslims should
never turn them into public spectacles or social competitions.
O Allah, guide us to the truth. Make us sincere Muslims, faithful to the Sunnah of Your Prophet Hazrat Muhammad (pbuh). Help us love him as we should – not through festivities, but through obedience, prayer, blessings and commitment to Your message. Insha-Allah, Ameen, Summa Ameen, Ya Rabbal Aalameen.
[----Friday Sermon of 05 September 2025 ~ 12 Rabi'ul Awwal 1447 AH delivered by Imam- Jamaat Ul Sahih Al Islam International Hazrat Muhyiuddin Al Khalifatullah Munir Ahmad Azim (aba) of Mauritius].