Is Maolud Nabiyy an Innovation???

 

This has become a perennial debate - Is Maolud Nabiyy an innovation? The way my friends have been taking the issue leaves me no choice but to continue to post annually about the issue. Whether you see Maolud Nabbiyy as an innovation or not is a matter of perception. This, my humble opinion. 

The Origin

it was gathered that Maolud Nabiyy as we have it today was first celebrated by an Egyptian Muslim Ruler who would host the whole city to a banquet with the intention of celebrating the life of the Prophet. Other narrations has it that it was a tradition of the "Fatimads" a Shi'ah group. There might be other narrations as to the origins of the Maolud Nabiyy but one thing is clear, it is NOT a Muslim festival ( 'Eid).

The Status

Most people see it as an important holiday in Islam that should be marked. But for some Muslims who regard themselves as Ahlus-Sunnah, it is an innovation (bid'ah) that should be discarded. According to them, Maolud Nabiyy was not celebrated by the Prophet or any of his companions or any among the 3 generations after him. ANY act of worship that can not be traced to the aforementioned categories of Muslims should be disregarded and tagged as bid'ah. Since the Maolud Nabiyy can not be traced to them, it is, therefore tagged a bid'ah that must be discarded.

The argument of the Sufees and some other groups of Muslims that accept and partake in the practice of Maolud Nabiyy, it is not a bid'ah. Rather, it is a mark of respect for the Prophet and should be encouraged. It is also a means of seeking the Face of their Lord. The Salafis (Ahlus-Sunnah), disagree insisting that any act of 'Ibadah that cannot be traced to the Prophet, his companions and the three generations after him would not be accepted by God no matter how beautiful it might be or how noble and pure the intention might be.

When the Sufees claim that the Prophet marked the day of birth which is Monday with fasting on the day, the Salafis would respond that the Sufees too should do the same. After all, the BEST way to show love to the Prophet is by following his steps as contained in the Hadith and Sunnah!

This epic battle has become a perennial issue among the Salafis and the Sufees. As a matter of fact, the legality of the marking of the Maolud Nabiyy tends to usually take the centre stage during the events that are organized to mark the Maolud Nabiyy. Sometimes, it engulfs the whole event altogether!

My Stance

Maolud Nabiyy is NOT an innovation. Innovations are things that are imported into the religion that wasn't part of it at all. But both sides agree to the fact that the Prophet himself did mark his birthday. The question is as to how? While the Salafis insist that it should be done EXACTLY as the Prophet did it, the Sufees believe that a little add on is not bad. Sitting down to mark it with our loved ones could possibly attract extra favors from God. As far as they (Sufees) are concerned, it is all about the intention and the legality of the act of worship employed. On the contrary, the Salafis believe there's more to worship than mere intentions. You'll need to do it as it is done if you must be rewarded by God. Both sides are correct if you ask me all that matters is a little understanding tolerance. 

I think fasting is an extra touch to the marking of the Maolud Nabiyy for the Sufees while the Salafis may stick with their stance of not being elaborate about the marking of the day or not marking it at all. Another huge complaint of the Salafis is that a lot of illegal activities usually mar the day of the Maolud. This is not to forget the fact that some would extend marking of the day as far as the following year!

While I agree that the Maolud Nabiyy shouldn't be abused and all excesses be blotted out of the Maolud, I don't think that the Maolud Nabiyy should be discredited on that ground. For the fact that the Prophet actually marked the day on weekly basis and it is NOT compulsory for us to fast on Mondays for the purpose, it is equally permissible to mark the Maolud Nabiyy on the annual period without the fasting. But if you can fast, PLEASE, FAST! Let everyone mark the day as he/she wishes SO LONG IT IS WITH AN ACT OF WORSHIP THAT IS PERMISSIBLE BY ISLAM like performing Nawaafils, promoting Islam by giving in charity on the day or embarking on awareness campaigns of any sort. Some, actually do this by holding a conference on the day.

Marking the Maolud Nabiyy, however, should not exceed the month of Rabee'ul Awwal. Whatever event you hold outside the month of Rabee'ul Awwal should not be named as a Maolud Nabiyy event as it would sound more like a joke than otherwise!

One Misconception!

Let it be known to all and sundry, that the Maolud Nabiyy is NOT an 'Eid, it is a remarkable day that is worth marking but NOT as a festival in Islam. Celebrating it like a festival or taking it as one is what makes it an innovation and we should all abstain from it. This fact cannot be over emphasized!

Even if you are a Salafi who rejects it as a Bid'ah, please use the holiday period well, call on your loved ones to strengthen your family bonds, you may also want to use the day to do a quick catch up on your kids and gist with your wife (women LOVE gisting!) or just...spend the day relaxing! Whichever side you fall, it is a MUST for us, all Muslims, to seize the opportunity of the holiday to increase our 'Ibaadah one way or the other! Add a new Sunnah to the ones you already practice for instance. Wishing you the very best! 

Salaam!!!