The Bidaa' in Celebrating Prophet Muhammad’s (SAWS) Birthday

The phrase “Al-Mawlid An-Nabi” [The birth of the prophet (SAWS)] once referred to the place or time of the birth of Prophet Muhammad (SAWS). This definition is the only definition known to Muslims from the time of the Prophet (SAWS) until the beginning of the seventh century after Hijrah. After that, the term started to take on another meaning-the gathering of people in masjids or homes for the purpose of listening to specific recitations and elevating and praising the story of Prophet Muhammad (SAWS)’s birth. At the announcement of Prophet Muhammad (SAWS)’s birth, everyone would stand up, remaining on his feet for several moments in memory of the event and in respect of the Prophet (SAWS). They used to do this when Prophet Muhammad (SAWS) stated clearly

“Whoever likes that men show deference to him by standing-let him take his seat in Hellfire” [Tirmidhi, saheeh]

The companions of the Prophet (SAWS) did not honor the prophet’s birthday and the Prophet (SAWS) did not state in any ahadith that we should do anything certain or praise him on the day of his birth. The day he was born was part of Allah (SWT)’s Will and plan. The celebration of one’s birthday is an act of pride and honor when no one ,except for Allah (SWT), is supposed to be looked so highly upon. By honoring Prophet Muhammad (SAWS)’s birthday, one is giving the prophet credit for being born, when Allah (SWT) is the one who let him be born. This could be, by itself, associating Allah (SWT) characteristics and power with a human. Celebrating the birth of the Prophet (SAWS), can definitely lead a person to shirk. First of all, if you celebrate his birthday, you are giving credit to him for something Allah (SWT) did .Allah (SWT) never commanded anyone to celebrate and honor a human being, years after he was born, for being born on a certain day. In the light of what happened in other religions, one can see that celebrating the existence of certain people may lead to shirk. When people start to honor a worthy religious person every single year, that person becomes someone of an extremely high status in the eyes of the people. This is what happened with Jesus (on him be peace)…he was looked upon so highly that eventually people started considering him the son of God. Now, every year, people celebrate Christmas honoring Jesus’s birthday [Even though Prophet Jesus (pbuh) was not even born during this time]. Rather, Prophet Muhammad (SAWS) is looked upon as a guide and merely a messenger from Allah (SWT) , The Most High. He is our example, but is not honored like Allah (SWT) is.