Few issues divide Muslims today as sharply as the celebration of Maulud—the birthday of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). For some, it is an impermissible innovation (bid’ah) with no basis in Islamic texts. For others, it is an expression of gratitude and love for the Prophet, a tradition that strengthens faith and community. Between these two camps lies a controversy that goes to the heart of how Muslims interpret their religion in a changing world.
The case against Maulud
Those who reject Maulud ground their argument in the concept of bid’ah—introducing new practices into Islam without precedent in the Qur’an or Sunnah. They stress that neither the Prophet himself nor his closest companions—Abu Bakr, Umar, Uthman, Ali, Fatima, Hassan, or Hussain—ever marked his birthday. If the most exemplary Muslims did not, critics ask, what justification exists for others to do so today?
The absence of Qur’anic or hadith evidence is a cornerstone of this view. Unlike obligatory acts such as prayer, fasting, and pilgrimage, which are clearly spelled out in scripture, Maulud has no such basis. That silence, they argue, is proof that the celebration has no place in Islam.
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Critics also worry about cultural imitation. Birthday observances, they point out, predate Islam and are rooted in non-Muslim customs. By importing such practices, Muslims risk diluting their faith and blurring the boundaries of religious identity.
Some add a political dimension: they claim that rulers in Muslim history promoted Maulud as a tool of power and legitimacy, not as an act of devotion. From this perspective, all forms of bid’ah are seen as misguidance—dangerous diversions that could jeopardize a believer’s salvation.
The case for Maulud
Supporters of Maulud, however, see it in a very different light. For them, it is a natural expression of love for the Prophet and gratitude to God for sending him as a mercy to humanity. While not commanded in the Qur’an or Sunnah, they argue, neither is it forbidden.
Islamic jurisprudence has always placed weight on intention (niyyah). If an action is not explicitly prohibited, and if it inspires devotion, unity, and love of the Prophet, then many scholars believe it can be considered permissible. In this sense, Maulud is not a corruption of the faith but a cultural form of remembering and honoring the Prophet’s legacy.
Beyond the legal arguments, Maulud carries a strong social and spiritual appeal. At a time when divisions run deep across the Muslim world, gatherings to commemorate the Prophet’s life bring people together. They often feature recitations of poetry, sermons on the Prophet’s teachings, and communal prayers—moments that deepen understanding and foster solidarity. For its proponents, Maulud is not simply a celebration of birth but a reminder of values: compassion, humility, and guidance.
A scholar’s challenge
Among those who caution against Maulud is Mufti Menk, who frames his argument through probing questions. Did the Prophet or his companions ever celebrate his birthday? Does the Qur’an, revealed over 23 years, contain a directive to do so? If the earliest Muslims did not, he asks, do later generations claim to love the Prophet more than they did?
He reminds believers of Allah’s words in Surah Al-Ma’idah declaring Islam perfected and complete. For him, that leaves no room for additions. His conclusion is clear: innovations, however well-intentioned, risk creating doubt where certainty should prevail.
Faith, culture, and coexistence
The Maulud debate is more than an argument over a single celebration. It captures a wider struggle in Islam: how to balance strict adherence to tradition with cultural expressions of devotion. Both sides raise valid points—critics about safeguarding the purity of faith, and proponents about keeping its spirit alive in ways that resonate with communities today.
Perhaps the way forward lies not in forcing uniformity but in embracing respectful diversity. Islam has always accommodated different schools of thought and interpretations, each grounded in scripture and scholarship. What matters most is sincerity of faith and unity of purpose.
For some, avoiding Maulud may be the surest way to preserve religious clarity. For others, celebrating it may deepen their love and commitment to the Prophet’s teachings. Either way, Muslims can choose without turning difference into division.
A final word
In the end, Maulud—whether celebrated or not—remains a reminder of the Prophet’s profound impact on humanity. His life and message continue to guide Muslims through the challenges of modern life. The debate itself, if conducted with respect, can strengthen the community by encouraging reflection, dialogue, and deeper understanding of faith.
What Muslims must guard against is allowing disagreement to harden into hostility. The Prophet himself warned against division, urging believers to remain united. Whether through celebration or abstention, the spirit of Maulud should be one of gratitude, love, and humility—qualities that embody the very essence of Islam.
