[CathBraun]

Okay, I presented you the evidence regarding the permissibility of the Mawlid.

But what exactly does one do on a Mawlid? Brother asked what type of celebration and it depends on the celebration? Do we have barelvi dance party? Certainly not, The mawlid is commemorated as follows:

1. Recitation of Quran (This is bidah for you? --> May Allah guide you if you consider recitation of the Quran a bidah

2. Recitation of the Nasheeds(Poetry) of Rasool-ullah (May peace and blessings be upon him) -> May Allah guide you if you consider poetry about the Prophet a bidah

3. Speeches by scholars on the life of Prophet Muhammad (May peace and blessings be upon him) --> Learning about Prophet life is bidah for you? May Allah guide you.

4. Salat and Salam (Sending peace and blessings) upon Prophet Muhammad (May peace and blessings be upon him) --> This is bidah for you? Allah has commanded us to send salat and salam on Prophet. It is in various Quran verses and Hadith. If you need proof ask me.

5. Serving guests with food. Inviting non-muslims to come learn about Prophet and Islam. --> This is bidah? Giving dawah is bidah? Providing food to others is bidah? May Allah guide you.

[jobsfancy]

The use of strawmen argument as well as complete and utter lies is astounding.

Bidah #1
The only worldwide gathering of Muslims commanded by Allah and
practiced by Prophet Muhammad and his companions (Peace be upon
them) is Hajj. There is NO other international (worldwide) gathering of
Muslims in Islam. In Pakistan and Bangladesh the annual “Tablighi
Ijtima” attracts more Muslims than Hajj. When did the Prophet (Peace be
upon him) OR his companions OR Muslim scholars organize the
worldwide gatherings of Muslims in the name of Tableegh? There's a big difference here. The Tableeghi ijtima does not give precedence to any particular day. It is not, in and of itself, considered a holy day, whereas people consider the day of the meelad as being a holy day.


Bidah #2
In Pakistan (1970s) former Prime Minister Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto
invited the Imam of Ka'ba to visit Pakistan. When Imam Ka'ba, a
fierce opponent of Eid-Milad-un-Nabi, came Pakistan Muslims
abandoned mosques and prayed Friday prayers in large stadiums
behind him. Was there any precedence in Islam for such
gatherings? Prophet (peace upon him) and his companions (Peace
be upon them) never did such a thing. Look at the level of dishonesty. Were the Saudi ulama or even the visiting imam encouraging such an act? People went to pray behind him because of their affinity for him being the imam at the Ka'ba. That was what the general, lay population felt like doing. They weren't encouraged to do so by the Imam-e-Ka'ba.

Bidah #3
The scholars, Ulema and students of Dar-ul-Aloom Deoband
(one of the oldest Islamic universities in India) celebrated the
100th anniversaries of the Dar Al Aloom Deoband. The 100th
birthday of Dar-ul Aloom Deoband was celebrated under the
leadership of a Hindu Prime Minister of India, Indira Gandhi.
Did Prophet or his companions ever celebrate the anniversary of
Masjid Al Quba, Masjid Al Nabawi, etc.? Certainly no, what a bid bidah they committed. Again, did they attribute anything holy to this 100 year celebration? Also, was such a celebration sanctioned by all Deobandi ulama?

Bidah #4

Few years ago in UK, the Ahl-e-Hadith party held TOWHEEDO-
SUNNAT conference and invited Imam Ka'ba and many other
scholars. They do this every year. Did Prophet Muhammad
(peace be upon him) or his noble companions (Peace be upon
them) ever organized a program called TOWHEED-O-SUNNAT
Conference and traveled to speak at a conference? Not at all. Again, extremely disingenuous claims. All these conferences aren't considered "holy". There are no "special" a'maal other than listening to lectures that happen at any of these conferences, whether they be by Ahle Hadees or by Deobandis or by others.

Bidah #5
Saudi Arabia does celebrate Youm-ul-Watani (National Day of
Saudi Arabia). Television stations telecast special programs,
newspapers print special editions and private companies give
their employees a day off. I have never seen any Saudi scholar’s
fatwa against the celebration of Saudi National Day. But they
are very quick in giving Fatwa against Eid-e-Milad-un-Nabi.
Did Prophet (Peace be upon him) OR his companions (May
Allah be pleased with them) ever celebrated the establishment
of the Islamic state of Madinah? Why the celebration of Saudi
National Day this is not a Bid’a? And Mawlid un Nabi is considered Bidah? So, if a political holiday is celebrated, it is a bid'ah? Especially if no religious significance is attached to it?

Whoever you're copying and pasting from does not understand what bid'ah means. Bid'ah isn't using the computer for getting Islamic knowledge. Bid'ah isn't having gatherings for the sake of da'wah and learning. Bid'ah is making something a part of the shari'ah when there is no evidence of it within the shari'ah. Bid'ah is adding to the religion. Bid'ah is saying something is sunnah or wajib or fardh when there is no evidence of it in the shari'ah. Bid'ah is emulating the kuffaar and adding such things to our religion.

The mawlid is an idea that was copied from the Christians and their pagan holiday of Christmas. Furthermore, just like the Christians got the actual date wrong (according to most sources, Isa was born in late summer, not December), we Muslims may have gotten the birthdate of Rasoolullah wrong - that is because there are many narrations that say he wasn't born on 12th of Rabi' ul Awwal. What is known is that is the day he left us so what you're actually celebrating is the day of his departure from this world!

You can see the importance the sahaba gave to celebrating his birthday when they weren't even able to get a consensus on the actual date of his birth!

[jobsfancy]

Okay, I presented you the evidence regarding the permissibility of the Mawlid.

But what exactly does one do on a Mawlid? Brother asked what type of celebration and it depends on the celebration? Do we have barelvi dance party? Certainly not, The mawlid is commemorated as follows:

1. Recitation of Quran (This is bidah for you? --> May Allah guide you if you consider recitation of the Quran a bidah

2. Recitation of the Nasheeds(Poetry) of Rasool-ullah (May peace and blessings be upon him) -> May Allah guide you if you consider poetry about the Prophet a bidah

3. Speeches by scholars on the life of Prophet Muhammad (May peace and blessings be upon him) --> Learning about Prophet life is bidah for you? May Allah guide you.

4. Salat and Salam (Sending peace and blessings) upon Prophet Muhammad (May peace and blessings be upon him) --> This is bidah for you? Allah has commanded us to send salat and salam on Prophet. It is in various Quran verses and Hadith. If you need proof ask me.

5. Serving guests with food. Inviting non-muslims to come learn about Prophet and Islam. --> This is bidah? Giving dawah is bidah? Providing food to others is bidah? May Allah guide you.

To all these, I'd like to ask whoever you're copying and pasting this from if this is what most mawlid celebrations are like.

Most mawlid celebrations involve the following:
1. Mixed gathering
2. Women without hijab
3. Music
4. Missing the fardh salah
5. A lot of bid'ah beliefs come out, such as carry a chair and claiming that Rasoolullah is sitting on it!
6. A day to be a glutton

All the things that you have mentioned can be done on any other day. Why choose a special day for it? Did any of the sahaba increase in their worship on the day of meelad? Of course not. Most of the sahaba did not even know the actual date of the mawlid and they didn't care just how Rasoolullah did not care about an actual date. What he did do to celebrate his birthday was fast every Monday. Do you fast every Monday? If not, how on Earth can your shallow act of celebrating a day upon which there is doubt be claimed as love for Rasoolullah ?

[irridgita]

Asalamu Aleikum : i have heard 12 Rabi Awwal is date of death Of Holy Prophet (S.A.W.W) is that true ?

[CathBraun]

To all these, I'd like to ask whoever you're copying and pasting this from if this is what most mawlid celebrations are like.

Most mawlid celebrations involve the following:
1. Mixed gathering
2. Women without hijab
3. Music
4. Missing the fardh salah
5. A lot of bid'ah beliefs come out, such as carry a chair and claiming that Rasoolullah is sitting on it!
6. A day to be a glutton

All the things that you have mentioned can be done on any other day. Why choose a special day for it? Did any of the sahaba increase in their worship on the day of meelad? Of course not. Most of the sahaba did not even know the actual date of the mawlid and they didn't care just how Rasoolullah did not care about an actual date. What he did do to celebrate his birthday was fast every Monday. Do you fast every Monday? If not, how on Earth can your shallow act of celebrating a day upon which there is doubt be claimed as love for Rasoolullah ?

Brother, this is not a copy-paste game. Everything I wrote is what I follow and do on the Mawlid. And obviously we don't just do it on one day, we try to celebrate the Mawlid throughout our life.

I do not know which type of Mawlid gatherings you have observed or heard of but I am not even attached to anything you listed nor do I even support it, as it is all haram. I follow the Ahle Sunnah Wal Jamah, not the AHle Sunnah Wal Bidah. Any mawlid gathering I have visited and which I support only contained the things I had listed.

[irridgita]

Is 12 Rabi Awwal date of death of Holy Prophet (S.A.W.W) can someone answer is it true ?

[GillTeepbew]

I am sure everyone here celebrates Mawlid every day...we do this by trying to follow each and every sunnah of RasoolAllah and sending durood in abundance inshaAllah
There is no better way is celebrating the mawlid

Lol, great answer sister.

[irridgita]

why are you fighting brothers . . . lets celebrate mawlid every day . . . recite as many Duroods on Him (S.A.W) as possible . . . listen To As many Naats on Praise Of Holy Prophet (S.A.W.W) as possible , in fact listen to some good naat now share His (S.A.W.W) hadiths Daily Fast on Mondays every week

[Maryjasmine]

For Salafis, Wahabis and Deobandis, who is more
honourable? Muhammad (Peace be upon him) OR
Someone Else?

Why you kiss the photo of Osama Bin Laden (there are pictures and occurences everywhere on the internet) but you say kissing your hands when you hear the name Muhammad (Peace be upon him) is a bidah?

The reason is clear. They have intense animosity for Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) but they won't admit it to you.

Brother

I have never met a Salafi, Wahabi or Deobandi who hated the Prophet (saws) or even one who had any bad feelings towards him at all,

in fact I'm pretty sure that all the ones I have met admired and loved (or at very least aspired to loving) the Prophet (saws).

Are you sure you don't mean Jews, Christians and Hindus?

I don't argue with you that a lot of scholars have declared Milad an Nabi halal,

but it doesn't change the fact that it is an innovation (goods or bad) that began in Fatimid (Heretic) Egypt centuries after the passing of the Holy Prophet (saws)

no one with can deny that it is an innovation, even if they like it.

now as it is an innovation how is it that you demand everybody does it?

[irridgita]

Brother

I have never met a Salafi, Wahabi or Deobandi who hated the Prophet (saws) or even one who had any bad feelings towards him at all,

in fact I'm pretty sure that all the ones I have met admired and loved (or at very least aspired to loving) the Prophet (saws).

Are you sure you don't mean Jews, Christians and Hindus?

I don't argue with you that a lot of scholars have declared Milad an Nabi halal,

but it doesn't change the fact that it is an innovation (goods or bad) that began in Fatimid (Heretic) Egypt centuries after the passing of the Holy Prophet (saws)

no one with can deny that it is an innovation, even if they like it.

now as it is an innovation how is it that you demand everybody does it?

lets celebrate mawlid every day . . . recite as many Duroods on Him (S.A.W) as possible . . . listen To As many Naats on Praise Of Holy Prophet (S.A.W.W) as possible , in fact listen to some good naat now share His (S.A.W.W) hadiths Daily Fast on Mondays every week

[Mehntswx]

Okay, I presented you the evidence regarding the permissibility of the Mawlid.

But what exactly does one do on a Mawlid? Brother asked what type of celebration and it depends on the celebration? Do we have barelvi dance party? Certainly not, The mawlid is commemorated as follows:

1. Recitation of Quran (This is bidah for you? --> May Allah guide you if you consider recitation of the Quran a bidah

2. Recitation of the Nasheeds(Poetry) of Rasool-ullah (May peace and blessings be upon him) -> May Allah guide you if you consider poetry about the Prophet a bidah

3. Speeches by scholars on the life of Prophet Muhammad (May peace and blessings be upon him) --> Learning about Prophet life is bidah for you? May Allah guide you.

4. Salat and Salam (Sending peace and blessings) upon Prophet Muhammad (May peace and blessings be upon him) --> This is bidah for you? Allah has commanded us to send salat and salam on Prophet. It is in various Quran verses and Hadith. If you need proof ask me.

5. Serving guests with food. Inviting non-muslims to come learn about Prophet and Islam. --> This is bidah? Giving dawah is bidah? Providing food to others is bidah? May Allah guide you.

we do these things all year around...not just on one day of the year

[CathBraun]

There's a big difference here. The Tableeghi ijtima does not give precedence to any particular day. It is not, in and of itself, considered a holy day, whereas people consider the day of the meelad as being a holy day.

It doesn't matter whether they set aside a certain date each year for the Tableeghi Ijtima. They still consider their annual gatherings holy days as there is obviously a strong religious aspects attached to them. Why do you think they try to attract and misguide thousands of people each year? What a big bidah they are committing.

Look at the level of dishonesty. Were the Saudi ulama or even the visiting imam encouraging such an act? People went to pray behind him because of their affinity for him being the imam at the Ka'ba. That was what the general, lay population felt like doing. They weren't encouraged to do so by the Imam-e-Ka'ba. The fact of the matter is that the people ran and abandoned local mosques just so they could go to stadium and pray behind Imam of Ka'ba. They considered Imam of Ka'ba to be something he is not. Tell me is he a prophet of Islam? Certainly not. They went and prayed behind him and that is considered a big bidah by leaving local mosque just because Imam of Ka'ba is in town.

Again, did they attribute anything holy to this 100 year celebration? Also, was such a celebration sanctioned by all Deobandi ulama?

Again, extremely disingenuous claims. All these conferences aren't considered "holy". There are no "special" a'maal other than listening to lectures that happen If these conferences are not considered holy, then why do they preach their view of Islam in the conferences? Why do they misguide people and try to elevate their understanding of islam and preach it to others in the conferences? Setting asside annual dates as well; is that not a big bida? ? I am pretty sure they organize these conferences to not only elevate their religious beliefs but try to spread it to the general public. Is that not a big bida? When did Prophet (peace be upon him) ever organize conference?

[CathBraun]

we do these things all year around...not just on one day of the year

Of course that is the very essence of the Mawlid. We try to follow all those things throughout our life; but why does it matter to you if there is a day called Mawlid - Birthday of Prophet - may peace and blessings be upon ? It is not us who even set aside this date. The Mawlid Un Nabi = Birthday of Prophet. It has already been set for us by Allah. Just like the birth day of you and I.

The opponents of the Mawlid argue against the Mawlid because they believe we participate in haram activites and imitate the way of the Christians or Jews. We do not do any of the things the other brother listed. We only follow Quran And Sunnah.

Another misconceptions propagated by the opponents of the Mawlid is that we have considered Mawlid to be a third Eid. That is a big misconception. There is only 2 Eid in Islam we don't follow any other Eid.

But why do we call Birthday of Prophet Eid Milad un Nabi? Because Eid Milad = Birthday (Arabic). It is not a third eid, Eid Milad un Nabi just means "Birthday of the Prophet" in Arabic.

The only reason Mawlid is given a date is because that is what is feasible in this day and age. People don't have the time to gather (not that it is necessary) every day of the year to commemorate the Mawlid and learn about Islam. That is why on one date of the year Muslims gather to commemorate the Mawlid publicly. Of course, they do it each and every minute of their life but how is one gathering (which does not go against Quran and Sunnah like the gatherings of other groups of muslim) a bida? A gathering that promotes the life of Prophet Muhammad may Peace and blessings be upon him? A gathering that helps the youth learn about not only his life but about Islam as a whole? A gathering that makes people much closer to not only the prophet but as well as Allah? How is that bida? It is not mandatory for us to commemorate the Eid Mawlid un Nabi nor must we do it; but we do it in respect and love for the Prophet and Allah. How come only people who reject the Mawlid call it a bida? Why do you think we don't call all the other things you do bida only until after you have attacked the commemoration of the Mawlid? Does that not show our respect for you?

[Mehntswx]

Of course that is the very essence of the Mawlid. We try to follow all those things throughout our life; but why does it matter to you if there is a day called Mawlid - Birthday of Prophet - may peace and blessings be upon ? It is not us who even set aside this date. The Mawlid Un Nabi = Birthday of Prophet. It has already been set for us by Allah. Just like the birth day of you and I.

The opponents of the Mawlid argue against the Mawlid because they believe we participate in haram activites and imitate the way of the Christians or Jews. We do not do any of the things the other brother listed. We only follow Quran And Sunnah.

Another misconceptions propagated by the opponents of the Mawlid is that we have considered Mawlid to be a third Eid. That is a big misconception. There is only 2 Eid in Islam we don't follow any other Eid.

But why do we call Birthday of Prophet Eid Milad un Nabi? Because Eid Milad = Birthday (Arabic). It is not a third eid, Eid Milad un Nabi just means "Birthday of the Prophet" in Arabic.

the thing is that people have began to use the celebration of milaad as almost a fardh in deen...if you don't celebrate it the same way as others do i.e decorate your homes in Christmas lights...make special dinners...buy new clothes...go to the big march etc...then you are not sunni. Although they are using things that were not even part of the sunnah to determine who is sunni and who isnt :S

Then we have people like tahir ul qadri who say we should all celebrate Christmas too as Isa AS was also a nabi
In some parts of the world we have people reenacting the birth like the Christians do

Then we have those who celebrate Mawlid themselves calling it a bidah...but a good bidah....is the sunnat not sufficient that you feel the need to add extra celebrations into it...is it lacking something as it is?? did the sahabas RA lack in their method of loving rasoolAllah SAW?

Thereafter the arguments that they use...that deobandis celebrate this day or that day...or wahabbis celebrate such and such day. This is where you misunderstand bidah....i don't know what day deobandis and wahabbis celebrate but im sure they don't consider it an act of ibadah..nor a part of the deen..neither do they condemn those that do not celebrate it....its not a religious celebration....a bidah is that which is invented into the deen and considered a part of it...and people begin to treat it as if it were a sunnah or fardh

deobandis hold seerah conferences throughout rabbi ul awwal...they recite naats. etc and remember rasoolAllah SAW, they don't condemn this, is this not sufficient?

[ExpodoDop]

Mufti Muhammad ibn Adam Al-Kawthari sums up this whole discussion nicely.......






Why do some Sunni Ulema – like the Deobandis – prohibit the Mawlid?



In the name of Allah, Most Compassionate, Most Merciful,


In an age and time when Muslims are being attacked by the enemies of Islam from every angle possible, to debate and argue about something that is really a non-issue (yes, a non-issue), such as “The Mawlid” is doing injustice to ourselves. Muslims are being massacred and persecuted day in day out, many are involved in all sorts of un-Islamic activities, youngsters are on the brink of disbelief (kufr), our young brothers and sisters are involved in drinking, drug-abuse and fornication, yet here we are debating whether it is permissible to celebrate the birth of the Messenger of Allah (Allah bless him & give him peace).

I was personally reluctant to write on this subject, but my dear friend Shaykh Faraz Rabbani ordered me to compile a piece explaining the Deobandi position regarding the Mawlid. Thus, adhering to his command, I will Insha Allah endeavour to explain the ruling on the Mawlid, as understood by the Deobandi Ulama.

Before explaining the Deobandi position on the Mawlid, I would like to emphasize that unfortunately many of our disputes, disagreements and arguments are due to not understanding (or not wanting to understand, should I say) the opposite party’s stance on a particular issue. I have experienced this many times. This is a problem on both, the Deobandi and Barelwi, sides. Rather than find excuses for the statements of fellow Muslims and interpret them so they are justified, we force people to believe something which they themselves do not believe. In my personal experience, this is the main reason why so many Muslims are divided.

I hear some Deobandis claim that all the Barelwis believe this and that, yet when I speak to some of my Barelwi brothers about the issue, they categorically state that this is not what we believe; rather…….and then they explain their stance. The case is same with the Barelwis, in that they themselves decide for the Deobandis that agree or disagree; this is what you believe, despite the Deobandis rejecting it.

This is quite unfortunate indeed. If we were to look at the other religions, faiths, nations, groups, and organisations, they always try and increase the numbers of their associates. The Christians claim that most of the world’s population are followers of their faith, and many other religions also try their best to include every individual in their religion who has a minor attachment to them, in order to increase the size of their following. However, Muslims are the only ones who try their best to decrease the Ummah of the Messenger of Allah (Allah bless him & give him peace) by forcing people to believe what they don’t, and reduce the Muslim Ummah as much as possible. We don’t hesitate for one moment in branding one another as disbelievers.

The great Hanafi jurist, Imam Ibn Abidin (Allah have mercy on him) states in his renowned Sharh Uqud Rasm al-Mufti:

“Branding someone a non-believer (kafir) is a great thing indeed; hence, I do not label a believer as a non-believer as long as one sign of him believing is found….One should not issue a Fatwa of a believer’s disbelief (kufr) as long as it is possible to interpret his statement in a justified manner, or there is a difference of opinion regarding him disbelieving, even if there is a weak narration.” (Sharh Uqud Rasm al-Mufti, 1/36)

Thus, one should not haste in branding and terming other Muslims as disbelievers or sinners and innovators, for branding a Muslim a disbeliever is a grave thing indeed. The Messenger of Allah (Allah bless him and give him eternal peace) said: “Any person who calls his brother: O Unbeliever! (then the truth of this label) would return to one of them. If it is true, (then it is) as he asserted, (but if it is not true), then it returns to him (and thus the person who made the accusation is an Unbeliever).” (Sahih al-Bukhari, no: 6130 & Sahih Muslim, no: 60, reported by Ibn Umar, Allah be pleased with him)

It is extremely important to have tolerance, patience and forbearance. We must be precautious in what we say. We should try and look for excuses in favour of our fellow Muslim brothers and sisters. If a statement or viewpoint of a fellow Muslim seems incorrect, then rather than condemning the person, go and investigate as to whether it is true or otherwise. Don’t force others to believe what they themselves do not believe.

Many of the issues on which the Deobandis and Barelwis are divided are for this very reason. Many a time, there is no “significant” difference, rather it is only a case of interpretation or how it was said, yet there is so much fuss made about it.

For example, the matter of whether the Messenger of Allah (Allah bless him & give him peace) had knowledge of the unseen is made such an issue, but if we were to ponder deeply with cool headedness, it would become clear that there is no significant difference. The Deobandis state that the Messenger of Allah (Allah bless him & give him peace) had knowledge of many unseen things, but the knowledge was given to him by Allah Most High. As such, one cannot call the Messenger of Allah (Allah bless him & give him peace) the “Knower of the Unseen” (a’lim al-ghayb), for that is used when one has knowledge of the unseen without being informed. When I asked some of my Barelwi friends that do you believe the Messenger of Allah (Allah bless him & give him peace) had knowledge of the unseen in a manner that Allah has? They said: “of course not” How can the Messenger of Allah (Allah bless him & give him peace) be equal in knowledge to Allah. However, he had knowledge of the unseen, but it was given to him by Allah Most High.

Now, when we look at these two positions, it becomes clear that both the Deobandis and Barelwis agree that the Messenger of Allah’s (Allah bless him & give him peace) knowledge of the unseen was given to him by Allah Most High. The only difference is whether one can call him A’lim al-Ghayb or otherwise. The Deobandis state that because the knowledge was given to him by Allah most High, it is not correct to call him A’lim al-Ghayb, for that title is for someone who knows of the unseen without being informed by another. The Barelwis, on the other hand, say there is nothing wrong in giving this title to the Messenger of Allah (Allah bless him & give him peace) even if the knowledge to him was given by Allah Most High.

Thus, the difference is very minute indeed. But rather than explain to people that it is a very minute difference, we make it a fundamental part of one’s Aqidah. Some Deobandis insist that the Barelwis regard the Messenger of Allah (Allah bless him & give him peace) to be equal to Allah, and that they regard his knowledge to be similar to that of Allah, whereas some Barelwis refuse to accept that the Deobandis also believe that the Messenger of Allah (Allah bless him & give him peace) had knowledge of the unseen, and that they disrespect the Messenger of Allah (Allah bless him & give him peace).

The second point to remember is that we should abstain from using the various names and titles like Deobandis, Barelwis, etc. I myself have used these terms here, because I had no choice. I am explaining the differences of the two schools, thus it was indispensable for me to use them. But in our day-to-day conversations, we should not call ourselves and others but with the title of Muslims and Sunnis.

Allah Most High says:

“He has chosen you, and has imposed no difficulties on you in religion; it is the cult of your father Ibrahim. It is he who has named you Muslims, both before and in this (Revelation); that the Messenger may be a witness for you and you be witnesses for mankind.” (Surah al-Hajj, V. 78)

Thus, we must avoid using names other than that of being a Muslim. To use different names and titles in order to incite others and cause friction and disunity among Muslims is a grave sin, and must be avoided.

Once a student approached a Syrian Arab Scholar and said: “I need to ask you some questions, but before I do that, I need to know whether you are a Barelwi or Deobandi” He said: “I am a Muslim, follower of the Shafi’i School, I don’t know what this Barelwi/Deobandi thing is” The student insisted that he must be from one of them and suggested the Shaykh look into the classical Aqidah books and see the Aqidahs of these two groups. The Shaykh said: “I have read almost all of the major works in Aqidah but have never found these names. The student insisted that it must have been overlooked by the Shaykh!

Once a brother said to me that Allama Ibn Abidin was a Deobandi and Imam Suyuti a Barelwi! I became infuriated and said: “This is completely incorrect. How can you call someone a Deobandi when Deoband did not even exist? The reality is that the Deobandis, Barelwis and others follow the likes of Imam Ibn Abidin and Imam Suyuti (Allah have mercy on them both).

Therefore, these titles and names should be completely avoided. I sincerely advice our brothers and sisters to abstain themselves and prevent others from using them, for it causes nothing but friction and hostility.

Thirdly, when we look at the issues that are debated by the Barelwis and Deobandis, it becomes quite evident that some of them are minor and petty. You won’t find any of the classical books of Aqidah discussing these issues. We need to overlook these petty issues and concentrate on the more important aspects of Islam. People are in need of real guidance, someone to help them strengthen their faith, teach them about the basics of Islam, not someone who debates whether one can say Ya Rasul Allah or otherwise.

Unfortunately, we have given extra significance to these issues than they deserve. These were issues that were associated to a person’s individual connection with Allah Most High and His beloved Messenger (Allah bless him & give him peace), but we have made them into the basic tenets of Creed (aqidah) and issues that distinguish belief from disbelief and piety from impiety (fisq).

Once a brother phoned me and said: “I need to ask you a question concerning business and trade but first tell me are you from the Aqidah of Assalatu wassalamu alayka ya Rasul Allah? I said this is not a matter of Aqidah. It is similar to saying: “Do you have the Aqidah of Subhan Allah or Assalamu Alayka ayyuhan Nabi”! I explained to him that these are minute and petty issues and debating them should be avoided.

The Mawlid

Keeping the above three points in mind; we come to the issue of the Mawlid:

The position of the Deobandi Ulama is that, not only is it permissible to have a gathering of Mawlid, rather it is an act of great virtue, as long as the gathering is free from the unlawful or reprehensible activities, such as free intermingling of the sexes, excessive wasteful spending, fixing of a particular date, etc, and it is not held to be something necessary to do such that those who choose not to participate are considered to be in the wrong.

The above is the Deobandi viewpoint and it would be inappropriate to force it upon them that they totally reject having gatherings of Mawlid. As mentioned earlier, it is wrong to force upon others their beliefs and opinions; rather we should take what they say at face value. The fundamental book that explains the viewpoints of the Deobandi Ulama is al-Muhannad ala al-Mufannad compiled by Shaykh Mawlana Khalil Ahmad al-Saharanpuri and endorsed by many scholars, such as Hakim al-Umma Shaykh Mawlana Ashraf Ali al-Tahanawi, Shaykh al-Hind Mawlana Mahmud al-Hasan Deobandi and many others (Allah have mercy on them all). The abovementioned viewpoint can be seen quite clearly in this book.

Shaykh Khalil Ahmad (a student of Shaykh Rashid Ahmad Gangohi) states:

“Far be it from any Muslim that he says (let alone us), mentioning the birth of the Messenger of Allah (Allah bless him & give him peace), or even mentioning the soil under his footwear and the urine of his donkey, is an act of reprehensible and unlawful innovation. Thus, aspects that have even a minute connection with the Messenger of Allah (Allah bless him & give him peace), mentioning them is from the much-loved of practices and from the greatest of recommendations, be it the mention of his blessed birth, or the mention of him relieving himself, standing, sitting, sleeping and being awake. This has been explained in detail in my book al-Barahin al-Qati’a in many places.” (al-Muhannad, P: 78)

The above text quite categorically states the permissibility of having a gathering of Mawlid. However, what the Deobandi Ulama reject is the unlawful and evil practices that have found their way into some Mawlid celebrations, especially in the Subcontinent. Thus, Shaykh Khalil Ahmad (Allah have mercy on him) further states:

“It is clear from the above that we do not reject the mentioning of the Messenger of Allah’s (Allah bless him him & give him peace) birth; rather, we reject and refute those evils that are attached to such gatherings as you may have seen them in the Indian subcontinent, such as mentioning fabricated and false narrations, intermingling of the sexes, excessive wasteful spending with lights and decorations, holding it to be something necessary to do such that those who choose not to participate are slandered and called non-believers, and other evils from which very few gatherings (in the subcontinent) are free. However, if the gathering is free from such evils, far be it from us that we say, mentioning the birth of the Messenger of Allah (Allah bless him & give him peace) is an evil and innovation…” (ibid, P: 80)

Let us now look at the Fatwa of Shaykh Mufti Muhammad Taqi Usmani (may Allah preserve him); with which some people have a problem. The respected Shaykh states:

“As I explained in my article on celebration of Eid-e-Milad-un-Nabi (Mawlid), holding a meeting to discuss different aspects of the life of the Holy Prophet (Allah bless him & give him peace) is a very meritorious act for which the Muslims should strive to the best of their ability. But confining this discussion to the events of the birth of the Holy Prophet and restricting it to a particular date and holding attendance at such meetings as necessary or obligatory for every Muslim renders this practice as bid’ah or innovation. Mostly the meetings of Mawlid today are of this type. Therefore, contemporary Ulema of Deoband have declared it a bid’ah. If the life of the Holy Prophet is made subject of a meeting, and the meeting is free of the above mentioned defects, nobody can call it a bid’ah. It is in this context that some scholars of the past have allowed the practice.” (Taken from the Al-Balagh website)

The upshot of the above Fatwa is that there are three things which are disapproved of:

1) Mentioning only the birth-events of the Messenger of Allah (Allah bless him & give him peace) in such gatherings,

2) Restricting the Mawlid gathering to a particular date,

3) Thinking it to be obligatory and binding upon everybody,

As such, if the above three main evils were avoided, not only will having a gathering of Mawlid be permissible; rather, it will be an act of great virtue.

I myself once asked Shaykh Taqi Usmani (may Allah preserve him) that if the evils were avoided in such gatherings, would they be permitted? He replied in the affirmative and said the most important of these evils that must be avoided is restricting the gathering to a particular date. This is quite significant, because during my stay in Syria, I observed Mawlid gatherings being conducted on many different dates of Rabi’ al-Awwal. So much so that many gatherings would even take place outside of this month. These gatherings would be spread out right through the year, although they would become more widespread in the month of Rabi’ al-Awwal.

In light of Shaykh Taqi Usmani’s words, these gatherings and meetings are not only permitted, rather highly recommended practices. It would be wrong (and an innovation) to specifically restrict the Mawlid gathering to the 12th of Rabi’ al-Awwal in a way that it would not take place on any other date.

Below is another Fatwa authorized by Mufti Taqi Usmani (may Allah preserve him):

“The gatherings arranged to remember the birth of the Prophet Muhammad, Sallallahu alayhi wasallam, the mercy to the mankind, are called Milad gatherings. Remembering the life of the Prophet Sallallahu alayhi wasallam, and teaching others about it, is an act of great blessing and virtue. However all good deeds have to be performed according to the rules and guidelines established by the Shariah. To exceed them is a grave sin. For example reciting the Qur’an is a great act of virtue, but it is prohibited to do so while one is in ruku or sujud in prayers. Likewise, Salat is one of the most important acts of worship. Yet, it is haram to perform it at sunrise or sunset.

Similarly, there are rules governing the blessed remembrance of the Sirah. For example, this remembrance must not be associated with a particular day or month; it should be considered equally virtuous during every month of the year, every week of the month, and every day of the week. Also it can take any permissible form. For example you can arrange a reading of an authentic book on Sirah or have a lecture delivered by a scholar. Doing that is not only permissible but it will bring great reward. But it is important to stay away from the evils found in the prevalent Milad gatherings. Here are some of those evils:

1) A particular date (12 of Rabi al-Awwal) has been designated for this remembrance,

2) The element of show-off (riya) is commonly present in these gatherings,

3) If someone does not attend these gatherings, he is looked down upon,

4) Distribution of sweets is considered an indispensable part of the proceedings,

5) To meet the expenses, donations are collected from sometimes unwilling people who give money under social pressure. According to the hadith it is not permissible to take any Muslim’s money without his willingness.

6) Intermixing of men and women commonly takes place in these gatherings. People stay late at night in these meetings thereby missing the next morning’s prayers.

7) The focus of the talks delivered there is very limited. The Prophet, Sallallahu alayhi wasallam, has given guidance for every aspect of our life. These cover acts of worship, dealing with other people, morals and manners, social relationships, business dealings, etc. However, it has been observed that the prevalent Milad talks concentrate mainly or solely on the account of the birth of the Prophet, Sallallahu alayhi wasallam, and his miracles. They do not attempt to cover the vast teachings of the Prophet, Sallallahu alayhi wasallam.

For these reasons, one should refrain from the prevalent Milad gatherings. However, if care is taken to avoid all of these evils and to follow the Shariah carefully, then a meeting organized to remember the Prophet, Sallallahu alayhi wasallam , with the sole purpose of seeking Allah’s pleasure, will Insha-Allah be a blessed event. And Allah knows best. (End of Fatwa)

Written: Muhammad Abdul Muntaqim Sylheti (Darul-Ifta, Darul-uloom Karachi) Concurrence from:

Justice Mufti Muhammad Taqi Usmani

Mufti Muhammad Rafi Usmani

Mufti Abdul Rauf Sakkharvi

And many others. (Source: www.albalagh.net)

The above Fatwa of Darul Uloom Karachi and approved by Shaykh Mufti Taqi Usmani (may Allah preserve him) also gives the same message, in that a Mawlid event or gathering, if free of impermissible matters, cannot be considered blameworthy or an innovation.

In my personal view (and Allah knows best), it is only a difference of interpretation and the way one puts forth his viewpoint. It is a case of what we discussed earlier that one says something and much more is added to it. If we were to look at the same above Fatwa endorsed by Mufti Taqi Usmani and turn it around, the message would seem quite the opposite. There are two ways of putting your argument forward.

For example: One can say that a gathering of Mawlid is a great act of virtue, a highly praiseworthy practice, etc….Then conclude the Fatwa or article by saying: However, if there are evils attached to the gathering, it would not be permitted. On the other hand, one may say that gatherings of Mawlid are wrong, an innovation, has too many evils, etc….Then conclude the answer by saying: However, if these evils were avoided it would be permissible.

Now, even though these two arguments give the same message, the assumption made is quite the opposite. It’s just a case of “how you say it”.

It is related that the great Deobandi scholar of Hadith, Fiqh and Tasawwuf, Shaykh Mawlana Rashid Ahmad Gangohi (Allah have mercy on him) once on his journey to Makkah al-Mukarrama for Umra visited his Shaykh and spiritual master, Haji Imdad Allah Muhajir al-Makki (Allah have mercy on him). Incidentally, on one of the days a Mawlid gathering was organized. His Shaykh Haji Imdad Allah (Allah have mercy on him) said to Shaykh Gangohi that there is a Mawlid gathering organized, would you like to attend with me? He refused and said: “How can I attend a gathering of Mawlid when I prevent others from attending it in India due the evils that have been attached to it. If they (people in India) came to know of me attending a Mawlid what would they say? Upon hearing this, his Shaykh Haji Imdad Allah said: “May Allah reward you. I would have not been happier if you attended the Mawlid than I am in you refusing to come with us, because you are steadfast on what you believe to be the truth.

Thereafter, Haji Imdad Allah al-Makki attended the Mawlid and one of the servants and students of Shaykh Mawlana Rashid Ahmad Gangohi, without informing his Shaykh, also went with him. This student of Shaykh Rashid Ahmad said after attending the Mawlid: “Had my Shaykh, Mawlana Rashid Ahmad Gangohi, attended the Mawlid gathering, he would have not condemned it, for it was free from evil and impermissible matters. (See: Malfuzat of Mufti Mahmud al-Hasan Gangohi, 1/99)

The Deobandis also have gatherings in which they mention the Sirah, characteristics and ways of the Messenger of Allah (Allah bless him & give him peace). Songs and Anashid in praise of the best of creation are sung. These gatherings are organized throughout the year and become more common in the month of Rabi’ al-Awwal. However, they do not attach it to a particular date, and also, rather than calling them “Mawlid” gatherings they call them “Sirah” gatherings, denoting that not only the birth of the Messenger of Allah (Allah bless him & give him peace) will be discussed rather his life in general. As such, no Deobandi can deny the permissibility and virtue of holding a meeting discussing the various aspects of the Messenger of Allah’s (Allah bless him & give him peace) life and songs and Anashid being sung. Deobandis themselves have such gatherings and call them Sirah gatherings/events. However, many others (non-Deobandis) have similar gatherings but they term them to be gatherings of Mawlid. Hence, judgments should not be based on the terminologies used, but rather on the concepts.

Therefore, we can conclude the Deobandi viewpoint on the Mawlid saying that it is a highly praiseworthy act for which one will be rewarded Insha Allah. However, it will be wrong and an innovation to attach the impermissible matters to it, and this is how they understand the statements of scholars such as Hafidh Ibn Hajar al-Asqalani, Imam Suyuti and others (Allah have mercy on them all) who permitted the Mawlid.

By looking into the books of the Deobandi Ulama, we can sum up these evils and impermissible practices in the following:

1) A particular date (i.e. 12th of Rabi’ al-Awwal) is fixed,

2) Only the birth-events of the Messenger of Allah (Allah bless him & give him peace) are discussed,

3) It is called a day of Eid, whilst Islam has only prescribed two Eids,

4) Celebrating the Mawlid is considered to be necessary,

5) Unlawful practices (such as intermingling of the sexes) take place,

On the other hand, if we were to look at the statements of those (non-Deobandi Ulama) who support the Mawlid, it becomes clear that they also strongly condemn the various evils mentioned by the Deobandi scholars.

The great Sufi and Maliki scholar residing in Makkah al-Mukarramah, Sayyid Muhammad ibn Alawi al-Maliki (may Allah have mercy on him) states in his short treatise regarding the Mawlid, Hawl al-ihtifal bi zikra mawlid al-nabawi al-sharif:

“How many times have we stressed that the Messenger of Allah’s day of birth is not considered a Eid, neither do we regard it as a day of Eid, for it is a day greater and more virtuous than the day of Eid. Eid only comes once a year, whilst celebrating the birth of the Messenger of Allah (Allah bless him & give him peace) and mentioning his Sirah should be a constant thing, without restricting it to a particular time or place.” (P.8-9)

He further sates:

“We celebrate the birth of the Messenger of Allah (Allah bless him & give him peace) constantly and all the time, at every occasion and at every event of happiness and joy. This is increased in the month of his birth “Rabi’ al-Awwal” and the day of his birth, Monday”. (p. 11)

He also states:

“One of the innovations (bid’a) of the Mawlid is that, it is practiced by some of those who celebrate it by carrying out unlawful activities, being negligent with prayers, involvement in Riba and not implementing the outward and inward Sunnas of the Messenger of Allah (Allah bless him & give him peace).” (p. 49)

And:

“One of the innovations that is practised in some countries is restricting the mention of the Messenger of Allah’s (Allah bless him & give him peace) sirah, characteristics, and praise, feeding others and carrying out other commendable actions to the month of Rabi’ al-Awwal because of the birth of the Messenger of Allah (Allah bless him & give him peace). However, it is necessary that these acts are not restricted to the month of Rabi’ only; rather, it is necessary (wajib) upon a Muslim that he carries out these good deeds constantly in every day of the month, for the mention of the Messenger of Allah (Allah bless him & give him peace) is not attached to a particular time….” (p. 50)

And:

“ If we met and mentioned the praises of the Messenger of Allah (Allah bless him & give him peace), his struggles, his characteristics and did not even mention the story of his birth, to which people have become accustomed to such an extent that they consider a Mawlid gathering incomplete without it….,we would have celebrated the Mawlid.” (p. 40)

When we study the above quotes of Shaykh Muhammad ibn Alawi al-Maliki (may Allah have mercy on him) taken from his book which he compiled in support of the Mawlid, it becomes clear that there is agreement between what the scholars of Deoband say and those who celebrate Malwid regarding the evil and unlawful practices. As such, there is no disagreement in reality.

In conclusion, we need to develop patience and sincerity in our efforts to bring about more tolerance in this world. Try to make differences seem non-existent. There is no significant difference between the Deobandi scholars and the Barelwis, in that they both agree with Mawlid (or Sirah) gatherings and disagree with the evils and unlawful practices that are practiced by some.

Indeed, there are some ignorant Muslims who do practice the evils mentioned by the Deobandi Ulama, but rather than refute their celebration of the Mawlid altogether, Deobandis should strive and correct these practices. If they begin to refute the Mawlid altogether, then those who practice it will say that these are Wahhabis, etc, and won’t even reflect upon their unlawful actions. Conversely, if they support the Mawlid, there is a great chance of them correcting the evils. Thus, they should be given an alternative of pure and uncontaminated gathering of Mawlid in which the general Sirah of the Messenger of Allah (Allah bless him & give him peace) is mentioned. A gathering in which people are encouraged to implement the Sunnas and characteristics of the beloved of Allah, whether you call it a Mawlid gathering or a Sirah gathering, for names are irrelevant. This is my sincere advice to the Deobandis.

As far as our Barelwi brothers are concerned, rather than arguing the rationality of Mawlid gatherings and trying to prove it, they should try and stamp out the evils practiced by some individuals. Explain to the masses that celebrating the Mawlid is not sufficient. One has to be a complete believer. One needs to implement the ways of the Messenger of Allah (Allah bless him & give him peace) in all aspects of one’s life. Use these Mawlid gatherings to spread the message.

If we do this, then, not only will we have a more harmonious relationship, but we will see Muslims becoming stronger in their faith and better Muslims as a whole. May Allah guide us all to the straight path. I seek forgiveness if I may have offended anybody. May Allah unite us and gather us all in Paradise, Ameen.

And Allah knows best

[Mufti] Muhammad ibn Adam
Darul Iftaa
Leicester , UK

[jobsfancy]

It doesn't matter whether they set aside a certain date each year for the Tableeghi Ijtima. They still consider their annual gatherings holy days as there is obviously a strong religious aspects attached to them. Why do you think they try to attract and misguide thousands of people each year? What a big bidah they are committing.

Of course it matters because the Tableeghi Jama'at does not consider it a holy day. So, it doesn't matter what YOU think they think. What the Jama'at thinks is that it isn't a holy day. There is no benefit attached to the day itself, considering how even the days of the Ijtima vary. There is no set day that the Jama'at has to meet on 10th of Safar or 17th of Rajab.

The fact of the matter is that the people ran and abandoned local mosques just so they could go to stadium and pray behind Imam of Ka'ba. They considered Imam of Ka'ba to be something he is not. Tell me is he a prophet of Islam? Certainly not. They went and prayed behind him and that is considered a big bidah by leaving local mosque just because Imam of Ka'ba is in town. So what? That is the fault of the laymen. The scholars aren't encouraging them to go pray behind the imam. No one is doing such a thing. If any sort of dignitary visits, people flock around him. Similarly, people do it for the Imam of the Ka'ba because they feel like it. There is no religious precedence. None of the scholars say that the prayer behind the Imam of the Ka'ba is better than behind any other Imam when the Imam is leading elsewhere.

If these conferences are not considered holy, then why do they preach their view of Islam in the conferences? Why do they misguide people and try to elevate their understanding of islam and preach it to others in the conferences? Setting asside annual dates as well; is that not a big bida? ? I am pretty sure they organize these conferences to not only elevate their religious beliefs but try to spread it to the general public. Is that not a big bida? When did Prophet (peace be upon him) ever organize conference? You have a weird definition of what is considered holy. If I were to have a small talk after salah about Islam, would that be considered "holy"? Would that specific instance in time be considered holy? Setting aside annual dates but not assigning any religious significance is NOT a bid'ah. Again, reevaluate your understanding of bid'ah. That would be like saying if a person goes for martial arts practice every Wednesday, it's a bid'ah. If a person checks in with his doctor every two months, that's a bid'ah. Of course they're not bid'ah because there is no religious significance attached to these days. Similarly, any conference day is not considered a holy day. Do you see people increase their ibaadaat on these specific days. Are people lambasted and criticized if they fail to appear at these conferences? Of course not.

And what else do you expect at these conferences besides teaching? What is wrong with them trying to "spread it to the general public"? How is that a bid'ah? If anything, that is a sunnah. To spread da'wah amongst the general public is a sunnah. Also, as for Rasoolullah not having conferences, what do you consider Dar ul Arqam?

[jobsfancy]

Of course that is the very essence of the Mawlid. We try to follow all those things throughout our life; but why does it matter to you if there is a day called Mawlid - Birthday of Prophet - may peace and blessings be upon ? It is not us who even set aside this date. The Mawlid Un Nabi = Birthday of Prophet. It has already been set for us by Allah. Just like the birth day of you and I.

The opponents of the Mawlid argue against the Mawlid because they believe we participate in haram activites and imitate the way of the Christians or Jews. We do not do any of the things the other brother listed. We only follow Quran And Sunnah.

Another misconceptions propagated by the opponents of the Mawlid is that we have considered Mawlid to be a third Eid. That is a big misconception. There is only 2 Eid in Islam we don't follow any other Eid.

But why do we call Birthday of Prophet Eid Milad un Nabi? Because Eid Milad = Birthday (Arabic). It is not a third eid, Eid Milad un Nabi just means "Birthday of the Prophet" in Arabic.

The only reason Mawlid is given a date is because that is what is feasible in this day and age. People don't have the time to gather (not that it is necessary) every day of the year to commemorate the Mawlid and learn about Islam. That is why on one date of the year Muslims gather to commemorate the Mawlid publicly. Of course, they do it each and every minute of their life but how is one gathering (which does not go against Quran and Sunnah like the gatherings of other groups of muslim) a bida? A gathering that promotes the life of Prophet Muhammad may Peace and blessings be upon him? A gathering that helps the youth learn about not only his life but about Islam as a whole? A gathering that makes people much closer to not only the prophet but as well as Allah? How is that bida? It is not mandatory for us to commemorate the Eid Mawlid un Nabi nor must we do it; but we do it in respect and love for the Prophet and Allah. How come only people who reject the Mawlid call it a bida? Why do you think we don't call all the other things you do bida only until after you have attacked the commemoration of the Mawlid? Does that not show our respect for you?

Again, why is a specific date (12th Rabi' ul Awwal) given precedence? There are many narrations suggesting the 8th, the 9th, the 10th or even days in Muharram. What we do know is that he passed away on the 12th of Rabi ul Awwal. People who do not celebrate the mawlid also hold gatherings and conferences about the seerah of Rasoolullah , about his blessings, about his message. They just don't choose a specific day every year because that would be attributing sanctity to a particular day. The sahaba did not do so. The tabi'een did not do so. The tabi' tabi'een did not do so. In fact, no one in not just the first three, but the first five or six generations celebrated birthdays, let alone the mawlid.

[sniskelsowwef]

I want to say TAKBEER after reading post #35. That actually needs to be printed an sent to all deo/braiwali mosques, where such tensions exist. This would be a great good for the muslims of such areas.

people replying with allah hu akbar after this need to consider each other as brothers/sisters in Islam of the prophet(pbuh). Now how would you treat the brother of your prophet(pbuh )?

Takbeer. . .

[Kuncher]

I want to say TAKBEER after reading post #35. That actually needs to be printed an sent to all deo/braiwali mosques, where such tensions exist. This would be a great good for the muslims of such areas.

people replying with allah hu akbar after this need to consider each other as brothers/sisters in Islam of the prophet(pbuh). Now how would you treat the brother of your prophet(pbuh )?

Takbeer. . .

The problem starts when some one pops in shouts the Naara e Ghuosia

[P1international]

Takbeer. . .