Egypt’s Dar Al-Ifta has addressed several religious and social questions that concern many Muslims, including the ruling on celebrating the Prophet’s Birthday, ways of expressing love for Prophet Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him, maintaining good marital relations, and the rules governing gifts given to children.
Ruling on Celebrating the Prophet’s Birthday
Egypt’s Dar Al-Ifta explained that there is an important distinction between the ruling on celebrating the Prophet’s Birthday and the specific methods and behavior associated with such celebrations.
According to Dar Al-Ifta, commemorating the Prophet’s Birthday is permissible in Islamic law. However, the manner of celebration may differ from one person to another. Practices that comply with Islamic principles are permissible, while practices that violate Islamic law are not permitted.
The institution also emphasized that an improper practice associated with a celebration should not automatically be used to judge the celebration itself.
Can Love for the Prophet Be Expressed Through Poetry, Singing and Music?
Dar Al-Ifta explained that loving Prophet Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him, is an essential part of faith. Muslims may express this love through conduct that complies with Islamic teachings.
It also stated that commemorating the Prophet’s Birthday can be an expression of love for him, provided that the celebration remains consistent with established Islamic principles.
Does the Fact That the Companions Did Not Celebrate the Mawlid Make It Impermissible?
Dar Al-Ifta explained that the fact that the Companions did not perform a particular practice does not necessarily mean that every form of that practice is prohibited.
The institution pointed to the established practice of remembering the Prophet, honoring him and expressing gratitude to Allah for the blessing of his message, while emphasizing the importance of remaining within Islamic guidelines.
How Can Married Couples Maintain Good Relations?
Egypt’s Dar Al-Ifta emphasized that married life is based on tranquility, affection and mercy, rather than simply focusing on each spouse’s rights and obligations.
Allah says:
“And among His signs is that He created for you spouses from among yourselves so that you may find tranquility in them, and He placed between you affection and mercy.” [Quran 30:21]
Dar Al-Ifta explained that marriage should not become a relationship in which either spouse constantly searches religious texts for arguments proving that they are right and the other person is wrong.
Personal Grooming and Marital Harmony
The Al-Azhar Global Fatwa Center has also highlighted the importance of personal grooming and maintaining a pleasant appearance between spouses, as this can contribute to affection and good marital relations.
Ibn Abbas, may Allah be pleased with him, is reported to have said:
“I love to adorn myself for my wife just as I love her to adorn herself for me.”
Islamic teachings take human nature and its natural needs and desires into consideration, including women’s natural inclination toward adornment, while observing Islamic guidelines.
Ruling on Giving Equal Gifts to Sons and Daughters
Egypt’s Dar Al-Ifta explained that giving equal gifts to children is permissible when they are equal in terms of need or lack of need.
It stated that equality may mean giving a son the same amount as a daughter, which is the position of the majority of jurists. Another juristic opinion holds that a son may receive twice the amount given to a daughter.
When Is It Permissible to Give One Child More?
Dar Al-Ifta explained that giving one child more may be permissible when there is a valid reason for doing so, such as:
- Financial need.
- Illness.
- Having a large number of dependents.
- Pursuing religious or academic knowledge.
- Rewarding good treatment and kindness toward parents.
- Special circumstances requiring additional support.
In such cases, the preference is based on a legitimate reason rather than arbitrary discrimination.
Ruling on Giving Gifts to Some Children but Not Others
Dar Al-Ifta was asked about giving gifts to some children while excluding others, particularly when the children receiving the gifts were younger and had not yet married.
The institution explained that giving a gift to some children but not others can be legally valid when there is a legitimate reason for the preference, such as younger age, unmarried status, or a particular need for financial assistance.
When a valid gift has been completed, ownership passes to the recipient, who may benefit from the gifted property.
Can Children Return or Share the Gift With Their Siblings?
Dar Al-Ifta explained that children who wish to exercise greater caution and fairness may voluntarily return all or part of what they received so that their siblings can benefit as well.
Such an act is considered voluntary generosity rather than a compulsory obligation. No sibling has the right to force another to surrender their share.
Conclusion
These fatwas highlight the importance of understanding Islamic rulings within their proper context, whether regarding expressions of love for Prophet Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him, building a marriage based on affection and mercy, or maintaining fairness when parents give gifts to their children.
What is the ruling on celebrating the Prophet’s Birthday?
Egypt’s Dar Al-Ifta considers celebrating the Prophet’s Birthday permissible, provided that the manner of celebration complies with Islamic guidelines.
How can spouses maintain a good marital relationship?
Good marital relations are built on affection, mercy, consideration and cooperation, rather than focusing solely on individual rights.
Is it permissible to give sons and daughters equal gifts?
Yes. Dar Al-Ifta permits equality in gifts between children, while acknowledging different juristic opinions regarding how equality should be applied.
When can one child receive more than another?
Preference may be permissible when there is a legitimate reason, such as financial need, illness, young age or having many dependents.
Is it permissible to give gifts to some children but not others?
It may be permissible when there is a legitimate reason for the preference, provided the relevant Islamic rules governing gifts are observed.
