As Mawlid Al-Nabawi approaches, many Muslims search for the ruling on celebrating the birth of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).

The main question is whether celebrating the Prophet’s birthday is an act of worship itself or a way of expressing love and gratitude for Allah’s blessing of sending His Messenger.

Scholars have discussed this matter and explained that the ruling depends on the actions included in the celebration, such as remembering Allah, sending blessings upon the Prophet, reading the Quran, learning his biography, and feeding others.

Dar Al-Ifta Egypt’s View on Mawlid Celebration

Egypt’s Dar Al-Ifta received a question:

"Is celebrating the Prophet’s birthday an act of worship and obedience that brings a person closer to Allah?"

Dar Al-Ifta explained that celebrating the Prophet’s birthday can be an act of worship when the purpose is to show happiness for Allah’s blessing and to draw closer to Him through good deeds.

It also explained that worship includes every statement or action intended to seek closeness to Allah, including obligatory acts and voluntary acts such as charity, remembrance, and other forms of goodness.

Why Do Muslims Celebrate Mawlid?

Dar Al-Ifta stated that celebrating Mawlid represents happiness for the blessing of Prophet Muhammad’s mission, as Allah sent him as mercy for all worlds.

Allah says:

"Say: In the bounty of Allah and in His mercy – in that let them rejoice."

Scholars have explained that the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) is among the greatest manifestations of Allah’s mercy to humanity.

How Do Muslims Celebrate Mawlid?

Common forms of celebration include:

Sending Blessings Upon the Prophet

Muslims increase prayers and blessings upon Prophet Muhammad as an expression of love and respect.

Reading Quran and Remembering Allah

Reciting Quran and making remembrance are among the greatest acts of worship.

Charity and Feeding Others

Providing food and helping those in need are acts encouraged in Islam.

Learning the Prophet’s Biography

Studying the Prophet’s character and teachings strengthens faith and love for him.

Did Prophet Muhammad Celebrate His Birthday?

Dar Al-Ifta explained that Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) observed the day of his birth through fasting on Mondays.

The Prophet was asked about fasting on Monday and said:

"That is the day on which I was born."

This narration, reported by Imam Muslim, shows that the Prophet remembered the blessing of his birth by worshipping Allah through fasting.

The Importance of Loving Prophet Muhammad

Love for Prophet Muhammad is one of the greatest aspects of faith. This love appears through following his teachings, practicing his Sunnah, sending blessings upon him, and learning his noble character.

Is celebrating Mawlid considered worship?

According to Dar Al-Ifta Egypt, it can be an act of worship when it includes righteous deeds and expressing gratitude for the Prophet’s birth.

How did Prophet Muhammad commemorate his birth?

He fasted on Mondays and explained that it was the day he was born.

What are recommended actions during Mawlid?

They include Quran recitation, remembrance of Allah, sending blessings upon the Prophet, charity, and feeding others.

Is every form of Mawlid celebration acceptable?

The ruling depends on what actions are included. Practices that comply with Islamic teachings are viewed differently from those that contradict them.