Egypt’s Dar Al-Ifta has clarified the Islamic ruling on exchanging greetings on the occasion of Mawlid al-Nabi, the birthday of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, including greetings sent through electronic messages and social media.

The institution stated that expressing happiness at the birth of the Prophet ﷺ and exchanging congratulations on occasions of blessings and joy are permissible acts that promote affection, compassion, and social bonds.

Ruling on Celebrating Mawlid al-Nabi

Dar Al-Ifta stated that celebrating Mawlid al-Nabi is among the virtuous deeds and acts of devotion, because it expresses happiness at the birth of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, whom Allah sent as a mercy to all creation.

The institution cited Allah’s saying:

“And We have not sent you, [O Muhammad], except as a mercy to the worlds.”
[Quran 21:107]

The occasion provides an opportunity to remember the Prophet’s noble character, his mercy, his teachings, and his message of guidance.

What Is the Ruling on Mawlid Greetings?

Dar Al-Ifta explained that offering congratulations is generally permissible when blessings, joyful occasions, and days of goodness and blessing occur.

Such greetings are considered a form of kindness and can strengthen affection and compassion among people.

Because the birth of the Prophet ﷺ is regarded as one of the greatest occasions of joy and blessing, congratulating others on Mawlid is particularly appropriate according to the institution.

Is There a Specific Formula for Mawlid Greetings?

Dar Al-Ifta explained that Islamic jurists did not require a specific formula for congratulations.

Therefore, greetings may be expressed through any permissible words or actions that appropriately convey the meaning of the occasion.

Examples include:

• Kind and respectful words.
• Prayers for goodness and blessings.
• Handshakes and expressions of happiness.
• Direct verbal congratulations.
• Written messages.
• Appropriate digital greeting cards or stickers.

Is It Permissible to Send Mawlid Greetings Online?

Yes. Dar Al-Ifta explained that congratulations are not limited to face-to-face communication.

Electronic greetings are also permissible, including messages, social media posts, digital cards, and other forms of electronic communication.

The means of communication does not change the basic ruling as long as the content itself is permissible.

Can I Send a Mawlid Greeting Message?

Yes. According to Dar Al-Ifta, a Muslim may send a message congratulating others on Mawlid al-Nabi.

The greeting may be delivered verbally, in writing, through a gesture, during a physical gathering, or through an electronic medium.

Are Mawlid Greetings Recommended?

Dar Al-Ifta stated that congratulations are generally permissible and particularly recommended on the occasion of Mawlid al-Nabi, given the significance attributed to the occasion.

There is no requirement that the greeting take one particular form.

What matters is that it expresses happiness and goodwill through permissible means.

Mawlid Greetings and Strengthening Social Bonds

Mawlid greetings can carry social meanings beyond the exchange of simple words.

They provide an opportunity to express affection, maintain family and friendship ties, and strengthen compassion among members of society.

With the widespread use of social media, electronic messages have become one of the easiest ways to communicate with relatives, friends, and acquaintances on special occasions.

Conclusion

Egypt’s Dar Al-Ifta has affirmed that congratulating others on Mawlid al-Nabi is permissible and recommended for this occasion.

There is no specific required formula for Mawlid greetings. They may be expressed through kind words, prayers, written messages, digital cards, or other permissible forms of communication.

Electronic greetings through social media and messaging platforms are therefore included among the permissible ways of congratulating others on the occasion.

What is the ruling on Mawlid al-Nabi greetings?

According to Egypt’s Dar Al-Ifta, congratulating others on Mawlid al-Nabi is permissible and recommended for the occasion.

Can I send Mawlid greetings online?

Yes. Electronic messages, social media posts, and other digital forms of congratulations are permissible.

Is there a specific Mawlid greeting formula?

No. There is no specific formula required by Islamic jurisprudence. Any permissible words expressing congratulations and goodwill may be used.

Can I send a digital Mawlid greeting card?

Yes. Dar Al-Ifta states that greetings may be communicated through electronic means, including messages and digital cards.

Why are Mawlid greetings considered permissible?

Because congratulations on occasions of blessings and joy are a form of kindness that can promote affection, compassion, and goodwill among people.