Muslims around the world are preparing to commemorate Prophet Muhammad’s Birthday 2026, known as Mawlid al-Nabi, as the month of Rabi’ al-Awwal begins.
The occasion is expected to fall on Tuesday, August 25, 2026, corresponding to 12 Rabi’ al-Awwal 1448 AH.
Egypt’s Dar Al-Ifta continues to explain the Islamic ruling concerning the Prophet’s Birthday, including questions about celebrating the occasion, fasting, prophetic praise poetry, exchanging sweets and the best ways to commemorate the birth of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ.
How to Observe Prophet Muhammad’s Birthday
Dar Al-Ifta explains that among the best acts of worship on this occasion is thanking Allah for the blessing of sending Prophet Muhammad ﷺ as a mercy to humanity.
The Quran says:
“And We have not sent you except as a mercy to the worlds.”
[Quran 21:107]
Allah also says:
“Say: In the bounty of Allah and in His mercy—in that let them rejoice. It is better than what they accumulate.”
[Quran 10:58]
Reading and Reflecting on the Prophet’s Biography
Reading the biography of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ and reflecting on his character and teachings is one of the meaningful ways to commemorate his birth.
The Quran states:
“Indeed, in the Messenger of Allah you have an excellent example.”
[Quran 33:21]
The Prophet’s life contains lessons in mercy, patience, forgiveness, justice and compassion. Applying these values to everyday life can make the commemoration more meaningful and practical.
Gathering for Remembrance and Praise
Among the practices associated with commemorating the Prophet’s Birthday are gathering for the remembrance of Allah, reading the Prophet’s biography, reciting praise poetry, sending blessings upon the Prophet ﷺ and providing food as charity.
Love for the Prophet is an essential part of faith. The Prophet ﷺ said:
“None of you truly believes until I am more beloved to him than his father, his child, and all people.”
Reported by Al-Bukhari.
Exchanging Sweets and Gifts
According to Dar Al-Ifta, exchanging gifts and sweets on the occasion of the Prophet’s Birthday is permissible, based on the general principle expressed in the prophetic saying:
“Give gifts and you will love one another.”
Exchanging sweets can therefore be considered a customary expression of happiness, provided that it does not involve anything prohibited.
Prophetic Praise Poetry
Prophetic praise poetry is another traditional expression of love and reverence for Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, provided that its content remains consistent with Islamic principles.
Allah says:
“That you may believe in Allah and His Messenger, honor him, revere him…”
[Quran 48:9]
Prophetic praise commonly describes the Prophet’s noble qualities, biography and virtues while expressing love and sending blessings upon him.
Islamic Ruling on Celebrating the Prophet’s Birthday
Egypt’s Dar Al-Ifta states that celebrating the Prophet’s Birthday is permissible and recommended, considering it an expression of joy, love and reverence for Prophet Muhammad ﷺ and gratitude to Allah for sending him.
The commemoration may include remembrance of Allah, reading the Prophet’s biography, praising him, giving food in charity, fasting and other permissible acts of worship.
Is Fasting on the Prophet’s Birthday Permissible?
Yes. According to Dar Al-Ifta, fasting on the Prophet’s Birthday is permissible as an expression of gratitude to Allah for the blessing of the Prophet’s birth and mission.
The evidence cited is the authentic hadith in which the Prophet ﷺ was asked about fasting on Mondays. He replied:
“That is the day on which I was born.”
Reported by Muslim.
Thus, fasting on Monday was connected by the Prophet ﷺ himself with the day of his birth.
Responding to Critics of Mawlid Celebrations
Egypt’s Dar Al-Ifta has addressed objections to Mawlid celebrations through its “We Say, They Say” series.
One common objection asks whether those who celebrate the Prophet’s Birthday claim to love the Prophet more than the Companions, who did not celebrate the occasion in the same manner.
Dar Al-Ifta responds that love for Prophet Muhammad ﷺ is an obligation and that people may express this love in different ways, provided their actions remain within the principles of Islamic law.
Remembering the Prophet, sending blessings upon him and studying his life are all expressions of love and remembrance.
Fasting on the Prophet’s Birthday
Dar Al-Ifta explains that the Prophet ﷺ expressed gratitude to Allah for the blessing of his birth and mission through fasting on Mondays.
When asked about Monday fasting, he said:
“That is the day on which I was born.”
The institution also points to the example of fasting Ashura as an expression of gratitude to Allah for saving Prophet Moses from Pharaoh.
Honoring the Day of Birth in the Quran
Dar Al-Ifta points to several Quranic references to the day of birth.
Regarding Prophet Yahya, Allah says:
“And peace be upon him the day he was born.”
[Quran 19:15]
Regarding Prophet Jesus, the Quran says:
“And peace is on me the day I was born.”
[Quran 19:33]
The Quran also commands believers to remember the stories and lives of the prophets:
“And mention in the Book Abraham.”
[Quran 19:41]
And:
“And mention in the Book Moses.”
[Quran 19:51]
From this perspective, remembering the life, character and teachings of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ is presented by Dar Al-Ifta as especially worthy because he is the final Messenger and an exemplary model for Muslims.
Is celebrating Prophet Muhammad’s Birthday permissible?
According to Egypt’s Dar Al-Ifta, celebrating the Prophet’s Birthday is permissible and recommended when it consists of lawful acts such as remembrance, studying his biography and charitable giving.
What is the best way to celebrate the Prophet’s Birthday?
Recommended practices include sending abundant blessings upon the Prophet ﷺ, studying his biography, remembering Allah, giving charity, feeding people and reciting permissible prophetic praises.
Can Muslims fast on the Prophet’s Birthday?
Yes. Fasting is permissible, with the Monday fast of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ cited as evidence because he said, “That is the day on which I was born.”
Is exchanging Mawlid sweets permissible?
Yes. Exchanging sweets and gifts is permissible as a customary expression of happiness, provided it does not involve anything prohibited.
