Many Muslims ask during the celebration of the Prophet’s Birthday: How can Muslims celebrate the birth of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ if his passing is also reported to have occurred on the same day?
Another important question is whether the Prophet ﷺ was actually born and passed away on Monday, 12 Rabi al-Awwal.
According to Egypt’s Dar Al-Ifta, 12 Rabi al-Awwal is considered one of the strongest opinions regarding both the date of the Prophet’s birth and his passing, although scholars and historians have differed over the exact date of his birth.
How Can Muslims Celebrate the Prophet’s Birth and Remember His Passing?
Egypt’s Dar Al-Ifta explains that the passing of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ does not mean the end of Muslims’ relationship with him.
His Sunnah, biography, teachings, and guidance remain with the Muslim community. Muslims continue to love him, follow his example, and send blessings and peace upon him.
According to this view, remembering the Prophet’s birth is an expression of love, gratitude, and joy for the blessing of his message, rather than a denial of his passing.
Why Do Muslims Celebrate the Prophet’s Birthday?
According to Egypt’s Dar Al-Ifta, commemorating the Prophet’s Birthday is an expression of love, reverence, joy, and gratitude to Allah for sending Prophet Muhammad ﷺ.
Examples of good deeds associated with the occasion include:
- Reciting the Quran.
- Remembering Allah.
- Sending blessings and peace upon the Prophet ﷺ.
- Giving charity.
- Feeding the poor and those in need.
- Studying the Prophet’s biography.
- Reciting permissible poetry and praises about the Prophet ﷺ.
Is Celebrating the Prophet’s Birthday Permissible?
According to the position of Egypt’s Dar Al-Ifta, commemorating the Prophet’s Birthday is permissible and recommended when it involves lawful acts of worship and good deeds.
The institution emphasizes that love of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ 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.”
How Can Muslims Observe the Prophet’s Birthday?
Sending Blessings Upon the Prophet ﷺ
Muslims may frequently send blessings and peace upon Prophet Muhammad ﷺ by saying:
“O Allah, send blessings, peace, and grace upon our master Muhammad.”
Giving Charity and Feeding People
Giving charity and providing food for those in need are among the good deeds that Muslims may perform as an expression of gratitude to Allah.
Studying the Prophet’s Biography
The occasion can also be used to learn about the life, character, mercy, patience, and teachings of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ.
Following the Sunnah
True love for the Prophet ﷺ is reflected not only in words, but also in following his Sunnah and striving to imitate his noble character.
Was Prophet Muhammad ﷺ Born on Monday, 12 Rabi al-Awwal?
Yes, the Prophet ﷺ was born on Monday, which is established through authentic hadith.
As for the exact date being 12 Rabi al-Awwal, this is one of the most famous opinions found in Seerah literature. Egypt’s Dar Al-Ifta identifies it as the stronger opinion.
However, scholars have transmitted different opinions concerning the exact date of his birth. Therefore, 12 Rabi al-Awwal should be presented as a well-known and preferred scholarly opinion rather than an undisputed historical fact.
Did Prophet Muhammad ﷺ Pass Away on Monday, 12 Rabi al-Awwal?
Prophet Muhammad ﷺ passed away on Monday, and 12 Rabi al-Awwal is the widely reported date of his passing in the eleventh year after Hijrah.
According to the position cited by Egypt’s Dar Al-Ifta, the Prophet ﷺ was therefore born and passed away on the same date: Monday, 12 Rabi al-Awwal.
What Does Celebrating the Prophet’s Birthday Mean?
According to the view of Egypt’s Dar Al-Ifta, commemorating the Prophet’s Birthday means expressing love for Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, rejoicing in his coming into the world, and thanking Allah for sending him as a mercy to humanity.
Allah says:
“And We have not sent you except as a mercy to the worlds.”
One of the greatest expressions of love for the Prophet ﷺ is to learn his Sunnah, follow his guidance, and embody his mercy and noble character.
What Did Classical Scholars Say About the Mawlid?
Egypt’s Dar Al-Ifta points to discussions by a number of classical scholars and historians concerning the commemoration of the Prophet’s Birthday, including Ibn al-Jawzi, Ibn Kathir, Ibn Dihya al-Andalusi, Ibn Hajar al-Asqalani, and Imam al-Suyuti.
Imam al-Suyuti also wrote a separate work known as Husn al-Maqsid fi Amal al-Mawlid, discussing the subject.
Historical accounts cited by Dar Al-Ifta describe gatherings that included feeding people, charity, Quran recitation, remembrance of Allah, and poetry praising the Prophet ﷺ.
Conclusion
According to the position cited by Egypt’s Dar Al-Ifta, Prophet Muhammad ﷺ was born on Monday, 12 Rabi al-Awwal and passed away on the same date, although scholars have differed regarding the precise date of his birth.
According to Dar Al-Ifta, commemorating the Prophet’s Birthday is an expression of love for the Prophet ﷺ and gratitude to Allah for sending him. It may include remembrance of Allah, charity, feeding people, sending blessings upon the Prophet, studying his biography, and following his Sunnah.
Was Prophet Muhammad ﷺ born on 12 Rabi al-Awwal?
12 Rabi al-Awwal is one of the most famous opinions regarding his birth date and is considered the stronger view by Egypt’s Dar Al-Ifta.
Did Prophet Muhammad ﷺ pass away on 12 Rabi al-Awwal?
This is the widely reported date of his passing. He passed away on Monday in the eleventh year after Hijrah.
Was the Prophet ﷺ born and did he pass away on the same day?
According to the position cited by Egypt’s Dar Al-Ifta, yes. Both events occurred on Monday, 12 Rabi al-Awwal.
Why do Muslims celebrate the Prophet’s Birthday?
According to Dar Al-Ifta, it is an expression of love for the Prophet ﷺ, joy at his birth, and gratitude to Allah for sending him.
What are good deeds to perform on the Prophet’s Birthday?
Muslims may send blessings upon the Prophet ﷺ, recite the Quran, give charity, feed people, study his Seerah, and follow his Sunnah.
