Egypt’s Dar al-Ifta has stated that it is permissible for Muslims to fast on the occasion of the Prophet’s Birthday as an expression of gratitude to Allah for this great blessing.

The ruling comes as part of the institution’s explanation of permissible acts of worship and expressions of joy associated with remembering the birth of the Prophet Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him.

Is It Permissible to Fast on the Prophet’s Birthday?

Dar al-Ifta confirmed that fasting on the Prophet’s Birthday is permissible.

It cited the well-known narration in which the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, was asked about fasting on Monday. He said:

“That is the day on which I was born, and the day on which I was sent, or revelation was sent down to me.” Reported by Muslim.

The narration connects Monday fasting with remembering the blessing of the Prophet’s birth and his mission. Accordingly, fasting on the Prophet’s Birthday may be observed as an act of gratitude to Allah.

Is It Permissible to Exchange Mawlid Sweets?

Dar al-Ifta explained that giving and exchanging sweets on the occasion of the Prophet’s Birthday is permissible.

Gift-giving is encouraged in principle, and the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, said:

“Give gifts to one another and you will love one another.”

There is no evidence establishing a prohibition against exchanging gifts or sweets on this occasion. When such acts are accompanied by good intentions, such as bringing joy to family members and maintaining family ties, they can be considered recommended acts.

Are Mawlid Sweets Considered Recommended?

When Mawlid sweets are given as an expression of happiness at the birth of the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, while also bringing happiness to others and strengthening family relationships, the act falls within permissible and commendable practices according to the intention.

The Islamic legal principle that means take the ruling of their objectives can also apply when a permissible means serves a legitimate purpose.

How Can Muslims Observe the Prophet’s Birthday?

Dar al-Ifta explains that commemorating the Prophet’s Birthday may include gathering for remembrance of Allah, praising the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, providing food as charity, fasting, and engaging in voluntary night prayer.

Such practices can serve as expressions of love for the Prophet and happiness at his birth.

Evidence Concerning Expressions of Joy

Dar al-Ifta also referred to the narration of Buraydah al-Aslami, in which a woman vowed that if Allah returned the Prophet safely from a military expedition, she would beat a drum and sing before him. The Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, permitted her to fulfill her vow.

Dar al-Ifta cites this narration in discussing expressions of happiness connected with the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him.

Is fasting on the Prophet’s Birthday permissible?

Yes. Egypt’s Dar al-Ifta states that fasting on the occasion is permissible as an expression of gratitude to Allah.

What is the evidence for fasting on the Prophet’s Birthday?

The evidence includes the hadith concerning Monday fasting, in which the Prophet said: “That is the day on which I was born.”

Can Muslims exchange Mawlid sweets?

Yes. Dar al-Ifta states that exchanging Mawlid sweets is permissible.

Can giving Mawlid sweets strengthen family ties?

Yes. When the intention is to bring happiness to relatives and maintain family relationships, it can be a commendable act.