As the anniversary of the Prophet Muhammad’s ﷺ birth approaches, many Muslims ask about the ruling on fasting that day, particularly when it does not fall on Monday or Thursday.
Is fasting on the Prophet’s Birthday only connected to the days traditionally recommended for voluntary fasting?
According to Egypt’s 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.
Is Fasting on the Prophet’s Birthday Permissible?
Yes. According to the position cited by Egypt’s Dar al-Ifta, a Muslim may fast on the Prophet’s Birthday as an act of gratitude to Allah.
The fast does not have to coincide with Monday or Thursday.
Dar al-Ifta bases this understanding on the established principle of expressing gratitude to Allah through fasting, referring to the Prophet’s ﷺ practice concerning the day of Ashura.
The Prophet ﷺ said:
“I have more right to Moses, and I have more right to fast this day.”
This was said concerning Ashura, the day on which Allah saved Moses and the Children of Israel from Pharaoh.
Must the Prophet’s Birthday Fall on Monday or Thursday?
No.
Monday has its own significance because the Prophet ﷺ was born on a Monday.
When he 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.”
However, fasting on the Prophet’s Birthday, according to the ruling cited from Dar al-Ifta, does not depend on the day being Monday or Thursday.
A Muslim may fast it as an expression of gratitude to Allah.
What Is the Basis for Fasting Ashura?
The Prophet ﷺ once encountered Jewish people fasting on the day of Ashura.
He asked them why they fasted.
They explained that it was the day on which Allah saved Moses and the Children of Israel from Pharaoh and drowned Pharaoh.
Moses, they said, fasted the day in gratitude to Allah.
The Prophet ﷺ then said:
“I have more right to Moses, and I have more right to fast this day.”
This narration is used to demonstrate the principle of fasting in gratitude for a great divine blessing or deliverance.
The Importance of the Prophet’s Biography in Muslim Life
The anniversary of the Prophet’s birth can also be an opportunity to revisit his life, character, mercy, and method of dealing with people.
Allah says:
“Indeed, in the Messenger of Allah you have an excellent example.”
— Quran 33:21
The Prophet’s biography contains lessons in mercy, humanity, patience, justice, good manners, perseverance, and constructive work.
The real benefit of studying the Seerah appears when these values become part of a Muslim’s daily behavior.
Loving the Prophet ﷺ Is Part of Faith
Dar al-Ifta also emphasized the importance of loving Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, citing his statement:
“None of you truly believes until I am more beloved to him than his father, his child, and all people.”
Another famous narration describes Umar ibn al-Khattab رضي الله عنه telling the Prophet ﷺ that he loved him more than everything except himself.
The Prophet ﷺ replied that Umar’s faith would not be complete until the Prophet was more beloved to him than his own self.
Umar then said that the Prophet had become more beloved to him than his own self.
The Prophet ﷺ replied:
“Now, O Umar.”
The narration highlights the central place of love for the Prophet ﷺ in Islamic faith and shows that genuine love is expressed through following his example and embodying his teachings.
What Does the Quran Say About the Birth of Prophets?
Dar al-Ifta pointed to Quranic references to the birth of prophets in connection with peace and divine blessing.
Allah says regarding Prophet Yahya:
“And peace be upon him the day he was born.”
— Quran 19:15
And regarding Prophet Jesus:
“And peace is upon me the day I was born.”
— Quran 19:33
These verses demonstrate the significance given in the Quran to the occasion of birth in the lives of prophets.
The birth of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ is regarded by Muslims as one of the greatest blessings bestowed upon humanity, as Allah sent him as a bringer of good news, a warner, and a mercy to the worlds.
How Can Muslims Benefit From the Prophet’s Birthday?
The Seerah can be studied not merely as history, but as a source of guidance for contemporary life.
Among the lessons Muslims can emphasize are:
- Following the Prophet’s ﷺ noble character.
- Spreading mercy and compassion.
- Helping the poor and those in need.
- Working sincerely and contributing to society.
- Increasing prayers and peace upon the Prophet ﷺ.
- Studying his biography and applying its lessons.
In this way, the anniversary of the Prophet’s birth can become an opportunity to renew one’s connection with his life, character, teachings, and example.
Conclusion
According to the ruling cited from Egypt’s Dar al-Ifta, fasting on the Prophet’s Birthday is permissible and does not require the day to coincide with Monday or Thursday. It may be observed as an expression of gratitude to Allah for the blessing of the Prophet’s birth.
The occasion can also serve as an opportunity to study the Prophet’s biography, renew love for him ﷺ, and transform that love into sincere following, good character, and righteous action.
Is fasting on the Prophet’s Birthday permissible?
Yes. According to Egypt’s Dar al-Ifta, it is permissible as an expression of gratitude to Allah.
Must the Prophet’s Birthday fall on Monday?
No. Fasting it does not depend on it falling on Monday or Thursday.
Why would someone fast on the Prophet’s Birthday?
It may be observed as an expression of gratitude to Allah for the blessing of the Prophet’s birth.
What is the connection between this and fasting Ashura?
Dar al-Ifta refers to the established example of fasting Ashura in gratitude for Allah saving Moses and his people.
