The Milaad (Prophet's Birthday) - A Caution against Innovation
:brother:s n :sister:s
It is not permissible to celebrate the birthday of the Apostle (May the blessings and peace of Allah be upon him), or somebody else. In fact, it must be stopped, as it is an innovation in the religion. The Apostle of Allah (Peace be upon him - PBUH) neither celebrated it, nor commanded others to do this for himself or for any one who died before him amongst the Prophets, for his daughters his wives, or his other relatives.
The rightly guided Caliphs, the Companions of the Prophet or the successors who rightly followed them did not celebrate this event, nor did any one of the Muslim scholars in the centuries before. They knew the Sunnah of the Prophet best, they loved him more, and followed the Shari'a better than those who came after them. If celebrating his birthday was a good deed, they would have done it.
We are commanded to follow and forbidden to innovate. This is because of the perfection of the Islamic religion, the sufficiency of what Allah and His Messenger (PBUH) have given us and what was accepted by Ahl-al-Sunna wal-jama'at (the Muslim community of the Companions and those who followed them in the best way).
It is related to the Prophet (PBUH) that he said: "He who innovates something in this matter of ours that is not of it, will have it rejected." (Transmitted by Al-Bukhari and Muslim). According to Muslim who reported: "Whoever does an act which is not in agreement with our matter, will have it rejected." In another tradition the Prophet (PBUH) said: "You must keep to my Sunnah and the Sunnah of the rightly-guided Caliphs, cling to it firmly... Beware of newly invented matters, for every new matter is an innovation and every innovation is misleading."
He (PBUH) used to say in every Friday sermon: "The best discourse is the Book of Allah and the best guidance is the guidance of Muhammad the Apostle of Allah, and the worst matter is that of innovation and every innovation is misleading. Thus, these traditions contain a strong caution against innovations and a warning that such an act is a deviation from the right course." The Prophet (PBUH) warned the people of the gravity of these innovations and of their bad consequences. There are many traditions adduced in this connection.
And the Almighty has said: "...And whatsoever the Messenger (Muhammad) gives you, take it, and whatsoever he forbids you, abstain ( from it).." (S.59 A.7)
Allah, Most High said: "And let those who oppose the Messenger's commandment (i.e. his sunnah: legal way, orders, acts of worship, statements, etc.), (from among the sects) beware, lest some Fitnah (disbelief, trials, afflictions, earthquakes, killing, overpowered by a tyrant, etc.) befall them of a painful torment be inflicted on them." (S.24 A.63)
Allah, the Almighty said: "Indeed in the Messenger of Allah (Muhammad) you have a good example to follow for him who hopes in (the Meeting with) Allah and the Last Day and remembers Allah much." (S.33 A.21)
And Allah the Almighty said: "And the first to embrace Islam of the Muhajiroon (those who migrated from Makka to al-Madina) and the Ansar (the citizens of al-Madina who helped and gave aid to the Muhajiroon) and also who followed them exactly (in Faith), Allah is well-pleased with them as they are well-pleased with Him. He has prepared for them Gardens under which rivers flow (Paradise), to dwell therein forever. That is the supreme success." (S.9 A.100)
And Allah, the Almighty said: "This day, I have perfected your religion for you, completed My Favour upon you, and have chosen for you Islam as your religion." (S.5 A.3). This verse decisively indicates that the Almighty Allah has completed the religion for this Ummah, and has showered His blessings on them.
His Prophet (PBUH) passed away only after he had imparted the complete message of Allah to the Ummah as well as His legislations concerning sayings and deeds. He also stressed that all things invented by people and then attributed to the religion of Islam are innovations and to be rejected, even if their inventors did so in good faith.
It is established that the Companions of the Prophet (PBUH) and the righteous successors after them warned the people against innovations as they add to Islam and legislate what is not permitted by Allah, in line with the enemies of Allah such as the Jews and the Christians who added to their religion and innovated what was not allowed by Allah.
Moreover, to admit innovation in Islam is to describe it as incomplete and imperfect. Such a belief is not only an evil but contradicts the following verse: "This day, I have perfected your religion for you...." and the sayings of the Prophet (PBUH) which warn us against innovations.
To celebrate the anniversary of the birth of Prophet (PBUH) and the others, means that the Religion is not perfected by Allah (the Glorious, the Almighty) for this Ummah, and the Apostle did not impart to the people what was necessary regarding their religious duties, till these late ones appeared and invented in the religion what is not permitted by Allah, thinking that this would bring them nearer to Allah.
Undoubtedly, this is a great danger and is tantamount to criticizing Allah the Almighty and the Prophet (PBUH): whereas Allah the Almighty has already completed the religion and perfected His grace, and the Prophet (PBUH) has conveyed the message openly and informed the Ummah of all such ways that will lead them to the Paradise and save them from Hell-fire.
According to an authentic Hadith, on the authority of Abdullah bin Amr bin Al-As the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said: "Allah Ta'ala (the Almighty) did not send a prophet but obliged him to lead his people to the best way which is known to him, and warn them against the worst which is known to him. (Transmitted by Muslim).
It is well-known that our Prophet (PBUH) is the best of all the Prophets, the last and the most perfect of them regarding the way he conveyed the message and advised his people. Had the celebration of Milaad been an act of religion chosen by Allah for His servants, the Prophet (PBUH) would have either explained that to his people, would have celebrated it during his life, or his Companions would have done it.
As these did not happen, it becomes clear that Islam has no concern with Milaad. On the contrary, it is one of the innovations against which the Prophet (PBUH) has warned his people as mentioned earlier. A host of scholars have not only rejected the celebration of Milaad but have warned against it in view of the evidences given above.
According to the rule of the Islamic Shari'a all matters regarding legalization or prohibition and all disputes among the people, should be referred to the Book of Allah and the Sunnah of His Messenger (PBUH) in line with the saying of Allah:
A. "O you who believe! Obey Allah and obey the Messenger (Muhammad ), and those of you (Muslims) who are in authority, (and) if you differ in anything amongst yourselves, refer it to Allah and His Messenger (PBUH) if you believe in Allah and in the Last Day. That is better and more suitable for final determination." (S.4 A.59)
B. "And in whatsoever you differ, the decision thereof is with Allah (He is the Ruling Judge)." (S.42 A.10)
Referring this issue back to the Book of Allah, we find it ordaining upon us to follow the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) in his commandments and warning us against what ever he prohibits. Furthermore it tells us that Allah has perfected the religion for the people. So, as long as Milaad is not among the teachings of the Prophet (PBUH), it cannot be a part of the religion which Allah has perfected for us and asked us to adhere to by following the Prophet (PBUH).
Again when we refer this issue back to the Sunnah, of the Messenger of Allah , we do not find either the Prophet (PBUH) or the Companions doing it by themselves or asking others to do it. So it becomes evident that Milaad is not a part of religion, rather one of innovations and blind imitation of the people of the book, i. e. the Jews and the Christians in their festivals. With this argument in mind, it becomes crystal clear for everyone having the least insight and inclination towards truth and justice, that celebrating any birthday has nothing to do with Islam. It is rather among the innovations which Allah and His Messenger warned against emphatically.
A wise man must not be deceived by seeing a large number of people doing it throughout the world because the truth is known and recognized by the evidences of Shari'a and not by the acts of a great number of people. Allah Ta'ala (the Almighty) says regarding the Jews and the Christians: "And they say, 'None shall enter Paradise unless he be a Jew or a Christian.' These are their own desires. Say (Muhammad) 'Produce your proof if you are truthful.' " (S.2 A.111)
And the Almighty also said: "And if you obey most of those on earth, they will mislead you far away from Allah's Path. They follow nothing but conjectures, and they do nothing but lie." (S.6 A.116)
Most of these innovations, in addition to their innovatory nature, also do not usually escape from a number of other evils, such as mixed gatherings of men and women, songs accompanied by musical instruments. drinking intoxicants, narcotics and the like. They may also involve the worst thing i. e. the greatest Shirk (polytheism), through showing exaggeration in the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) and other saints and through praying to him, invoking his help or believing that he knows what is hidden and all similar claims which render a believer as an infidel.
It is authentically reported that the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) has said: "Beware of extravagance in the Religion: It has caused the people before you to perish." He also said: "Do not lavish praise on me as the Christians did with the son of Maryam (Jesus, the son of Mary) . I am just a bondman. So Simply say: The bondman of Allah and His Messenger." (Transmitted by Bukhari)
It is curious to note that a great many people participate most actively in these celebrations and defend them vehemently, while they sit back from attending the obligatory forms of worship such as daily and Friday prayers. They are not even ashamed of this, nor do they realize that they are committing a great evil. Undoubtedly, this shows the weakness of their faith, their short-sightedness, and the deeply ingrained rust on their hearts because of sins and disobedience. We ask Allah's protection for us and for all the Muslims.
It is even more astonishing to note that some people believe that the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) is present at Milaad. Consequently they stand to greet and welcome him. That is not only a sheer lie but a worst form of ignorance, as the Prophet (PBUH) shall neither come out of his grave before the Day of Resurrection, nor shall he meet the people or attend their meetings. Instead, he shall remain in his grave till the Day of Resurrection while his soul rests at the highest of the high with his Lord in the most exalted and highest place.
Allah Ta'ala (The Almighty) says: "After that, surely, you will die. Then (again), you will be ressurrected on the Day of Ressurection." (S.23 A.15 & A.16). And the Prophet (PBUH) said: "I am the first one to rise from the grave on the Day of Resurrection and I will be the first intercessor and the first one whose intercession is to be accepted".
The aforesaid evidences from the Qur'an and Hadith prove beyond doubt that the dead people will come out of their graves only on the Day of Resurrection. All the scholars of Islam agree upon this. A Muslim should be aware of these things and must not be easily misled by the innovations and the superstitions created by the ignorant people with no authority from Allah at all.
As for offering the blessings and greetings (Salat and Salam) to the Prophet (PBUH), they are among the most preferred and virtuous deeds in accordance with the saying of Allah: "Allah sends His Salat (Graces, Honours, Blessings, Mercy, etc.) on the Prophet (Muhammad) and also His angels too (ask Allah to bless and forgive him). O you who Believe! Send you Salat on (ask Allah to bless) him (Muhammad), and (you should) greet (salute) him with the Islamic way of greeting (salutation i.e. As-Salaamu-Alaikum)." (S.33 A.56)
The Prophet (PBUH) has said: "Whosoever sends blessings on me one time, Allah sends blessings on him ten times." It is prescribed on all times, particularly at the end of each prayer. It is held obligatory at last Tashahud of each prayer by most of the scholars. It is strongly required at a number of occasions such as immediately after Adhaan (the call to Prayers), at the mention of the name of the Prophet , during the day of Friday and the night preceding it according to a host of Ahadith.
This is what I wanted to emphasize regarding this issue. I hope it will satisfy everyone whom Allah has shown the light. How sad it is to see some devoted Muslims, known for their strength of faith and love for the Prophet (PBUH) organizing such innovatory celebrations.
Let us ask such people: "Tell us, if you belong to Ahl-as-Sunna and follow the Prophet , whether he himself or one of his Companions or their successors did this or is it no more than a blind following of the enemies of Islam from among the Jews and the Christians and the like?
The love of the Prophet (PBUH) is not reflected by the celebration on his birthday, but by obeying him, believing in his teachings, keeping away from what he prohibited and by worshipping Allah in the way he prescribed for us. It is also reflected through offering Salat and Salam to him from time to time, particularly at the mention of his name and during prayers.
May Allah help us and all the Muslims to understand His religion, to continually confirm us on it, stick to Sunnah and keep away from the innovation. Indeed He is Generous and Kind. And May Allah Shower His blessings and mercy upon our Prophet Muhammad, his Posterity and his Companions.
[Summarized from an article by late Shaikh `Abdul `Aziz bin `Abdullaah bin Baaz (May Allah have mercy on him)
but im hoping you guys can help me, im lost 
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