What is Eid Milad-un-Nabi, and why do some Muslims not celebrate it?

Eid Milad-un-Nabi, also known as the birth of Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him), will be celebrated in India on September 28th. From an Islamic perspective, a new day in Islam begins after the 'Maghrib' salah, which typically falls between 6-7 pm.

Therefore, in India, Milad-un-Nabi will commence on the evening of September 27 and conclude at the same time on September 28. This day is also referred to as the 12th Rabi ul Awwal, Mawlid, or Barawafat as it is celebrated on the third month of the Islamic calendar.

It commemorates the birth of Prophet Muhammad, believed to be the last messenger of God, who was born in Mecca in 570 AD and passed away at the age of 63 in Medina in 632 AD, although the exact date of his death is a subject of debate.

At the age of 40, he began receiving the divine message of God from the angel Gabriel (Jibril) in Mount Hira. The messages received by the Prophet (peace be upon him) from Gabriel were meticulously recorded, and over a span of 23 and a half years, the Holy Quran, the authentic book of Muslims, was completed.

The Prophet spread the message of God and declared himself as the last messenger of God.

The tradition of celebrating Eid Milad-un-Nabi

Though the exact origins of celebrating Eid-un-Milad are not well-documented, it is believed to have started in the 11th century. By the 12th century, countries such as Spain, Morocco, Turkey, and Syria had also adopted this tradition. It soon spread to different parts of the world, with many Gulf countries like Bahrain, Oman, Kuwait, and the UAE. now observing it. Additionally, countries like India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Russia, and Germany also designate this day as a holiday.

However, it is noteworthy that Saudi Arabia, the birthplace of Islam, does not consider this day as special. In Saudi Arabia, Eid-un-Milad is just an ordinary day.

Why doesn't Saudi Arabia celebrate Eid Milad-un-Nabi?

The reason Saudi Arabia does not observe this day is because it adheres to the Wahhabism school of thought. This movement, initiated in 1744 by Mohammad Ibn Abdel Wahab, had a profound impact on the religious beliefs of Mohammad Ibn Saud, the founder of the Saud dynasty.

According to the Wahhabism school of thought in Islam, anything not explicitly mentioned in the Holy Quran is not recognized or celebrated; it is considered 'biddat' or innovation. Wahhabism advocates for a literal interpretation of the Quran and is wary of any practices that may be perceived as idolatrous.

In addition to the Wahhabi sect, other groups like the Ahl–i-Hadith, Salafism, and certain followers of the Deobandism sect also do not celebrate this day.

Is it a festival in Islam?

No, Eid Milad-un-Nabi is not considered a festival in Islam, and the Holy Quran does not mention celebrating or commemorating this day as special. Instead, it can be described as a customary practice followed by several Muslims around the world.

Numerous Islamic scholars from India and Pakistan have explicitly stated that this day is not exceptional and should not be celebrated, as introducing anything new to Islam is considered an act of 'biddat' or innovation.

In Islam, there are only two festivals: Eid-ul-Fitr and Eid-ul-Adha. Other special observances are not supported by the Quran or any Hadith (sayings) of the Prophet Mohammad (peace be upon him).

How is it celebrated?

Typically, Muslim men and women recite Milad, which involves singing praises for Prophet Mohammad (peace be upon him).

Streets are illuminated, and various Islamic events take place on this day. In some regions, men prepare flags and participate in processions.

In India, especially within the Barelvi sect of Islam, this day is celebrated with great enthusiasm. Aside from the Barelvi community, Muslims from the Deobandi sect also partake in the festivities.