According to the most correct opinion of the scholars, the Prophet
sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam (SAWS) was born in the cityof Makkah in
the year of the Elephant (in the year 570 or 571CE), in the month of
Rabee'ul-Awwal.
The Day of his Birth:
There is an agreement amongst the Scholars that the Prophet (SAWS) was
born on a Monday, since he (SAWS) was asked about fasting on a Monday,
and he said:"On that day I was born and on that day Revelation
descended upon me." (Related by Muslim andAhmad)
However, as regards the exact date of his birth, then the scholarshave
differed about this. Dispite the common belief amongs people that he
(SAWS) was born on the 12th of Rabee'ul-Awwal, yet the only
substantiated fact regarding this date is that it is his (SAWS) death
date .
Imaam an-Nawawee (d.676H) - rahimahullaah- said: "There is on
agreement that he was born on Monday in the month of Rabee'ul-Awwal.
There is a difference of opinion whether this day was the2nd, 8th,
10th or 12th day of the month - and these are the four most well-known
opinions concerning this." 3
Events at the Time of his Birth:
Certain miraculous events are reported to have occurred at the time
that the Prophet (SAWS) was born. However, most of them are not
authentically related, rather they are da'eef (weak) or mawdoo'
(fabricated) and therefore cannot be relied upon as decisive proof;
such as the narration which relates that someof the galleries of
Kisraa's (the Persian King's) palace broke-up and collapsed, that the
sacred-fireof the Magians died-out and that some of the churches on
Lake Saawah (in Syria) collapsed and sank down. (Related by
adh-Dhahabee who said: munkar ghareeb (rejected))
However, it is authentically related that the Prophet (SAWS) said. "I
am a result of the supplication of my father Ibraaheem and the
glad-tidings brought by 'Eesaa 'alayhimus salaam. And my mother - when
she bore me - saw that a light shone out from her, which lit up the
palaces in Syria ... " (Related by al-Haakim and Ibn Katheer said:
"Its isnaad is good and strong.)
Celebrating the Day of his Birth:
Imaam al-Fakihaani (d.734H) - rahimahullaah -said: "Celebrating his
birthday has no basis in the Book (Qur'an) nor the Sunnah, nor is this
action recorded from any one of the scholars of this Ummah; those who
are taken as examples to be followed and whocling to the narrations.
Rather it isa bid'ah (innovotion), which was introduced by the
Battaaloon (a deviated sect from the Faatimids).
As regards to the origins of this newly-invented celebration, then
some of the research scholars have stated that the first person to
innovate this practice was 'Umar ibn Muhammad al-Mulaa in the city of
Mawsil in Iraaq, during the fourth century, as is mentioned by the
Imaam Abu Shaamah (d.665H).
He was followed in this by the likes of Abul-Khattaab 'Umar ibn
Dihyaa: "who was employed in the west, then travelled to Syria, then
he travelled to the city of Irbil in 'Iraaq, during the fourth
century, where he found its king Mudhaffarud-Deen ibn Zaynud-Deen
showing a keen interest in the Milaad (birthday) of the Prophet
(SAWS). So he composed a book for him called at-Tanweer fi
Mawlidis-Siraajil-Muneer; so he recited this to the king who then
rewarded him with one thousanddeenaars."
Imaam Maalik (d.179H) - rahimahullaah - said: 'Whosoever introduces
into Islaam an innovation, and holds it to be something good, has
indeed alleged that Muhammad (SAWS) has betrayed his message. Read the
saying of Allaah - the Most Blessed, the Most High: "This day Ihave
perfected your religion for you, completed My favour upon you and I
have chosen for you Islaam as your religion." [Soorah al-Maa'idah
5:3]. So that which was not part of the religion at that time, cannot
be part of the religion today. And the last part ofthis Ummah cannot
be rectified, except by that which rectified its first part."
Thus, had the practice of celebrating the birthday of the Prophet
(SAWS) been something praiseworthy then: "the Salaf (thePious
Predecessors) - may Allaah be pleased with them all - would have
instituted it. For they were the ones having a greater love and honour
for Allaah's Messenger (SAWS) and a greater zeal for doing good.
Indeed, the most perfect expression of love and honour for him is by
following him, obeying him, carrying out his commands, upholding and
reviving his Sunnah (guidance and example) - both inwardly
andoutwardly - and in spreading his message and striving in this,
withthe heart, the hand and the tongue. Such was the path of the
Companions and those who followed them in goodness (i.e. beliefs and
actions)."
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