According to the most correct opinion of the scholars, the Prophet was
born in the city of Makkah in the year of the Elephant (in the year
571or 570CE), in the month of Rabee' Al-Awwal .
The day of his birth
There is an agreement amongst the scholars that the Prophet was born
on Monday, since he was asked about fasting on a Monday, and he said:
"On that dayI was born and on that day Revelation descended upon me."
[Muslim and Ahmad]
However, as regards the exact date of his birth, then the scholars
have differed about this. Despite the common belief among people that
he was born on the 12th of Rabee' Al-Awwal, yet the only substantiated
fact regarding this date is that it is his death date.
Imaam an-Nawawee (d.676H) – - said: "There is an agreement that he was
born on Monday in the month of Rabee' Al-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."
Events at the time of his birth
Certain miraculous events are reported to have occurred at the time
that the Prophet was born. However, most of them are not authentically
related, rather they are weak or fabricated and therefore cannot be
relied upon as decisive proof; such as the narration which relates
that some of the galleries of Kisraa's (the Persian King's) palace
broke-up and collapsed, that the sacred-fire of the Magians died-out
and that some of the churches on Lake Saawah (in Syria) collapsed and
sank down.
However, it is authentically related that the Prophet said." I am a
result of the supplicationof my father Ibraaheem and the glad-tidings
brought by 'Eesaa 'may Allaah exalt their mention. And my mother -
when she bore me - saw that a light shone out from her, which lit up
the palacesin Syria .. " [Al-Haakim]
Celebrating the day of his birth
Imaam al-Faakihaani (d.734H) – -said: "Celebrating his birthday has no
basis in the Book (Quran) nor the Sunnah, nor is the action recorded
from any oneof the scholars of this Ummah; those who are taken as
examplesto be followed and who cling to the narrations. Rather it is a
Bid'ah (innovation), 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 inthe city of
Mawsil in Iraq, 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 Mudhaffar Ad-Deen ibn Zayn Ad-Deen
showing a keen interest in the Milaad (birthday) of the Prophet . 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) – - said: 'Whosoever introduces into Islam an
innovation, and holds it to be something good, has indeed alleged that
Muhammad has betrayed his message. Read the saying of Allaah - the
Most Blessed, the Most High (which means): "…This day I have perfected
for you your religion and completed My favor upon youand have approved
for you Islam as religion…" [Quran 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 of this Ummah cannot be rectified, except by that which
rectified its first part."
Thus, had the practice of celebrating the birthday of the Prophet been
something praiseworthy then, the Salaf (the Pious Predecessors) - all
- would have instituted it. For they were the ones having a greater
love and honor for Allaah's Messenger and a greater zeal for doing
good.
Indeed, the most perfect expression of love and honor for him is by
following him, obeying him, carrying out his commands, upholding and
reviving his Sunnah (guidance and example) - both inwardly and
outwardly - and in spreading his message and striving in this, with
the heart, the hand and the tongue. Such was the path of the
Companions and those who followed them in goodness (i.e.
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