How do you celebrate the birthday of Prophet Muhammad?

Answer 1

According to the Deobandi Ulamaas it is permissible to hold a Meelad gathering as long as it is free from unlawful acts such as the free mixing of men and women, fixing of a particular date and it is not held to be something necessary (thus those who are unable to/do not participate in the gathering are not treated with disdain).

Mufti Taqi Usmani (DB) states:

"…Holding a meeting to discuss different aspects of the life of the Prophet of Allah Sallallahu Alahi Wasalam is a very meritious act for which the Muslims should strive to the best of their ability. But confining this discussion to the events of the birth of the Prophet of Allah Sallallahu Alahi Wasalam and restricting it to a particular date and holding attendance at such meetings as necessary or obligatory for every Muslim renders this practice as bidah or innovation. Mostly the meetings of Meelad are of this type. Therefore contemporary Ulama of Deoband have declared it as bidah. If the life of the Prophet of Allah Sallallahu Alahi Wasalam is made subject of a meeting and the meeting is free of the above-mentioned defects, nobody can call it bidah. It is in this context that some scholars of the past have allowed this practice."

(Al-Balagh website)

In another fatwa Mufti Taqi Usmani (DB) has said that it is important to stay away from the evils found in the prevalent Meelad gatherings. For example: * A particular date (12 of Rabbial Awal) * An element of showing-off is commonly present * If someone does not attend these gatherings he is looked down upon * Distribution of sweets considered a necessary part of the gathering * To meet the expenses, donations are collected from sometimes unwilling people who give money under social pressure * Free mixing of men and women * Focus of talks are limited to the birth of the Prophet of Allah Sallallahu Alahi Wasalam and his miracles For these reasons one should refrain fro the prevalent Meelad gatherings. However, if care is taken to avoid all of these evils and to follow the Shariah carefully then a meeting organised to remember the Prophet Sallalahu Alahi Wasalam with the sole purpose of seeking Allah's pleasure will inshallah be a blessed event. Only Allah Knows Best

The holy Prophet (SAW) advises the Muslims to celebrate Eid by offering Prayer, thanks giving to Allah Karim and be kind and forgiving to others. Taking out processions, beating of drums, and making Hulla Gulla is against the teachings of the holy prophet (SAW).

Another sect of the Muslims is of the followers of Ahmad Raza Brelvi. They celebrate Meelad against which Mufti Taqi Usmani has given the above Fatwa. No doubt the way the Brelvies celebrate Meelad is full of Bida'a and innovations are newly added each year. The birth of the holy Prophet (SAW) was a blessing of Almighty Allah not restricted to the Muslims. He is Mercy for all the Universe. The Muslims must follow his teachings, in stead of associating Bida'a.