Celebrating the Mauludun Nabiyy

The subject of celebrating the Maulud has been a subject of debate among scholars for a very long time and no consensus has been reached till today. Maulud is a term used to describe the date of birth of Prophet Muhammad (SAW), which falls on the 12th day of the month of Rabi'ul Auwal i.e the 3rd Month of the Islamic Calendar. In the Gregorian Calendar, the date varies according to the sighting of the moon.
Maulud is recent to Islam, starting after the death of the Prophet (SAW), his companions, and their companions. There is no evidence anywhere that the Prophet (SAW) celebrated his birthday or commanded that it be celebrated. No one claims that!
Proponents of the celebration argue that the day (and night) is revived with history of the Prophet, Qur'anic recitations, Salawat on the Prophet, and all good things, all of which no one can say are haraam. They also argue that the sunnah fasting of Monday is observed because the Prophet (SAW) was born on Monday citing the following hadith as a proof:
Abu Qatadah reported that the Messenger of Allah (SAW) was asked about fasting on Mondays and he said, "That is the day on which I was born and the day when I was sent - or when revelation descended on me." (Muslim, Al-Nasaa'i, Abu Dawood).



Those who oppose however, present the following in support of their argument:
Allah (SWT) also said, This day, I have perfected your religion for you, completed My Favor upon you, and have chosen for you Islam as you religion." (Q5:3)
The Prophet (SAW) said, "The most truthful of speech is the Book of Allah and the best guidance is the guidance of Muhammad, and the most evil of things are those which are newly-invented." The Prophet (SAW) also said, "Whoever innovates anything in this matter of ours that is not part of it will have it rejected." (Al-Bukhari, Muslim )
The Prophet also warns us to Beware of newly-invented matters, for every newly-invented matter is an innovation, and every innovation is going astray." (Abu Dawood)
The opposers argue that Ibadah (Qur'an recitation, Salawaat) are meant to be done at all times not just during specific occassions. They also argue that the event gives room for the free mixing of sexes and people at those gatherings usually pray to the Prophet (SAW), asking from him. This is, no doubt, an element of Shirk.

If you are indecisive as to what path to follow, I would advice that you stay away from whatever you are not sure of. Allah will only ask you about things He has made compulsory upon you. The Prophet (SAW) advice us to "Leave that which makes you doubt for that which does not make you doubt." (Tirmidhi)
He also said, "Whoever avoids the doubtful matters, he has absolved himself (from wrongdoing) in his religion and in his honor." (Muslim)


Wallahu A'alam.