Eid-e-Milad: The diverse perspectives of Muslims on its celebration

The commemoration of Mawlid or EideMilad which marks the birth of Prophet Muhammad PBUH is a practice in Islamic tradition but not all Muslims celebrate it and the observance varies significantly among different Islamic traditions and communitiesIn Islamic tradition the birth of the Prophet Muhammad PBUH is a significant event and many Muslims hold it in high regard The celebration of Mawlid is a way for them to express their love respect and admiration for the Prophet Allahrsquos messenger However it is essential to note that the celebration of Mawlid is not universally accepted in all Islamic traditions and opinions on its permissibility within Islam differ widelyMawlid is traditionally observed on the 12th day of the third month of the Islamic calendar known as Rabi alawwal While the celebration is widespread its nature and extent can vary greatly depending on cultural and regional factorsIn many predominantly Muslim countries from Pakistan to Malaysia to Sudan the annual commemoration of the Prophets birthday is a significant event This celebration known as Mawlid alNabi or EideMilad in some regions is observed with varying degrees of fervourThe practices associated with Mawlid celebrations are diverse and reflect the cultural and social context of the communities that observe it In some places Mawlid is observed quietly with individuals fasting and reading the Quran as a mark of devotion In contrast in other regions especially in the subcontinent children dress up in bright colours and receive small sugarmade horses or dolls as part of the festive traditionThe essence of these diverse practices however remains constant they serve as a means of expressing the admirable qualities of the Prophet PBUH and emphasising his significance to his followers Its a time for Muslims to come together reflect on the life and teachings of Prophet Muhammad SAW and strengthen their sense of unity and brotherhoodAlso read Feeling 80 in your 20s due to back pain Experts share tips to prevent itSome Muslims particularly those in more conservative or puritanical branches of Islam view Mawlid celebrations as an innovation bidah in religion and choose not to participate They argue that there is no explicit mention of the celebration in the Holy Quran or Hadith the recorded sayings and actions of the Prophet Muhammad SAW As a result they consider it a practice that should be abandonedThe debate over the permissibility of Mawlid celebrations continues within the Muslim world reflecting the diversity of Islamic thought and interpretation Different communities and schools of thought have their perspectives on the matter leading to varying practices and beliefsOne of the key factors influencing the acceptance or rejection of Mawlid celebrations is the historical and cultural context In some regions and cultures commemorating Mawlid has become a cherished cultural tradition that extends beyond religious significance These local customs and practices influence the way Mawlid is observed in these areasAlso read Inktober 2023 Mumbai art enthusiasts reveal why they still keep coming back to the challengeIts important to recognise that Wahhabism an ultraconservative Islamic movement that emerged in the 18th century in what is now Saudi Arabia takes a particularly critical stance on the celebration of Mawlid Wahhabis emphasise a strict and literal interpretation of the Quran and Hadith and are wary of practices they perceive as idolatrous or departing from the core tenets of monotheism This includes their view of Mawlid celebrations as heretical or innovativeThe Wahhabi movement initiated in 1744 by Muhammad Ibn Abdel Wahab a religious scholar and reformer sought to purify Islamic practices and return to what they considered the original teachings of Islam Muhammad Ibn Saud a political leader and founder of the Saud dynasty sought the religious guidance of Ibn Abdel Wahab to legitimise his authority and challenge the Ottoman Empires control over the Arabian PeninsulaOver time Wahhabism gained influence and expanded its reach across the Muslim world including countries like Yemen postSoviet states Tunisia and Egypt The movements strict interpretation of Islam led to actions such as restricting worship at saints tombs and even demolishing certain holy sitesCritics of Wahhabism argue that it suppresses innate human inclinations such as the desire to honour and celebrate a prophet They contend that it leads to a rigid and austere interpretation of Islam that can alienate individuals from their faiths deeper spiritual and cultural aspectsAnother perspective within the Islamic tradition comes from the Deoband Seminary in Uttar Pradesh This religious institution known as Darul Uloom Deoband also disapproves of Mawlid celebrations In a verdict available on its website the seminary states that the celebration of Mawlid is not supported by the Holy Quran Hadith or the era of the Sahaba Prophets companions and their successors Therefore they consider it an innovation that should be abandonedIn contrast many Muslims worldwide view Mawlid as a time of love reverence and admiration for the Prophet Muhammad PBUH The celebration takes various forms from quiet acts of worship and reflection to more festive traditions involving children and the community Regardless of the specific practices the central theme remains the same to express deep respect for the Prophet and his teachingsIn essence Mawlid reflects the diversity of Islamic thought and practice It is celebrated by many Muslims as a significant and cherished occasion while others abstain from it due to their interpretation of Islamic teachings