11th January, 2014
A Nigerian Islamic Scholar, Sheikh Fadhilulah Hamzat, says it is not compulsory for Muslims to celebrate Mawlud Nabiyy or the birthday of Prophet Muhammad.
Hamzat, who made the remark during a Friday sermon at the W.O. Lawal Central Mosque, Ring Road, Ibadan, Oyo State, said that those marking the day which falls on Monday 13 January, were doing so for commercial gains.
Nigeria’s Federal Governmrnt has declared Tuesday 14 January a public holiday for the celebration.
“The annoying thing is that rather than limit the celebration to 12th Rabiul Awwal, when the Prophet was born, some Muslims continue the celebration months after,’’ he said.
The Imam said that there was no place in the Qur’an and Hadith, where the celebration of the birthday of the Prophet Muhammad was mentioned.
“Throughout the life of the Holy Prophet Muhammad, he never for once celebrated his birthday, and did not direct his righteous followers to do anything of that nature’’.
“The only reference point to marking his birthday is his saying that he fasts on Mondays, because he was born on Monday,’’ he said.
Hamzat said that Allah, the Creator of human beings, has honoured Prophet Muhammad enough in the Qur’an with blessings and directed the Prophet’s followers to always bless him, “whenever his name is mentioned’’.
He said that rather than printing envelopes for the purpose of collecting money to organise events to honour Prophet Muhammad on his birthday, Muslims should emulate his virtues and imbibe his teachings of peace and love.
Hamzat, however, said that there was nothing bad in organising lectures or symposium to mark the day, and enjoined Muslims to use the month of Rabiul-Awwal in which the Prophet was born, to rededicate their lives to Allah.
“They should live their lives in accordance with Islamic tenets and imbibe the teachings of Prophet Muhammad as exemplified by him while alive.’’