Offering Salat-ul-Istisqa' and the two `Eid Prayers in a public square where Bid`ah celebrations are held

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Q 1: We have a public square where celebrations of Mawlid (the Prophet’s birthday) are held. Is it permissible to offer Salat-ul-‘Eid (the Festival Prayer) or Salat-ul-Istisqa’ (Prayer for rain) there?

A: It is permissible to offer Salat-ul-Istisqa’ and Salat-ul-‘Eid in the square, but if it is possible to offer them in another place, this would be better, knowing that celebrating Mawlid is a Bid‘ah (innovation in religion) that should be abandoned. The Prophet (peace be upon him) did not do that, nor did the Rightly-Guided Caliphs, any of the Sahabah (Companions of the Prophet, may Allah be pleased with them), or those who followed them righteously in the best three Muslim generations. It is one of the manifestations of exceeding proper limits with regard to the person whose birthday is commemorated and a means to Shirk (associating others with Allah in His Divinity or worship).May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.