Q 11: What is the ruling on celebrating the Mawlid (the Prophet’s birthday) and the night of Isra’ (Night Journey) and Mi‘raj (Ascension to Heaven) with the purpose of calling to Islam and showing the rites of Islam as is done in Indonesia?

A: The Prophet (peace be upon him) called to Islam through words, deeds and Jihad (striving in the Cause of Allah). Although he was the most knowledgeable about the ways of Da‘wah (Call to Allah) and how to spread Islam and show its rites, the Prophet (peace be upon him) did not ever celebrate his birthday or the night of Isra’ and Mi‘raj while he was the most aware and appreciative of the value of these days. His Sahabah (Companions, may Allah be pleased with them) and the honored Imams of Islam among Ahl-ul-Sunnah wal-Jama‘ah (those adhering to the Sunnah and the Muslim mainstream) followed the very same way and guidance of the Prophet (peace be upon him) and they never celebrated this day or any other great event to call to or spread Islam. The source of this act are those who introduce Bid‘ahs (innovations) into the religion and exceed the proper limits in it such as Al-Rafidah (a Shi‘ah group denying the caliphates of Abu Bakr Al-Siddiq and ‘Umar ibn Al-Khattab and making accusations against them and many other Companions of the Prophet), the other sects of Shiites and many others who are not well-instructed in the purified Shari‘ah. Therefore, celebrating these events is a rejected Bid‘ah as it opposes the guidance of the Prophet (peace be upon him), the Rightly-Guided Caliphs and the Imams of Salaf (righteous predecessors) who witnessed the best three centuries of Islam. It is authentically reported that the Prophet (peace be upon him) said: “Whoever introduces anything into this matter of ours (Islam) that is not part of it, will have it rejected.” and “Whoever does an action which is not in accordance with this matter of ours (Islam), will have it rejected.” He further stated: (Part No. 3; Page No. 25)  Beware of newly-invented matters, for every invented matter is a Bid‘ah (innovation in religion) and every Bid‘ah is a going astray... May Allah grant us success. May Peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family and Companions!