Ruling on celebrating the Mawlid by anyone who knows it is Batil

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Q: Is it permissible to attend celebrations that involve Bid‘ahs (innovations in religion), like celebrating the Mawlid (the Prophet’s birthday), the night of Mi‘raj (Ascension to Heaven), and the night of mid-Sha‘ban, especially if the person believes that they are not permissible and intends to explain the truth for people?

A: Firstly, celebrating these days is not permissible. In fact, it is a condemned Bid‘ah (innovation in religion). (Part No. 3; Page No. 38) Secondly, it is permissible to attend these celebrations only to object to them, explain the truth about them to other people, and instruct them that celebrating such events are Bid‘ahs, which are not permissible to be done, especially if the person has good rhetorical skills and is unlikely to be influenced by their views. As to attending these celebrations for watching, having fun, or out of curiosity, it is not permissible. It involves partaking in Munkar (that which is unacceptable or disapproved of by Islamic law). It also increases the numbers of people participating in such Bid‘ahs, and thus propagates them.May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.