Q1: can you tell me if attending serrah events is correct? Mawlid is correct? Are talks given in this month correct? What is allowed and what is not allowed?? Thanks.
Q2: Saudi Grand Mufti declares Prophet (PBUH)’s birthday celebrations ‘Haraam’
January 4, 2015
RIYADH: Saudi Arabian Grand Mufti, Sheikh Abdul Aziz Al-Asheikh, declared the as heresy and supersition and urged Muslims to involve themselves in Bid’ah (a sinful religious innovation). He urged Muslims to follow Prophet Muhammad (PBUH)’s teachings as described in the Sunnah to express true love of the Messenger of Allah Almighty (PBUH). He said that the birthday celebrations were ‘superstitious’ and ‘heresy’ which was illegal included in the religion, Arab News reported. He said that the expression of love to Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) should not be through organising one night ceremonies to recite poems and verses as that were prohibited in Islam. It is noteworthy to mention here that the Grand Mufti Sheikh Abdul Aziz bin Abdullah Al Shaikh is also performing duties as the Head of seven-member Islamic Scholars Authority. He added, ‘If we want to show our sincere love for our Prophet Mohammed (Peace Be Upon Him), then we should back our words with deeds all the time rather than in one night.’
During his Friday’s congregational sermon at the Imam Turki bin Abdullah mosque in Riyadh, the top Islamic cleric warned Muslims that organising such birthday events was a Bid’ah (a sinful religious innovation) that fawned to Islam after the first three centuries when the companions and successors of the companions lived. The statement came forth on the day when a section of Muslims in the Indian subcontinent primarily in India and Pakistan as well as some parts of Arab states were celebrating ‘Eid Miladun Nabi (PBUH)’ on 12th Rabiul Awwal (Islamic calendar).
A1 and A2: As far as the content of the above article is concerned, it is correct. However, we must not confuse celebration of the birthday with having talks about the Rasool (SAW). Having a talk about the life of the Rasool (SAW) in itself is not forbidden. For those that have an objection to even such talks, I do agree, these talks should not be limited to just once a year. To refrain from talking about the Prophet (SAW) and to ban talking about him (SAW) in this month would also be incorrect, for Muslims always talk about their given prophet (SAW). We should always talk about him (SAW) and do as the situation calls. This would be part of sunnah. His (SAW) seerah should always be alive – in the Musjids as well as in our homes.
Likewise, we should abstain from consuming food at such events, unless the place that is serving such food also serve food for all other events. Additionally, to always serve food for this event is incorrect, and visitors should stay away from food that has its roots as part of bidah (innovation). If one does eat such food, the one consuming such food should ensure that the intention of those that are contributing are also in line with the deen. To believe that any type of saint or prophet becomes present during such an event is incorrect and sinful. In such an instance, to deal with some persons is to assist them in their Shirk, and we know from Quran, Allah does not forgive a person that is a musrik, unless they change their ways for the better.
Ideal condition would be as follows: if a place is giving talks about the life of Rasool (SAW), to attend would be good. To be in an environment that remembers Allah and Rasool (SAW) removes sins and generates reward. Listen to what is being said and politely thereafter leave. To involve oneself in unnecessary merrymaking, sharing of sweetmeats and foods merely because one assumes that Rasool (SAW) was born on or around the 12th of Rabie-ul-Awwall, or to stand up and send salutations to the prophet (SAW) with the intention that the (SAW) is present, etc, are all incorrect actions. This has been the general opinion of senior scholars and imams.
The life of the prophet (saw) is not to be celebrated as much as he (saw) is to be followed. We must choose wisely.
Allah Certainly Knows Best.