Our Journey with Mawlid – Separating Fact from Fiction

Recently, a sister reached out to me with a request to write a blog post about Mawlid. While she didn’t specify her reasons, I assumed that her curiosity stemmed from the prevalence of Mawlid celebrations in her community and around the world, juxtaposed with the discomfort some people feel about it. Additionally, she seemed interested in understanding why Mawlid is sometimes labeled as a Bid’ah (innovation).

Mawlid, the celebration of the birth of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), is undeniably a contentious issue within the Islamic world. It has been a subject of intense debate and disagreement spanning decades, resulting in varying perspectives across the Muslim spectrum. Although I’ve touched on this topic superficially in some of my previous posts, the sister’s request prompted me to explore it more comprehensively. As a layman Muslim who doesn’t feel particularly offended by either side of the debate, I decided to delve deeper into the subject and offer a simple analogy to shed light on the matter.

Before we embark on this journey, I’d like to preface this blog post with a disclaimer and an apology if the content appears challenging or exaggerated to some readers. My opinions are formed through thorough research, discussions with fellow Muslims, and consultations with knowledgeable scholars (Ulamahs) both online and offline. It’s essential to remember that this issue, like many others in Islam, is multifaceted, and differing viewpoints are a natural part of our rich religious tradition.

In Islamic scholarship, Bid’ah (innovation) is classified into two main categories: Hasanah Bid’ah (good innovation) and Sai’ah Bid’ah (bad innovation). These classifications help differentiate between innovations that are deemed acceptable and those that are considered contrary to the teachings of Islam.

Before examining Bid’ah. Let’s look at our world’s inventions below:

It is quite straightforward to assess the outcomes of good and bad inventions/ innovations mentioned above. Some may argue that vaccines are not halal or not recommended in Islam, Christianity, and Judaism. Interestingly, when traveling overseas with COVID-19 vaccine requirements, many prioritize health over religious considerations. Nevertheless, vaccines such as Cholera, Hepatitis B, Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR), etc. are administered by millions to safeguard themselves and their families from infections. If you ask me, it is definitely a bid’ah, we can’t do without it. Now, let’s consider the time of our Prophet (peace be upon him), his companions, and the next two generations. Did they need any vaccines in their times? Definitely not! But why? It’s simple.

1. Diet and Nutrition: The diet of people during the early Islamic period often consisted of natural and unprocessed foods. There was an emphasis on consuming whole grains, fruits, vegetables, lean meats, and dairy products. The absence of processed foods, artificial additives, and excessive sugar intake likely had a positive impact on their overall health.
2. Clean and Natural Environment: Many regions where Islam initially spread had clean and unpolluted environments. People had access to fresh air, and clean water sources, and were not exposed to the levels of pollution that exist in many urban areas today.
3. Physical Activity: Daily life during the early Islamic period often involved physical activity, such as walking and manual labor. This active lifestyle contributed to better physical fitness and overall health.
4. Low Stress Levels: The pace of life was generally slower, and societal stressors were different from those in contemporary times. People were not exposed to the same levels of chronic stress, work-related pressures, and information overload that are common today.
5. Hygiene Practices: The emphasis on cleanliness and hygiene, both in personal habits and community practices, played a crucial role in preventing the spread of diseases.
6. Healthcare and Natural Remedies: While modern medicine as we know it did not exist, people relied on herbal remedies and traditional healing practices, which often had their roots in natural and effective treatments for various ailments.
7. Strong Social Support: Close-knit communities and strong social bonds provide emotional and psychological support, which is known to have positive effects on health.

Overall, the health and well-being of individuals during the early Islamic golden generations were influenced by a combination of factors, including lifestyle, environment, and community practices. Today, while we benefit from advanced medical science and technology, there are also challenges related to modern lifestyles, pollution, and stress that impact our health.

Now coming back to Islam. Let’s look at five examples each of what are considered good (Hasanah) and bad (Sai’ah) innovations (Bid’ah) in Islam:

Hasanah Bid’ah (Good Innovation):

Hasanah Bid’ah refers to innovations that do not contradict the established teachings of Islam and are seen as beneficial to the Muslim community. These innovations are introduced with good intentions and do not lead to any deviation from the core principles of the faith. Examples of Hasanah Bid’ah might include the compilation of the Quran into a single book form during the Caliphate of Abu Bakr (may Allah be pleased with him) or the establishment of educational institutions to teach Islamic knowledge.
These innovations are viewed as a means to facilitate and improve the practice of Islam without compromising its fundamental principles.

Sai’ah Bid’ah (Bad Innovation):

Sai’ah Bid’ah refers to innovations that contradict or deviate from the established teachings of Islam. These innovations often introduce practices, beliefs, or rituals that are not supported by authentic sources of Islamic guidance. Examples of Sai’ah Bid’ah might include creating new acts of worship or altering the fundamental beliefs of Islam. For instance, introducing new rituals in prayer or deviating from the established understanding of monotheism would be considered Sai’ah Bid’ah.

Sai’ah Bid’ah is seen as harmful because it can lead to a distortion of Islamic beliefs and practices, potentially causing confusion and division within the Muslim community. It’s important to note that the classification of an innovation as Hasanah Bid’ah or Sai’ah Bid’ah is subject to interpretation by Islamic scholars and jurists. What is considered an acceptable innovation in one Islamic tradition or school of thought might be viewed differently in another.

Islamic scholars have historically employed certain criteria to assess whether an innovation falls into the category of Hasanah or Sai’ah Bid’ah. These criteria include whether the innovation aligns with the Quran and Sunnah (the practices and teachings of the Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him), whether it maintains the core principles of Islam, and whether it benefits the Muslim community without leading to deviations in belief or practice.

In summary, Hasanah Bid’ah refers to innovations in Islam that are deemed beneficial and consistent with Islamic teachings, while Sai’ah Bid’ah refers to innovations that contradict or deviate from established Islamic beliefs and practices. The classification of an innovation depends on its adherence to the principles and teachings of Islam, as interpreted by Islamic scholars.

But Now, some may say Mawlid could fall under Sai’ah Bid’ah (3. Adding New Rituals). Let’s analyze the process of Mawlid in Europe, US, Singapore, and Malaysia as examples. Click here to watch this clip to understand the process, first.

I don’t wish to go through every point as it’s self-explanatory. Frankly speaking, instead of always spending time chilling out with friends, dining, doing karaoke, having BBQs, binge-watching, and so on, we should occasionally devote time to our Islamic practices. It’s not common for us to attend lectures, recite the Quran, and engage in discussions about pious predecessors. So, what’s the matter with Mawlid then? Well, let’s talk about it too.”

Apart from these significant reasons such as Lack of Historical Precedent, Concerns about Religious Innovation, Divergent Practices, Fear of Syncretism, and Focus on Other Forms of Worship which are debatable, let’s look at the practices by Muslims celebrating Mawlid out of the norm:

1. Elaborate Celebrations: In some places, Mawlid celebrations can be extremely elaborate, resembling festive events more than religious gatherings. This may include grand processions, musical performances, and extravagant decorations, which some consider to be at odds with the solemnity of religious observance. Benghazi residents celebrate Mawlid holiday despite opposition [no comment] – YouTube
2. Music and Dancing: Some Mawlid celebrations incorporate music, singing, and even dancing. While music and dance can be integral to cultural expressions, their inclusion in religious celebrations can be a point of contention among those who view them as incompatible with Islamic worship.
3. Excessive Spending: Some Mawlid celebrations involve significant expenditures on decorations, food, and gifts. Critics argue that such extravagance may divert resources from charitable activities and helping those in need, which are emphasized in Islam.

4. Syncretism: In certain regions, Mawlid celebrations may incorporate elements from non-Islamic traditions or cultures, raising concerns about syncretism. Syncretism refers to the blending of religious or cultural practices from different belief systems, which some see as compromising the purity of Islamic faith.

6. Misuse of the Prophet’s Name: Some critics argue that excessive focus on Mawlid celebrations can lead to the inappropriate or commercial use of the Prophet Muhammad’s name and image, which they view as disrespectful.

At Last – The Conclusion!

Well, for those who prefer to rely on hearsay from friends who haven’t quite finished their Quranic tafsir and hadith studies, or those who feel that understanding Islam through personal reflection is just too much effort – fret not! Who needs a deep understanding of the profound and centuries-old Mawlid process when you can simply stick to what’s convenient, right?

Why delve into the rich tapestry of Islamic tradition and history when you can take the shortcut of superficial knowledge? After all, who has the time for deep learning when you can just skim the surface and form opinions based on incomplete information? It’s a truly innovative way to approach matters of faith and spirituality, I must say! Who needs the wisdom of Quranic scholars and the insights of Hadith when you can rely on anecdotal information and personal biases?

LAST STOP!

To Mawlid or Not to Mawlid? Bidah Explained

This video summarizes my opinion about this topic. However, in a world filled with stress, depression, distractions, and limited time for Ibadah, I don’t mind participating in a Mawlid. Sometimes, I may not engage in certain dhikr, but I know that the blessings of Allah will be there, as I have another valuable reward, which is maintaining strong family ties (SIRATUL RAHIM).