I write these words with a heart filled with pain, disappointment and deep concern. The occasion of Maulid al-Nabi is meant to b...
I write these words with a heart filled with pain, disappointment and deep concern. The occasion of Maulid al-Nabi is meant to be a moment of love, reflection, gratitude and renewal of our commitment to the message of the greatest teacher humanity has ever known — Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him and his purified family). It is a time to remember his noble character, his humility, his modesty, his compassion and his obedience to the commands of Allah. Yet, it is deeply disturbing to witness some activities carried out in the name of celebrating the Prophet that contradict the very teachings he brought.
The question that must be asked is: what exactly are we celebrating if our actions openly violate the principles taught by the one we claim to love?
Love for the Prophet is not merely expressed through slogans, gatherings, decorations or emotional speeches. True love is demonstrated through obedience, through emulating his character and through preserving the values for which he struggled. Allah Himself reminds us in the Qur'an: “Say: If you love Allah, follow me; Allah will love you and forgive you your sins.” (Qur'an 3:31). The greatest evidence of love for the Prophet is therefore not simply celebrating his birth, but living according to his guidance.
It is therefore painful to see occasions meant to honour the Prophet transformed in some places into scenes where Islamic modesty and dignity are abandoned. Women who should be examples of honour and respect appear publicly dancing in ways that contradict the teachings of Islam, with bodies loosely covered, movements designed to attract attention, and in some cases physical contact with men who are not their lawful relations. Such actions cannot be reconciled with the principles of haya (modesty) and moral discipline that the Prophet spent his entire mission establishing.
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him and his family) was not sent merely to introduce rituals; he was sent to perfect human character. He came to liberate society from moral corruption, exploitation and indecency. How then can an activity claimed to celebrate him become a platform where the very values he fought to protect are disregarded?
Those who engage in such behaviour must sincerely ask themselves: If the Prophet himself were present among us, would he approve of what we are doing in his name? Would he be pleased to see his honour celebrated through actions that violate his teachings?
The danger of such practices goes beyond the individuals involved. They damage the image of Islam and provide unnecessary ammunition to those who already oppose or misunderstand Maulid celebrations. Those who question the permissibility or relevance of Maulid will point to such examples and argue that these gatherings have become occasions for entertainment rather than spiritual renewal. It is unfortunate that the careless actions of some can create a distorted picture of a noble tradition.
Celebrating the Prophet should elevate the soul, not entertain the desires of the body. It should increase our humility, not our pride; strengthen our morality, not weaken it; bring us closer to Allah, not distance us from Him. A gathering in the name of the Prophet should reflect his mosque, his character and his mission — not scenes that contradict the very message he delivered.
This is not an attack on Maulid. On the contrary, it is a defence of its true purpose. If we claim to love the Prophet, then we must protect the dignity of his name. We must ensure that our celebrations reflect his teachings rather than become occasions where his laws are ignored.
The greatest honour we can give Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him and his family) is not merely to mention his name frequently, but to embody his values. Let our Maulid celebrations become schools of spirituality, knowledge, compassion, unity and moral excellence. Let them produce people who pray like the Prophet prayed, speak like the Prophet spoke, forgive like the Prophet forgave and live with the humility and purity that defined his blessed life.
The Prophet deserves better from those who claim to love him. His birthday should not become a moment where his teachings are forgotten; it should be a moment where his message is revived.
May Allah guide us to celebrate His beloved Prophet in a manner that pleases Him and honours the noble legacy of Muhammad al-Mustafa (peace be upon him and his family).
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