wikishia:Featured articles/2025/37
Celebration of the Prophet's birth (Arabic:الاحتفال بالمولد النبوي refers to ceremonies held on the birth anniversary of the Prophet Muhammad (s). Shias and Sunnis celebrate the birth of the Prophet (s), but Wahhabis believe that such ceremonies are heretic, since such celebrations were never held during the lifetime of the Prophet (s) and his companions. In response, Muslim scholars assert that although such ceremonies were not held in the time of the Prophet (s) and his companions, they were not forbidden by religion. Thus, celebration of the Prophet’s birth is not only heretic, but favorable as a tribute to the Prophet (s). Moreover, certain Quranic verses and notions were cited as evidence for the legitimacy of such celebrations in that they recommend the respect and love for the Prophet (s).
There are historical accounts of the celebration of the Prophet’s birth by Muslims in the fourth/tenth century and afterwards. Furthermore, people of Mecca gathered in the place of the Prophet's birth on his birth day to pray, recite dhikrs, and ask for divine blessings. The place was later demolished by the Saudi government, however.
Shias believe that the Prophet (s) was born on Rabi' al-Awwal 17/May 11, 570 and Sunnis believe that he was born on Rabi' al-Awwal 12/May 6. Shia scholars recommend charity payments, doing charitable works, and delighting the believers on that day. Sunni scholars recommend giving gifts and feeding the poor as a tribute to the Prophet (s) on that day. For this reason, Muslims around the world hold celebrations on the Prophet's birth. The day is a holiday in India, Pakistan, Indonesia, Iran, Iraq, Afghanistan, and Egypt......
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