By Professor Abdullahi
Throughout human history, societies have developed ways of preserving the memory of individuals and events that have shaped their collective identity. Nations commemorate their heroes, scholars are remembered for their contributions, and communities preserve the stories of personalities who transformed the course of human affairs. Such acts of remembrance are considered a natural expression of gratitude, respect and recognition. The human mind instinctively understands that forgetting those who brought benefit to humanity is not a sign of wisdom but a loss of collective memory.
It is within this universal human reality that the discussion on Maulid should be understood. At its foundation, Maulid is an expression of remembrance and appreciation for Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him and his pure household), whose message transformed not only the spiritual life of Arabia but also reshaped human civilization. The question that therefore deserves careful reflection is not merely whether Muslims gather to remember the Prophet, but whether remembering and expressing gratitude for the arrival of such a transformative personality is consistent with the principles of Islam and with the dictates of reason.
The debate surrounding Maulid has continued for centuries, with some Muslims viewing it as a legitimate expression of love, gratitude and devotion to the Prophet, while others question its religious basis on the grounds that it was not practiced in the same form by the earliest generations of Muslims. However, beyond legal arguments and historical discussions, there exists a fundamental principle that should guide the conversation: religious practices must be examined with knowledge, fairness and intellectual honesty rather than emotional reactions or inherited assumptions.
At the heart of the matter lies a simple but profound question: What exactly are Muslims expressing when they commemorate Maulid? Are they worshipping a personality besides Allah, or are they acknowledging and appreciating the greatest mercy Allah has granted to humanity?
The Qur’an provides a clear foundation for understanding the importance of Prophet Muhammad’s mission: “And We have not sent you except as a mercy to the worlds” (Qur’an 21:107). If the coming of the Prophet represents divine mercy, then remembering that mercy and reflecting upon its implications is naturally connected with gratitude towards the One who sent him.
Common sense tells us that human beings naturally celebrate and preserve the memory of what they value. Nations celebrate independence because they appreciate freedom. Communities honour their founders because they recognize their contributions. Families commemorate important milestones because those events carry meaning. Such remembrance does not amount to worship; rather, it is an expression of appreciation and recognition.
If humanity finds it reasonable to honour individuals who contributed to its material advancement, scientific development or political transformation, then it is difficult to understand why remembering the one who transformed human morality, spirituality and civilization should be viewed as inherently problematic.
Those who object to Maulid often present the argument that Prophet Muhammad himself and his companions did not organize an annual celebration of his birth. This argument is based on the principle that religious practices should have a foundation in the Qur’an and Sunnah. However, a deeper examination of Islamic history shows that many institutions and practices accepted by Muslims today developed after the earliest period of Islam.
For instance, there is the narration that the Qur’an was compiled into a single manuscript after the Prophet’s departure. The sciences of Qur’anic interpretation, Hadith methodology, Islamic jurisprudence and many forms of organized religious education developed gradually as Muslims responded to changing circumstances. The question, therefore, cannot simply be whether a practice existed in exactly the same form during the first generation; rather, the essential question is whether that practice contradicts Islamic principles or supports them.
Those who defend Maulid argue that when a gathering involves Qur’an recitation, remembrance of Allah, sending blessings upon Prophet Muhammad, studying his life, encouraging good character and feeding people, such activities are consistent with the objectives of Islam. In this understanding, Maulid is not an independent act of worship introduced into religion but a means of expressing love, gratitude and commitment to the Prophetic message.
The issue also touches upon the meaning of love itself. Islam places extraordinary emphasis on loving Prophet Muhammad. The Qur’an states: “Say: If you love Allah, then follow me; Allah will love you and forgive your sins” (Qur’an 3:31).
Love naturally produces remembrance. A person who genuinely loves someone remembers their words, their struggles and the moments associated with their life. Therefore, remembering the birth of Prophet Muhammad is viewed by many Muslims as a natural expression of love and attachment to the one who conveyed Allah’s guidance to humanity.
However, intellectual honesty requires acknowledging that the debate over Maulid is not merely a modern disagreement. Muslim scholars throughout history have expressed different opinions regarding its permissibility. Some have considered it a praiseworthy practice when conducted within Islamic boundaries, while others have objected to it because it was not observed by the earliest Muslim generations. Such differences should be approached with respect, scholarship and humility rather than hostility.
A balanced approach also requires distinguishing between the essence of Maulid and possible excesses associated with some celebrations. Any gathering that involves wastefulness, inappropriate behaviour or actions contrary to Islamic ethics should be corrected. However, the misuse of something does not necessarily invalidate its legitimate purpose. The existence of people who misuse knowledge does not mean knowledge itself should be rejected.
The deeper concern should therefore not be whether Muslims remember the Prophet, but whether that remembrance produces the qualities that the Prophet himself represented. A Maulid that only produces ceremonies without moral transformation fails to capture the true spirit of the occasion. The greatest celebration of Prophet Muhammad is not merely gathering in his name but living according to his teachings.
In a world suffering from injustice, violence, corruption, intolerance and moral confusion, humanity is in greater need than ever of the values embodied by Prophet Muhammad: mercy towards the weak, justice for the oppressed, honesty in leadership, compassion towards others and commitment to truth.
The tragedy is that Muslims sometimes devote enormous energy to debating the permissibility of remembering the Prophet while neglecting the more urgent responsibility of implementing his message. The real measure of devotion is not only how often his name is mentioned, but how deeply his character influences individual and collective behaviour.
Ultimately, the discussion on Maulid should move beyond accusations and suspicion. It should be guided by wisdom, knowledge and the recognition that millions of Muslims celebrate it out of genuine love for Prophet Muhammad and gratitude for his mission.
The question, therefore, is not simply: “Is Maulid permissible?”
The deeper question is: “How can Muslims ensure that the memory of Prophet Muhammad remains a living force that transforms hearts, communities and humanity?”
When approached with sincerity and understanding, Maulid becomes more than an annual gathering. It becomes a reminder that the light brought by Prophet Muhammad continues to guide humanity towards mercy, justice and dignity.
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