Mawlid: A Time for Unity and Reflection

The month of Rabīʿ al-Awwal as usual reignites the debate over celebrating the Prophet’s birthday (Mawlid).

This disagreement naturally leads to disunity within the Muslim community, as it becomes a core issue of contention.

It is vital to remember that both proponents and opponents of Mawlid share a deep love for the Prophet and God and do not intend to transgress their rights. The disagreement lies in the means of expressing this love and not political posturing.

Arguments for and against Mawlid

Those who support Mawlid argue that it is a way to express love and gratitude for the Prophet, whom most Muslims consider the greatest blessing of God to humanity. They also point out that Mawlid gatherings can be used to teach Muslims about the Prophet’s life, teachings, and character.

Opponents of Mawlid argue that it is not a practice that is supported by the Quran or Sunnah. They also argue that Mawlid gatherings lead to innovations in religion and that they can be a source of disunity among Muslims especially in celebrations that lead to dancing and singing.

Moving Beyond the Debate

Instead of dwelling on the debate over Mawlid, we should focus on what unites us and the immense importance of our shared beliefs.

Naturally, we all have a belief in God and His Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), and we all strive to follow the same teachings to an extent. So let us utilize this month to reintroduce the Prophet to the world, emphasizing his teachings’ in a relevant way in today’s society.

Prophetic Guidance for Today’s World

The Prophet’s guidance is as relevant today as it ever was.

He taught us about the importance of justice, compassion, mercy, and tolerance.

He taught us about the importance of education, knowledge, and wisdom.

He taught us about the importance of family, community, and social responsibility.

We can apply the Prophet’s guidance to address contemporary issues, from economic systems to ethics and environmental preservation. The Prophet taught us that all people are equal in the sight of God, regardless of their race, ethnicity, or social status.

This teaching can be used to promote social justice and equality.

The Prophet taught us about the importance of compassion and mercy. He said, “The most beloved of people to Allah is the one who is most beneficial to others.”

This teaching can be used to promote social welfare and to help those in need.

A United Thinking People

We are united are we not in?

• Tawhid: The belief in the oneness of God.
• Risalah: The belief in the prophethood of Muhammad (pbuh) and the acceptance of his teachings as guidance from God.
• Sunnah: The belief in the importance of following the best examples of the way of our Prophet.
• Ijtihad: The use of reason and independent thought to interpret the Quran and Sunnah in the context of changing times and circumstances without fear of those who seek to control us in the name of the Prophet or God.

The month of Rabīʿ al-Awwal is a time for us to reflect on the Prophet’s life and teachings.

Let us use this time to unite around our shared beliefs and to work together to build a better world.

Let us apply the Prophet’s guidance to address contemporary issues and to promote justice, compassion, mercy, and tolerance.

Time to Think in Terms of Science and Reasoning

In today’s world, it is more important than ever for Muslims to think in terms of science and reasoning.

We need to be able to understand the world around us and to apply our knowledge to solve the challenges that we face and not wait for tomorrow and hide behind noble words like ‘Inshallah’.

The Prophet himself was a great thinker. He encouraged his followers to learn and to seek knowledge. He said, “Whoever travels in search of knowledge, he is in the path of Allah until he returns.”

We can learn from the Prophet’s example and strive to become a community of scientists and thinkers.

We can use our knowledge to make the world a better place for all.

Moving Away from Mindsets Stuck in the 6th Century

Unfortunately, some Muslims today are still stuck in mindsets that are stuck in the 6th century – a century before that of the Prophet as they have not only discarded the Prophets way they have further gone back to embrace ideas around flat earth, static earth whilst rejecting simple science and thinking.

These mindsets are often based on ignorance and superstition. They are harmful to the Muslim community and to the world at large – we should not only confront those who promote these regressive and ignorant mindsets but reject them but make sure they have limited influence on the minds of the most vulnerable at a time when the world marches forward into a new confident age of science, technology and reasoning.

We need to move away from these mindsets and embrace the values of science, reasoning, and critical thinking.

We need to be open to new ideas and perspectives. We need to be willing to question the status quo.

We can do this by educating ourselves and by exposing ourselves to new ideas – if we don’t if we keep playing ‘religion’ to keep each other down and divided then do not blame your children or grandchildren for leaving Islam and becoming atheists.

And no Mawlid is not haraam – it means birthday, this is how people measure ages, if it means we celebrate our or anothers birthday it is fine. I will celebrate Mawlid by re-reading the wonderful book ‘Leadership of Muhammad’ by Professor Joel Hayward.

Mohammed Abbasi