Eid Milad Un-Nabi

It is supposedly the birthday of Prophet Mohammad today (Sunnis and Shias celebrate it on different days). I am all for celebrating birthdays, as they are an integral part of many cultures and allow families to spend some quality time together. However, what I’m against is hypocrisy. Some of the Muslims think that celebrating birthdays is a “Bidah” (innovation) and are adamantly opposed to it. Still, they find no harm in making an exception when it comes to the birthday of the Prophet.

O you who have believed, why do you say what you do not do? 62:9

On my Facebook Feed, I am exposed to updates which portray Prophet Mohammad as the sole reason this Universe was created. This has absolutely no basis in the Quran. Now, let me remind you that Prophet Mohammad deserves no special importance compared to the the other Prophets. All the Prophets brought the same message (42:13), and so we are to treat them equally. The Quran repeatedly warns us against making distinctions between messengers:

Say: “We have believed in Allah and what has been revealed to us and what has been revealed to Ibraham and Ismael and Ishaq and Yaqoob and the Descendants and what was given to Musa and Eesa and what was given to the prophets from their Lord. We make no distinction between any of them, and we are Muslims for Him.” 2:136

The Messenger has believed in what was revealed to him from his Lord, and [so have] the believers. All of them have believed in Allah and His angels and His writings and His messengers, [saying], “We make no distinction between any of His messengers.” And they say, “We hear and we obey. [We seek] Your protection, our Lord, and to You is the [final] destination.” 2:285

But they who believe in Allah and His messengers and do not discriminate between any of them – to those He is going to give their rewards. And ever is Allah Forgiving and Merciful. 4:152

So, please, do not think of Prophet Mohammad as a pinnacle of Messengers. It is one thing to respect him, and totally another to idolize him. Did he not come to eradicate idolization? Yet, how ironic it is that on his own birthday, we deviate from his message and think that we are respecting him. Indulging in singing and listening to naats while completely oblivious to his message seems like a great disrespect to me. Don’t you think?

If you invoke them (anyone besides God), they do not hear your supplication; and if they heard, they would not respond to you. And on the Day of Resurrection they will deny your association. And none can inform you like [one] Acquainted [with all matters]. 35:14

In his own words, Prophet Mohammad said:

“I am not different from other  messengers, nor do I know what will be done with me or with you. I only follow that which is revealed to me, and I am not but a clear warner.” 46:9

This verse alone clears two major misconceptions:

One, that he did not consider himself as superior to other messengers. So, why should we?

Second, he did not know what would be done with you, so clearly he can’t intercede for you on your behalf. This notion is also supported by 2:48, 2:123, 2:254, 39:44, 43:86, 74:48.

So, if you will celebrate this day, celebrate it by pondering on the message he brought. Support his mission in propagating it. And, donate your money to a worthy cause. That seems like a befitting tribute to him!

A very happy Eid Milad Un-Nabi to you & your family! 🙂