In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful

Mawlid of the Prophet ﷺ (In the Light of Hadith)

Fasting on Monday in Relation to the Birth of the Prophet ﷺ

Abu Qatadah رضي الله عنه reported that the Messenger of Allah ﷺ was asked about fasting on Monday. He ﷺ said:
“That is the day on which I was born, and the day on which I was commissioned (as a Prophet), or the day on which revelation was sent down to me.”
(Sahih Muslim)

The intention of the Prophet ﷺ was that, in gratitude for his birth and for being honoured with Prophethood, he would fast on Monday. Thus, the Sunnah way of observing the day of Mawlid of the Prophet ﷺ is to fast on that day. Apart from this, no other example is found in the lives of the Prophet ﷺ and the Companions رضي الله عنهم regarding its observance.

In matters of religion, whatever method we adopt and whatever deeds we perform, the fundamental objective should be to seek the pleasure of Allah by following the way of life of the Messenger ﷺ. By adhering to his Sunnah, we express our love for him ﷺ, and that love increases — which is an essential part of a believer’s faith.

Warning Against Introducing Innovations After the Prophet ﷺ

Ibn ʿAbbas رضي الله عنه reported that the Messenger of Allah ﷺ once stood to deliver an admonition and said:
“On the Day of Resurrection, some people from my Ummah will be brought and taken towards the left. I will say: ‘O my Lord! They are my companions.’ It will be said: ‘You do not know what they introduced after you.’ Then I will say as the righteous servant (ʿIsa عليه السلام) said: ‘I was a witness over them while I remained among them…’ (al-Ma'idah 117). Then it will be said to me: ‘These people turned back on their heels after you departed from them.’”
(Sahih al-Bukhari; Sahih Muslim)

The best way to express love for the Messenger of Allah ﷺ is to act upon his teachings and guidance. He ﷺ loved his Ummah deeply, and his knowledge among mankind was the most complete. Therefore, if there had been any better method for attaining progress in religion and earning the pleasure of Allah and His Messenger ﷺ, he would certainly have taught it.

Since he ﷺ did not prescribe additional practices, one should refrain from introducing extra religious acts. In reality, sectarianism has caused significant harm to the religion. Some people judge every matter — even Hadith — based on whether it aligns with their sect, while others abandon authentic Hadith out of opposition to other groups. The true criterion should be whether we are following authentic Hadith or not.

We pray to Allah that He grants us the ability to live according to the Quran and authentic Hadith. Ameen.