The Proof of Mawlid

بِسۡمِ ٱللهِ ٱلرَّحۡمَـٰنِ ٱلرَّحِيمِ

The proof which Imam Shihab ad-Din Abu al-Fadhl Ahmad ibn ‘Ali ibn Hajr al-‘Asqalani (r.a.) derived for the observance of the Mawlid is that which is recorded in the Shaykhayn.  When the Prophet (s.a.w.) entered into Madina, he found the Jews fasting on the day of ‘Ashura’.  He asked them regarding this and they said, “This is the day Allah (s.w.t.) Drowned Fir’awn and Saved Musa.  Hence, we fast out of gratitude to Allah (s.w.t.).” 

Imam ibn Hajr (r.a.) mentioned, “It can be derived from this that the action of thankfulness to Allah (s.w.t.) for that which He has Blessed us with upon a particular day, in the Bestowal of a Blessing or Removal of a calamity and to observe this upon the same day every year is allowed.  This can be achieved through a number of varied ways of worshipping such as prayer, fasting, charity, and recitation.  Which blessing can be greater than the appearance of the Prophet (s.a.w.), the Prophet of Mercy, upon that day?” 

Imam ibn Hajr (r.a.) reinforced that which is necessary to do when gathering for the mawlid: It is necessary to understand that being grateful to Allah (s.w.t.) such as that which has already been mentioned in recitation, feeding others, poetry in praise of the Prophet (s.a.w.) which moves the hearts to perform good and to work for the Hereafter.  There is no harm in doing all of this as well as that which is allowed and brings happiness upon that day.