To celebrate the Milad of the Holy Prophet Sallallahu Alaihi wa Sallam is not an innovation but rather a way established by the companions. The Holy Prophet Sallallahu Alaihi wa Sallam himself along with many of his companions used to Fast on Mondays to commemorate his birth and the arrival of the first Revelation.
Hazrat Ka’ab Ahbar RadiyAllahu Anhu, before entering into the folds of Islam, was a Jew and a renowned scholar of the Torah which was revealed upon Hazrat Moosa Alaihis Salaam. The companions used to approach him and ask him to recite the verses from the Torah which highlighted the blessed qualities of the Final Prophet Sallallahu Alaihi wa Sallam. Hazrat Ka’ab would take them home and recite the verses with much love and enthusiasm and the companions would then praise Allah Almighty for bestowing them with such a bounty.
Once the Holy Prophet Sallallahu Alaihi wa Sallam emerged from his house and found the companions sat in a gathering. He asked, ‘What are you doing?’ They replied, ‘We are praising our Lord, who only by His favour blessed us with Islam and His Beloved Prophet Sallallahu Alaihi wa Sallam.’ Upon this RasoolAllah Sallallahu Alaihi wa Sallam said, ‘Allah Almighty is expressing Pride upon His angels about you.’
Hazrat Abdullah bin Abbas RadiyAllahu Anhuma reports, ‘Some companions were sat talking about the different Prophets of Allah Almighty. One of them said, ‘Ibrahim Alaihis Salaam is the Khaleel of Allah (Friend of Allah)’, the other said, ‘Moosa Alaihis Salaam is the Kaleem of Allah (Spoke to Allah)’, the third one said, ‘Isa Alaihis Salaam is Kalimatullah’, the fourth one said, ‘Adam Alaihis Salaam is Safiullah’. Just then the Holy Prophet Sallallahu Alaihi wa Sallam arrived and said, ‘I have heard your conversation and indeed you all have spoken the truth, but listen, I am the Beloved of Allah, and I don’t say this out of pride.’
Thus to organise a gathering to praise Allah Almighty and His Beloved Prophet Sallallahu Alaihi wa Sallam is not an innovation but the Sunnah of the companions.
Hazrat Ka’ab Ahbar RadiyAllahu Anhu, before entering into the folds of Islam, was a Jew and a renowned scholar of the Torah which was revealed upon Hazrat Moosa Alaihis Salaam. The companions used to approach him and ask him to recite the verses from the Torah which highlighted the blessed qualities of the Final Prophet Sallallahu Alaihi wa Sallam. Hazrat Ka’ab would take them home and recite the verses with much love and enthusiasm and the companions would then praise Allah Almighty for bestowing them with such a bounty.
Once the Holy Prophet Sallallahu Alaihi wa Sallam emerged from his house and found the companions sat in a gathering. He asked, ‘What are you doing?’ They replied, ‘We are praising our Lord, who only by His favour blessed us with Islam and His Beloved Prophet Sallallahu Alaihi wa Sallam.’ Upon this RasoolAllah Sallallahu Alaihi wa Sallam said, ‘Allah Almighty is expressing Pride upon His angels about you.’
Hazrat Abdullah bin Abbas RadiyAllahu Anhuma reports, ‘Some companions were sat talking about the different Prophets of Allah Almighty. One of them said, ‘Ibrahim Alaihis Salaam is the Khaleel of Allah (Friend of Allah)’, the other said, ‘Moosa Alaihis Salaam is the Kaleem of Allah (Spoke to Allah)’, the third one said, ‘Isa Alaihis Salaam is Kalimatullah’, the fourth one said, ‘Adam Alaihis Salaam is Safiullah’. Just then the Holy Prophet Sallallahu Alaihi wa Sallam arrived and said, ‘I have heard your conversation and indeed you all have spoken the truth, but listen, I am the Beloved of Allah, and I don’t say this out of pride.’
Thus to organise a gathering to praise Allah Almighty and His Beloved Prophet Sallallahu Alaihi wa Sallam is not an innovation but the Sunnah of the companions.
THE BEGINNING OF THE CELEBRATION OF MEELAD SHAREEF
As we all know as matter of fact, that when ever people want to promote and advance their ways, they pave the way to spread their falsehood among the Muslims masses and those who have very limited knowledge by misquoting what the Imams of Islam have stated or written. It is alleged by those people who disagreewith Meelad that Imam Ibn Kathir (radi Allahu anhu) stated in his book "Al-Bi'dayah Wa Ni'hayah" in Vol.11, p. 172 the following: "It was the Fatimy Government which ruled Egypt from 357-567 who was responsible for the celebration of Meelad".
We say in reply to the above that after having consulted the above reference we found that it was a sheer lie, for we read that page and we found that the above is but allegations, deceit and dishonesty when quoting the renowned scholars of Islam. However, if they insist on the above, we demand that they produce it before us if there is any truth in what they allege!
Allow me now to quote before you what Imam Ibn Kathir (radi Allahu anhu) has actually said in the same book "Al-Bi'dayah" Vol.13, p. 136: "Sultan Muzaffar used to arrange the celebration of the Meelad Shareef with honour, glory, dignity and grandeur. In this connection he used to organise a magnificent festival". Then he said in praise of that man: "He was a pure-hearted, brave and wise Aalim (Scholar) and a just ruler, may Allah shower His Mercy upon him and grant him an exalted status."
Shaikh Abu-Khattab Ibn Dihyah (radi Allahu anhu) also wrote a book for him on the Meelad Shareef entitled "Enlightenment on the Birthday of the Bearer of Good News, the Warner". For this book Sultan Muzaffar awarded him a gift of one thousand Dinars. He then said: "Every year his expenditure on the Meelad Shareef amounted to three hundred thousand Dinars".
Examine carefully, dear brother/sister, such praise which has been conferred by Ibn Kathir upon that man, where he described him as "a wise Aalim, brave and pure-hearted" and then concluded by saying "may Allah shower his Mercy upon him and grant him an exalted status". He did not say he was a corrupt or evil, he did not say he was committing "Bid'ah" or deeds which leads a person to be doomed, as it is alleged by those who reject the celebration of Meelad Shareef.
I refer you to that very reference which has been quoted to read further for yourselves what Imam Ibn Kathir (radi Allahu anhu) has added in praise of this Sultan.
I would strongly recommend as well that you consult what Imam Zahabi (radi Allahu anhu) in his book "Biography of the Elites", Vol. 22, p. 336 has said in description of this Sultan: "Sultan Al-Muzaffar was humble, generous, follower of the Prophet's way and he liked the scholars and narrators of Hadith".
POINT TWO
VIEWPOINT OF THE IMAMS OF THE MUSLIM UMMAH ON THE CELEBRATION OF MEELAD SHAREEF
Imam Al-Hafiz Al-Suyuti (radi Allahu anhu) in his famous book "Al-Hawii Lil-Fatawii" allocated a special chapter on that topic and named it"The Excellence of Objective in Celebrating the Mawlid" where he said: The question under consideration is what the verdict of the Shari'ah on celebrating the Holy Birthday of the Noble Prophet during the month of Rabbi-ul-Awwal. From the point of view of Shari'ah is this a praiseworthy action or a blameworthy one? And do those who arrange such celebration receive blessings or not?
He said: "The reply to this question is that in my view the Meelad Shareef (Celebration of the Birthday of the Noble Prophet - sallal laahu alaihi wasallam - is in fact such an occasion of happiness on which people assemble and recite the Holy Qu'ran to the extent that is easy. Then they relate the prophecies concerning the appearance of the Noble Prophet (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) that have been transmitted in Ahadith and Athar, and the miraculous events and signs that took place on his birth. Then food is set before them and according to their desire they partake thereof to satisfaction. This festival of celebrating the birthday of the Noble Prophet is a Bid'ah Hasanah (good innovation) and those arranging it will get blessing, since in such a celebration is found the expression of joy and happiness at the greatness and eminence of the Noble Prophet (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) and his birth".
Even Ibn Tay'miah said in his book "Necessity of the Right Path", p. 266, 5th line from the bottom of that page, published by Dar Al-Hadith, the following: "As far as what people do during the Meelad, either as a rival celebration to that which the Christian do during the time of Christ's birthday or as an expression of their love and admiration and a sign of praise for the Noble Prophet, Allah will surely reward them for such Ij'tiha". He then said: "Although Meelad was not practised by (Salaf), they should have done so since there was no objection against it from the Shari'ah point of view".
And we certainly only celebrate Meelad out of love and admiration to the Prophet of all Mankind.
Al-Hafiz Ibn Hajar (radi Allahu anhu) was asked, same reference of Imam Suyuti (radi Allahu anhu), about Meelad Shareef. His reply was: "Meelad Shareef is, in fact, and innovation, which was not transmitted from any pious predecessor in the first three centuries. Nevertheless, both acts of virtue as well as acts of abomination are found in it (i.e. sometimes acts of virtue are found therein and sometimes acts of abomination). If in the Meelad Shareef only acts of virtue are done and acts of abomination are abstained from, then the Meelad Shareef is a Bid'ah Hasanah (good innovation), otherwise not." He then added "... to do any virtuous act and to observe it annually as means of recollection for any special day on which Allah Ta'ala has bestowed any favour or removed any calamity is a form of showing gratitude to Allah. Gratitude to Allah Ta'ala is expressed through different kinds of Ibaadah (worship) -prostration and standing in prayer, charity and recitation of the Holy Qu'ran. And what is a greater favour from Allah can there be than the appearance of the Prophet of Mercy (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) on this day (i.e. 12th of Rabbi-ul-Awwal)?"
Some people do not limit it and celebrate the Meelad Shareef on any day of Rabbi-ul-Awwal. Nay, some people have extended it even more and increased the period to the whole year. According to the latter, the Meelad Shareef can be celebrated on any day of the year. The objective here is the same, i.e. to rejoice at and celebrate the Holy Birth of the Noble Prophet (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam).
Imam Abu-Bakr Abdullah Al-Demashqi (radi Allahu anhu) compiled a number of books on the subject and called them "Collection of Traditions on the Birth of the Chosen Prophet", "The Pure Expression on the Birthday of the Best of Creations" and "The Spring for the Thirsty One on the Birth of the Rightly Guided".
Imam Al-Hafiz Al-Iraqi (radi Allahu anhu) wrote a book and called it "The Pure Spring on the Sublime Birth".
Imam Ibn Dahyah (radi Allahu anhu) wrote a book and called it "Enlightenment on the Birthday of the Bearer of Good News, The Warner".
Imam Mulla Ali Qari (radi Allahu anhu) wrote a book and called it "The Quenching Spring on the Birthday of the Prophet".
Imam Shams Ul-Din bin Naser Al-Dumashqi (radi Allahu anhu), said in his book "The Spring for the Thirsty One on the Birth of the Rightly Guided" about the story of Abu Lahab that he will receive a light punishment every Monday for expressing joy at the birth of the Noble Prophet (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) on that day. The Imam said the following verse of poetry, the translation of the above is:
If such Kafir was denounced in the (Qur'an)
And perished are his hands, and in the Flames is his eternal abode
It is narrated that every Monday
His torment is made easy for his Joy at the Birth of Ahmad
What is the expectation then of a servant who spent all his life
Happy with the Arrival of Ahmad and died on the Oneness of Allah.
Imam Shams Ul-Din Ibn al-Jazri (radi Allahu anhu), the Imam of Reciters, wrote a book and named it "The Scent of Notification on the Blessed Birthday".
Imam Al-Hafiz Ibn Al-Jawzi (radi Allahu anhu), said in the description of Meelad: "Peace and Tranquillity takes over during that year and a good glad tiding to obtain your wish and inspiration".
Imam Abu-Shamah, The Sheik of Al Hafiz Al Nawawi (radi Allahu anhuma), said: "The best of the innovations of our times is what is carried out on the day of corresponding to the birthday of our Beloved Prophet (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam), where people give out donations, practice what is right, express their joy and happiness, in doing so is surely a sign of love and admiration for the Prophet (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam)".
Imam Al-Hafiz Al-Qastalani (radi Allahu anhu), who gave commentary on Sahih Bukhari, said: "May Allah shower his Mercy upon a person who takes the days of the month of Rabbi-ul-Awwal, in which the Noble Prophet (radi Allahu anhu) was born, as days of feast and celebration for doing so is the best cure for the heart of an ailing person."
Following all of the above, there is yet another false accusation, i.e. THOSE WHO OPPOSE MEELAD SHAREEF CLAIM THAT IF MEELAD WAS PART OF "DEEN", THEN SURELY THE PROPHET (SALLAL LAAHU ALAIHI WASALLAM) WOULD HAVE DONE IT HIMSELF AND HE WOULD HAVE MADE IT CLEAR FOR THE PEOPLE TO CELEBRATE IT?
THE REPLY IS:
Not everything which the Prophet or his Companions did not do would ultimately make things "Haraam". Since the Prophet (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) himself said: "He who introduces a new good Sunnah in Islam will be rewarded for it ..."
Imam Shafi'i (radi Allahu anhu) said: "Anything which enjoys the backing of Shari'ah cannot be an innovation even if the Companions did not practice it, because their abstention from doing something may have been due to a particular reason which was there at that time, or they have left it to something which happens to be better, or perhaps news about a particular them did not reach them all".
Therefore, whosoever alleges that this thing is Haraam on the basis that the Noble Prophet (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) did not practice it, then surely he has alleged something which has no foundation or backing in Shari'ah and thus his allegation is refuted and rejected.
FINALLY
It should be noted that, according to your allegations you have stated, i.e. That every person who innovates or brings about into action that which the Prophet or the Companion did not do, means that this person has in fact introduced something bad into the religion, will be interpreted that the Prophet (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) did not fulfil "the Deen" for his "Umah" and the Prophet (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) did not convey what was ought to be conveyed to the Muslims! and whoever believes in that is a "Kaafir".
We say, "We condemn you from your own words", because you have brought and practised so many innovation which the Prophet (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) or the Companions never practised nor preached, not even "Salaf" ever do them.
To name just a few and not all:
To gather collectively the Muslims to pray behind one Imam during "Tarawih Prayers", at the two Sacred Mosques and other Mosques.
Reading the "Du's" at the conclusion of finishing the recitation of the Holy Qur'an during "Tarawih Prayers" and "Tahajjud Prayers".
Allocating the 27th night of Ramadaan to recite the whole Quran at the two Sacred Mosques.
The Caller for Azaan saying when announcing to the people the commencement of the Tarawih Prayers the following, "Raise up for Tarawih Prayers, May Allah reward you".
Claiming that "Tarawih Prayers or Divinity" is divided into three Parts.
Is this a Prophetic saying, or the saying of one of the Companions or of the Four Imams? And many other things such as the formation of the committees for "Enjoying what is Good and Forbidding what is Evil", establishment of universities, Association for memorisation of the Holy Quran, Offices of Dawah and "Special Week of Masha'yekh". Hence, we do not raise objections to these things since they are in place for serving Islam. Let us add that these things are all "Bid'ah" but we acknowledge that they are "good Bid'ah".
REFUTATION OF THE FINAL OBJECTION?
It is alleged that since the Birthday of the Prophet (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) is the same as his demise, therefore, expressing joy on that day is no better than expressing grieve over his demise and if the religion of Islam was to be applied on the basis of one's opinion, then we are bound to show grief during this day and not happiness!
I will leave the rebut of such crooked argument to none other than Imam Suyuti (radi Allahu anhu) himself, where he said in his famous book "Al-Hawaii Lil-Fatawii", p. 193, the following: "The birthday of the Noble Prophet (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) is the greatest favour of Allah granted to us, and that his demise is the greatest affliction for us. However, Shari'ah has encouraged us to show gratitude for favours and has taught us to observe patient perserverence, silence and calm in the face of afflictions. The Shari'ah has ordered us to offer "Aqiqa" on the birth of a child which is an expression of happiness and gratitude for favours and has taught us to observe patience, silence and calm in the face of afflictions. But the Shari'ah has not ordered us to sacrifice an animal on the death of someone nor to do such action. On the contrary, it has prohibited wailing and lamentation. Thus, the laws of Shari'ah indicate that to exhibit happiness in this Holy month in connection with the birth of the Noble Prophet (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam), is better than showing grief at his demise."
CONCLUSION
The Noble Prophet (sallal laahu alaihi wasalalm) foretold about the coming of such people in the Hadith narrated by "Abu-Yaa'li" on the authority of "Huzaifah" who said:
The Noble Prophet (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) said: "What I fear most for you, is a man who reads the Qur'an until such time when the blessing of Qur'an is reflected on him and he takes Islam as his Cloak ... he then turns around and strips himself off from Islam and then tosses it away behind his back, then he heads quickly towards his neighbour with his sword unsheathed and he calls him a 'Mushrik'" I said: "O, Prophet of Allah! Who is more worthy of being called a Mushrik the one being attacked or the attacker". He replied, "It is indeed the attacker."
To end this research on a happy note let me draw your attention to the following Hadith: The Noble Prophet (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) has himself indicated the excellence of this great month and day in reply to a questioner. When the questioner wanted to find out about fasting on Mondays, the Noble Prophet (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) replied: "That is the day on which I was BORN".
As we all know as matter of fact, that when ever people want to promote and advance their ways, they pave the way to spread their falsehood among the Muslims masses and those who have very limited knowledge by misquoting what the Imams of Islam have stated or written. It is alleged by those people who disagreewith Meelad that Imam Ibn Kathir (radi Allahu anhu) stated in his book "Al-Bi'dayah Wa Ni'hayah" in Vol.11, p. 172 the following: "It was the Fatimy Government which ruled Egypt from 357-567 who was responsible for the celebration of Meelad".
We say in reply to the above that after having consulted the above reference we found that it was a sheer lie, for we read that page and we found that the above is but allegations, deceit and dishonesty when quoting the renowned scholars of Islam. However, if they insist on the above, we demand that they produce it before us if there is any truth in what they allege!
Allow me now to quote before you what Imam Ibn Kathir (radi Allahu anhu) has actually said in the same book "Al-Bi'dayah" Vol.13, p. 136: "Sultan Muzaffar used to arrange the celebration of the Meelad Shareef with honour, glory, dignity and grandeur. In this connection he used to organise a magnificent festival". Then he said in praise of that man: "He was a pure-hearted, brave and wise Aalim (Scholar) and a just ruler, may Allah shower His Mercy upon him and grant him an exalted status."
Shaikh Abu-Khattab Ibn Dihyah (radi Allahu anhu) also wrote a book for him on the Meelad Shareef entitled "Enlightenment on the Birthday of the Bearer of Good News, the Warner". For this book Sultan Muzaffar awarded him a gift of one thousand Dinars. He then said: "Every year his expenditure on the Meelad Shareef amounted to three hundred thousand Dinars".
Examine carefully, dear brother/sister, such praise which has been conferred by Ibn Kathir upon that man, where he described him as "a wise Aalim, brave and pure-hearted" and then concluded by saying "may Allah shower his Mercy upon him and grant him an exalted status". He did not say he was a corrupt or evil, he did not say he was committing "Bid'ah" or deeds which leads a person to be doomed, as it is alleged by those who reject the celebration of Meelad Shareef.
I refer you to that very reference which has been quoted to read further for yourselves what Imam Ibn Kathir (radi Allahu anhu) has added in praise of this Sultan.
I would strongly recommend as well that you consult what Imam Zahabi (radi Allahu anhu) in his book "Biography of the Elites", Vol. 22, p. 336 has said in description of this Sultan: "Sultan Al-Muzaffar was humble, generous, follower of the Prophet's way and he liked the scholars and narrators of Hadith".
POINT TWO
VIEWPOINT OF THE IMAMS OF THE MUSLIM UMMAH ON THE CELEBRATION OF MEELAD SHAREEF
Imam Al-Hafiz Al-Suyuti (radi Allahu anhu) in his famous book "Al-Hawii Lil-Fatawii" allocated a special chapter on that topic and named it"The Excellence of Objective in Celebrating the Mawlid" where he said: The question under consideration is what the verdict of the Shari'ah on celebrating the Holy Birthday of the Noble Prophet during the month of Rabbi-ul-Awwal. From the point of view of Shari'ah is this a praiseworthy action or a blameworthy one? And do those who arrange such celebration receive blessings or not?
He said: "The reply to this question is that in my view the Meelad Shareef (Celebration of the Birthday of the Noble Prophet - sallal laahu alaihi wasallam - is in fact such an occasion of happiness on which people assemble and recite the Holy Qu'ran to the extent that is easy. Then they relate the prophecies concerning the appearance of the Noble Prophet (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) that have been transmitted in Ahadith and Athar, and the miraculous events and signs that took place on his birth. Then food is set before them and according to their desire they partake thereof to satisfaction. This festival of celebrating the birthday of the Noble Prophet is a Bid'ah Hasanah (good innovation) and those arranging it will get blessing, since in such a celebration is found the expression of joy and happiness at the greatness and eminence of the Noble Prophet (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) and his birth".
Even Ibn Tay'miah said in his book "Necessity of the Right Path", p. 266, 5th line from the bottom of that page, published by Dar Al-Hadith, the following: "As far as what people do during the Meelad, either as a rival celebration to that which the Christian do during the time of Christ's birthday or as an expression of their love and admiration and a sign of praise for the Noble Prophet, Allah will surely reward them for such Ij'tiha". He then said: "Although Meelad was not practised by (Salaf), they should have done so since there was no objection against it from the Shari'ah point of view".
And we certainly only celebrate Meelad out of love and admiration to the Prophet of all Mankind.
Al-Hafiz Ibn Hajar (radi Allahu anhu) was asked, same reference of Imam Suyuti (radi Allahu anhu), about Meelad Shareef. His reply was: "Meelad Shareef is, in fact, and innovation, which was not transmitted from any pious predecessor in the first three centuries. Nevertheless, both acts of virtue as well as acts of abomination are found in it (i.e. sometimes acts of virtue are found therein and sometimes acts of abomination). If in the Meelad Shareef only acts of virtue are done and acts of abomination are abstained from, then the Meelad Shareef is a Bid'ah Hasanah (good innovation), otherwise not." He then added "... to do any virtuous act and to observe it annually as means of recollection for any special day on which Allah Ta'ala has bestowed any favour or removed any calamity is a form of showing gratitude to Allah. Gratitude to Allah Ta'ala is expressed through different kinds of Ibaadah (worship) -prostration and standing in prayer, charity and recitation of the Holy Qu'ran. And what is a greater favour from Allah can there be than the appearance of the Prophet of Mercy (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) on this day (i.e. 12th of Rabbi-ul-Awwal)?"
Some people do not limit it and celebrate the Meelad Shareef on any day of Rabbi-ul-Awwal. Nay, some people have extended it even more and increased the period to the whole year. According to the latter, the Meelad Shareef can be celebrated on any day of the year. The objective here is the same, i.e. to rejoice at and celebrate the Holy Birth of the Noble Prophet (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam).
Imam Abu-Bakr Abdullah Al-Demashqi (radi Allahu anhu) compiled a number of books on the subject and called them "Collection of Traditions on the Birth of the Chosen Prophet", "The Pure Expression on the Birthday of the Best of Creations" and "The Spring for the Thirsty One on the Birth of the Rightly Guided".
Imam Al-Hafiz Al-Iraqi (radi Allahu anhu) wrote a book and called it "The Pure Spring on the Sublime Birth".
Imam Ibn Dahyah (radi Allahu anhu) wrote a book and called it "Enlightenment on the Birthday of the Bearer of Good News, The Warner".
Imam Mulla Ali Qari (radi Allahu anhu) wrote a book and called it "The Quenching Spring on the Birthday of the Prophet".
Imam Shams Ul-Din bin Naser Al-Dumashqi (radi Allahu anhu), said in his book "The Spring for the Thirsty One on the Birth of the Rightly Guided" about the story of Abu Lahab that he will receive a light punishment every Monday for expressing joy at the birth of the Noble Prophet (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) on that day. The Imam said the following verse of poetry, the translation of the above is:
If such Kafir was denounced in the (Qur'an)
And perished are his hands, and in the Flames is his eternal abode
It is narrated that every Monday
His torment is made easy for his Joy at the Birth of Ahmad
What is the expectation then of a servant who spent all his life
Happy with the Arrival of Ahmad and died on the Oneness of Allah.
Imam Shams Ul-Din Ibn al-Jazri (radi Allahu anhu), the Imam of Reciters, wrote a book and named it "The Scent of Notification on the Blessed Birthday".
Imam Al-Hafiz Ibn Al-Jawzi (radi Allahu anhu), said in the description of Meelad: "Peace and Tranquillity takes over during that year and a good glad tiding to obtain your wish and inspiration".
Imam Abu-Shamah, The Sheik of Al Hafiz Al Nawawi (radi Allahu anhuma), said: "The best of the innovations of our times is what is carried out on the day of corresponding to the birthday of our Beloved Prophet (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam), where people give out donations, practice what is right, express their joy and happiness, in doing so is surely a sign of love and admiration for the Prophet (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam)".
Imam Al-Hafiz Al-Qastalani (radi Allahu anhu), who gave commentary on Sahih Bukhari, said: "May Allah shower his Mercy upon a person who takes the days of the month of Rabbi-ul-Awwal, in which the Noble Prophet (radi Allahu anhu) was born, as days of feast and celebration for doing so is the best cure for the heart of an ailing person."
Following all of the above, there is yet another false accusation, i.e. THOSE WHO OPPOSE MEELAD SHAREEF CLAIM THAT IF MEELAD WAS PART OF "DEEN", THEN SURELY THE PROPHET (SALLAL LAAHU ALAIHI WASALLAM) WOULD HAVE DONE IT HIMSELF AND HE WOULD HAVE MADE IT CLEAR FOR THE PEOPLE TO CELEBRATE IT?
THE REPLY IS:
Not everything which the Prophet or his Companions did not do would ultimately make things "Haraam". Since the Prophet (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) himself said: "He who introduces a new good Sunnah in Islam will be rewarded for it ..."
Imam Shafi'i (radi Allahu anhu) said: "Anything which enjoys the backing of Shari'ah cannot be an innovation even if the Companions did not practice it, because their abstention from doing something may have been due to a particular reason which was there at that time, or they have left it to something which happens to be better, or perhaps news about a particular them did not reach them all".
Therefore, whosoever alleges that this thing is Haraam on the basis that the Noble Prophet (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) did not practice it, then surely he has alleged something which has no foundation or backing in Shari'ah and thus his allegation is refuted and rejected.
FINALLY
It should be noted that, according to your allegations you have stated, i.e. That every person who innovates or brings about into action that which the Prophet or the Companion did not do, means that this person has in fact introduced something bad into the religion, will be interpreted that the Prophet (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) did not fulfil "the Deen" for his "Umah" and the Prophet (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) did not convey what was ought to be conveyed to the Muslims! and whoever believes in that is a "Kaafir".
We say, "We condemn you from your own words", because you have brought and practised so many innovation which the Prophet (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) or the Companions never practised nor preached, not even "Salaf" ever do them.
To name just a few and not all:
To gather collectively the Muslims to pray behind one Imam during "Tarawih Prayers", at the two Sacred Mosques and other Mosques.
Reading the "Du's" at the conclusion of finishing the recitation of the Holy Qur'an during "Tarawih Prayers" and "Tahajjud Prayers".
Allocating the 27th night of Ramadaan to recite the whole Quran at the two Sacred Mosques.
The Caller for Azaan saying when announcing to the people the commencement of the Tarawih Prayers the following, "Raise up for Tarawih Prayers, May Allah reward you".
Claiming that "Tarawih Prayers or Divinity" is divided into three Parts.
Is this a Prophetic saying, or the saying of one of the Companions or of the Four Imams? And many other things such as the formation of the committees for "Enjoying what is Good and Forbidding what is Evil", establishment of universities, Association for memorisation of the Holy Quran, Offices of Dawah and "Special Week of Masha'yekh". Hence, we do not raise objections to these things since they are in place for serving Islam. Let us add that these things are all "Bid'ah" but we acknowledge that they are "good Bid'ah".
REFUTATION OF THE FINAL OBJECTION?
It is alleged that since the Birthday of the Prophet (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) is the same as his demise, therefore, expressing joy on that day is no better than expressing grieve over his demise and if the religion of Islam was to be applied on the basis of one's opinion, then we are bound to show grief during this day and not happiness!
I will leave the rebut of such crooked argument to none other than Imam Suyuti (radi Allahu anhu) himself, where he said in his famous book "Al-Hawaii Lil-Fatawii", p. 193, the following: "The birthday of the Noble Prophet (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) is the greatest favour of Allah granted to us, and that his demise is the greatest affliction for us. However, Shari'ah has encouraged us to show gratitude for favours and has taught us to observe patient perserverence, silence and calm in the face of afflictions. The Shari'ah has ordered us to offer "Aqiqa" on the birth of a child which is an expression of happiness and gratitude for favours and has taught us to observe patience, silence and calm in the face of afflictions. But the Shari'ah has not ordered us to sacrifice an animal on the death of someone nor to do such action. On the contrary, it has prohibited wailing and lamentation. Thus, the laws of Shari'ah indicate that to exhibit happiness in this Holy month in connection with the birth of the Noble Prophet (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam), is better than showing grief at his demise."
CONCLUSION
The Noble Prophet (sallal laahu alaihi wasalalm) foretold about the coming of such people in the Hadith narrated by "Abu-Yaa'li" on the authority of "Huzaifah" who said:
The Noble Prophet (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) said: "What I fear most for you, is a man who reads the Qur'an until such time when the blessing of Qur'an is reflected on him and he takes Islam as his Cloak ... he then turns around and strips himself off from Islam and then tosses it away behind his back, then he heads quickly towards his neighbour with his sword unsheathed and he calls him a 'Mushrik'" I said: "O, Prophet of Allah! Who is more worthy of being called a Mushrik the one being attacked or the attacker". He replied, "It is indeed the attacker."
To end this research on a happy note let me draw your attention to the following Hadith: The Noble Prophet (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) has himself indicated the excellence of this great month and day in reply to a questioner. When the questioner wanted to find out about fasting on Mondays, the Noble Prophet (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) replied: "That is the day on which I was BORN".
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