Grand Mufti Sheikh Abdul Azīz Al Asheikh has warned against celebrating the birthday of the Prophet (Sal'laℓLāhu Alayhi Wa Sallam), saying that it is a superstitious practice that was illegally added to the religion.
“It is a bid'a (a sinful religious innovation) that crept into Islām after the first three centuries when the companions and successors of the companions lived.”
Instead, it is obligatory for Muslims to follow the Prophet’s teachings as contained in the Sunnah, the sheikh said in his Friday congregational sermon at the Imām Turki bin AbduℓLāh mosque in Riyādh.
The sheikh said that those who urge others to celebrate the birthday of the Prophet are evil and corrupt. “The true love of the Messenger of Allāh (Sal'laℓLāhu Alayhi Wa Sallam) is manifested by following in his footsteps and supporting his Sunnah ... that is how the love for the Prophet (Sal'laℓLāhu Alayhi Wa Sallam) is expressed.”
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He said Almighty Allāh has said: “Say: ‘If you do love Allāh, follow me: Allāh will love you and forgive your sins.’” Muslims have a duty to believe in the Prophet (Sal'laℓLāhu Alayhi Wa Sallam) as the servant and messenger of Allāh, who was sent as a guide to the entire universe, Al-Asheikh said.
It is the duty of Muslims to love and respect him. They should also defend him against those who misinterpret his teachings, the atheists who deny him, and those who abuse or mock him. These are the duties of Muslims who truly love the Prophet (Sal'laℓLāhu Alayhi Wa Sallam), the sheikh said.
He said that Almighty Allāh states in the Holy Qur’ān: “Say: If it be that your fathers, your sons, your brothers, your mates, or your kindred; the wealth that you have gained; the commerce in which you fear a decline; or the dwellings in which you delight, are dearer to you than Allāh, or His messenger, or the striving in His cause, then wait until Allāh brings about His decision, and Allāh guides not the
rebellious.”
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Source: © Arab News site
