A Jurisprudential Analysis of Mawlid un-Nabi: Examining the Classical and Contemporary Debates on Religious Innovation (Bid'ah)
I. Introduction: Framing the Scope of the Dispute The commemoration of Mawlid un-Nabi , the birthday of the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him), traditionally observed on the 12th of Rabi' al-Awwal, represents one of the most significant and enduring jurisprudential disputes in the Islamic world. This practice is understood as a collective, annual observance intended to express reverence for the Messenger of God. However, a critical historical reality underlines the debate: this celebration was not documented or practiced during the era of the Prophet, the Companions ( Sahābah ), or the first two succeeding generations of Muslims ( Tābi‘ūn and Taba‘ Tābi‘ūn ). The practice subsequently gained prominence much later, notably institutionalized under the Fatimid dynasty and later formalized during the Ayyubid period as a popular spiritual gathering. The Central Conflict: Worship ( ’Ibādah ) versus Means ( Wasā’il ) The legal conflict hinges primarily on how ...