Although the Mawlid is by no means exclusive to “Sufis” or “Traditionalists”, I do know amongst Salafis it is an area of apprehension since it is thought of as a bid’ah. First of all, you should realize that the Mawlid was approved of by many great classical scholars from Ahl-us-Sunnah, including Ibn Hajar Al-Asqalaani, who is respected by all. Again, I have written about the differing viewpoints on innovation elsewhere, so this piece is merely a glimpse for those who are curious, as to what happens at “a mawlid” (scary music).

As I said, most Muslims all over the world do celebrate the Mawlid, and here in Jordan, the Salafis tend to simply hold talks on the Seerah of the Prophet sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam while the Sufis are more ceremonial. I myself did not attend this year’s Mawlid celebration at the zawiyah (nor the class held at my Quran school), not out of disrespect to the Prophet sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam, but because I was busy. I did, however, attend last year’s Mawlid, and here was my experience of that.

Now, I have heard of people who believe the Prophet visits them at the Mawlid, etc. but the one in Shaikh Nuh’s camp was quite “orthodox”. First off, the date is not strictly adhered to. They tend to have the Mawlid for the men on a certain day, the women and children’s Mawlid following.

Secondly, it is a time of happiness and love, of remembrance of the Prophet sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam, and a meditation of his virtues. There are poems read, nasheeds sung, of course the Burdah is recited. It is all very respectful and tame. Finally, there was a standing for his honor, but it was nothing crazy, merely symbolic. Overall, I felt satisfied with the result and think that once in a while we do need a beautiful reminder of the Best of Creation and be thankful to Allah for sending him to us. There were fresh flowers in the hall and beautiful scented candles lit. Alhamdulillaah, there was nothing cheesy or overly commercial. It was just…nice.

Again, I don’t feel it’s “fardh” on me to do the Mawlid, but I did like having the chance to attend one. To those who insist that we only remember the Prophet by reading books of hadeeth or fasting Mondays and Thursdays, I half agree with you, for of course, the best way to “love” the Prophet is to follow him. But in the end, I feel, if you do plan to be “romantic” or “ceremonial” about someone’s life, why not the Prophet’s?

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