‘Milaad’ basically means the birth of somebody.   I assume your question means the celebrations Muslims do today on the birthdays of the Prophet (saws) or some of the pious Muslims who have passed away.

You are absolutely right in stating this practice of celebrating birthdays,  be it the birthday of the Prophet (saws),  or be it the birthday of some pious people,  or even the birthday of one of our friends or relatives,  was something that was never done by the Messenger of Allah (saws) or  his noble companions.    This system of celebrating birthdays or ‘milaads’ is a pagan ritual and has unfortunately crept its way into Islam.

The best way to convince the people who are bent on celebrating the ‘milaads’ is to guide them to the Holy Quran,  and to guide them to the way or Sunnah of the Messenger of Allah (saws).   Tell them to prove it to you that the Messenger of Allah (saws) ever,  in his whole life,  celebrated the birthdays of any of the Prophets before him like Adam, Noah, Abraham, Moses,  Jesus,  or any other Prophet.   Ask them to prove it to you that the Messenger of Allah (saws) celebrated the birthdays of his family and friends.   The fact of the matter is that the Messenger of Allah (saws) never celebrated the milaad of anybody,   and thus if one celebrates the ‘milaad’ of the Messenger of Allah (saws) or any pious Muslim who is dead or alive,  it is nothing but an innovation (bidah) in Islam,  and it should be avoided.

Holy Quran Chapter 33 Surah Ahzab verse 21: There is indeed the best model for you to follow,  in the Messenger of Allah, for every such person looks forward to Allah and the Last Day, and remembers Allah much.

We are commanded by Allah to follow the example of the Messenger of Allah (saws).  Thus if the Prophet (saws) did something,  go ahead and do it without hesitation.   And if the Messenger of Allah (saws) did not do the act,  then stay far away from it.   This commandment is not for everybody,  but rather for one who fears and looks forward to Allah and the Last Day and remembers Allah much.

It has been reported in an authentic narration that the Prophet of Allah (saws) said:  “Whoever introduces a ‘bida’ (innovation) in this deen brought by me (saws),  it will be rejected.”

It has been reported by Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (r.a.) that the Prophet of Allah (saws) said: “If anyone introduces an innovation (in religion),  he will be responsible for it.   If anyone introduces an innovation or gives shelter to a man who introduces an innovation (in religion),  he is cursed by Allah,  by His angels,  and by all the people.”

It has been reported by Jabir ibn Abdullah (r.a.) in another authentic narration that the Prophet of Allah (saws) said in a sermon:  “The best speech is that which is embodied in the Book of Allah, the Al Quran;  and the best guidance is the guidance given by me, Mohamed (saws).   The most evil affairs are the innovations,  and every innovation is an error.”

Celebrating ‘milaads’ of the Prophet (saws),  of the pious Muslim leaders,  or of family and friends is nothing but an innovation,  and must be avoided by the believers.

And Allah Alone Knows Best,  and He is the Only Source of Strength.

May Allah guide you and us all to the Straight Path of Islam.

Whatever written of Truth and benefit is only due to Allah’s Assistance and Guidance, and whatever of error is of me.  Allah Alone Knows Best and He is the Only Source of Strength.

Your brother and well wisher in Islam,

Burhan