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One of our brothers/sisters has asked this question:

Muhtarim Burhan Saheb !

Assalamo Alaikum !!

In continuation of my e-mail of today, kindly also let me know as to when and who initiated this innovation, as I am told it was non existent at least for 500 years after the prophet (saws). I have learnt, unauthentically, that there was some unpopular ruler and the sweet talking scholars at his court advised him to traditionalize the celebration of Milaad of Prophet (saws) in the same manner as the Christians do for Eesa ( A.S) and that this would win him great popularity with the people. Please shed some light with reference to context for the benefit of those who want to stay the right course. Jazakallah Khair!

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Answer:

When did milad start

In the name of Allah, We praise Him, seek His help and ask for His forgiveness. Whoever Allah guides none can misguide, and whoever He allows to fall astray, none can guide them aright. We bear witness that there is none worthy of worship but Allah Alone, and we bear witness that Muhammad (saws) is His slave-servant and the seal of His Messengers.

Beloved brother, because the concept and ritual of celebrating and commemorating the Prophet’s birthday is an innovation in the pure and perfect deen of Islam, and thus a manifest falsehood; and falsehoods never have a root or ground or evidence to stand upon….one cannot say with absolute conviction who exactly was responsible for initiating this innovation.

There are several stories and incidents whereby the commentators and historians through time have blamed some unjust rulers or even some unscrupulous ‘holy men’ for initiating this ritual….but as with every falsehood and innovation that has unfortunately crept into the deen, it is almost impossible for one to exact the blame on any specific time, or any specific place or person…or where and how it was started, or where and how the innovation took steam, or when, where and how exactly did the following of the innovation took on a religious connotation!

The All-Knowing, All-Wise Lord Alone has perfect and exact knowledge of who exactly is responsible for this and every innovation; and He more than suffices to bring the guilty ones to justice in His Majestic and Supreme Court on the Day of Resurrection.

Sahih Muslim Hadith 1885 Narrated by Jabir ibn Abdullah

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 (bida), and every innovation (bida) is an error.”

Sunan of Abu-Dawood Hadith 4515 Narrated by Ali ibn AbuTalib

That the Prophet of Allah (saws) said: “If anyone introduces an innovation (bida in religion), he will be responsible for it. If anyone introduces an innovation (bida) or gives shelter to a man who introduces an innovation (bida), he is cursed by Allah, by His Angels, and by all the people!”

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

Your brother and well wisher in Islam,

Burhan