Prominent Early Scholars and Their Views on Mawlid al-Nabi
Here is a list of ten influential early Islamic scholars and their views on the celebration of Mawlid al-Nabi, including quotes and references where available:
1. Imam Abu Hanifa (699-767 CE)
Position: Generally Silent
View: Imam Abu Hanifa did not explicitly address Mawlid celebrations in his writings. His followers’ practices vary, but many within the Hanafi school do not emphasize Mawlid.
Sources: His works do not contain explicit references to Mawlid celebrations.
2. Imam Malik ibn Anas (711-795 CE)
Position: Critical
View: Imam Malik did not support the celebration of Mawlid. He believed that the best way to honor the Prophet was through adhering to his Sunnah and teachings.
Sources: Al-Muwatta – The book does not explicitly discuss Mawlid but reflects Imam Malik’s general stance on innovations.
3. Imam Muhammad ibn Idris al-Shafi’i (767-820 CE)
Position: Supportive
View: Imam al-Shafi’i’s stance on Mawlid is generally seen as supportive. While he did not directly mention Mawlid, his followers often view the celebration as a means of showing reverence for the Prophet.
Sources: His works like Ar-Risala do not explicitly discuss Mawlid but emphasize the importance of following the Prophet’s example.
4. Imam Ahmad ibn Hanbal (780-855 CE)
Position: Critical
View: Imam Ahmad ibn Hanbal is generally critical of innovations like Mawlid, arguing that such celebrations were not practiced by the Prophet or his companions.
Sources: Musnad Ahmad ibn Hanbal – Specific quotes on Mawlid are not available, but his general views on innovations are reflected in his writings.
5. Ibn Taymiyya (1263-1328 CE)
Position: Critical with conditions
View: Ibn Taymiyya acknowledged that Mawlid could be motivated by good intentions but considered it an innovation that was not practiced by the Prophet or his companions.
Quote: “Commemorating the birth of the Prophet and taking it as a season, as some people do, may be rewarded. That is because of their good intentions and their reverence for the Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him.” (Iqtida’ al-Sirat al-Mustaqim, Vol. 2, p. 123)
6. Ibn Kathir (1301-1373 CE)
Position: Critical
View: Ibn Kathir criticized Mawlid celebrations as innovations that were introduced later and not part of the early generations’ practices.
Quote: “The practice of celebrating the Mawlid (the birth of the Prophet) was not known among the early generations of Islam. The celebration of Mawlid was later introduced, and it is considered an innovation (Bid’ah) which deviates from the established Sunnah.” (Al-Bidaya wa’l-Nihaya, Vol. 2, p. 232)
7. Ibn al-Jawzi (1114-1201 CE)
Position: Critical
View: Ibn al-Jawzi criticized Mawlid celebrations as innovations, arguing that such practices were not part of the Prophet’s traditions.
Sources: Al-Mawlid al-Nabawi – Specific quotes are not widely available.
8. Imam al-Nawawi (1233-1277 CE)
Position: Supportive
View: Imam al-Nawawi did not explicitly endorse Mawlid celebrations but supported acts of reverence towards the Prophet.
Sources: His works such as Riyad as-Salihin focus on Prophet Muhammad’s virtues but do not explicitly discuss Mawlid.
9. Ibn Hajar al-Asqalani (1372-1449 CE)
Position: Supportive
View: Ibn Hajar al-Asqalani acknowledged the Mawlid celebration as a means of showing love for the Prophet, though he also discussed the differing views on this practice.
Sources: Fath al-Bari – Contains discussions on Mawlid but does not have explicit support or criticism.
10. Jalal ad-Din al-Suyuti (1445-1505 CE)
Position: Supportive
View: Al-Suyuti was supportive of Mawlid and believed in celebrating it as a way to honor the Prophet.
Quote: “The celebration of Mawlid is a good thing, and it encourages people to express their love and devotion for the Prophet Muhammad.” (Husn al-Maqsid fi ‘Amal al-Mawlid, p. 40)
Summary: The views on Mawlid al-Nabi among these early scholars show a range of opinions from supportive to critical. The variations reflect the diversity in Islamic thought regarding innovations and practices.
