Who Was Ibn Taymiyya?
Ibn Taymiyya (661–728 AH / 1263–1328 CE) was a prominent Islamic scholar and theologian of the medieval period. He is widely respected for his contributions to Islamic jurisprudence, theology, and philosophy. Born in Harran (present-day Turkey), Ibn Taymiyya was known for his rigorous approach to Islamic scholarship and his advocacy for a return to the Quran and Sunnah (the teachings and practices of the Prophet Muhammad). He was a prolific writer and his works cover a wide range of Islamic topics, including jurisprudence, theology, and history.
What Was His Stand on Mawlid?
Ibn Taymiyya’s views on Mawlid (the celebration of the birth of the Prophet Muhammad) are often cited in discussions about this practice in Islam. In his work “Iqtida’ al-Sirat al-Mustaqim,” he acknowledges the practice of commemorating the birth of the Prophet. He states:
“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.”
In this context, Ibn Taymiyya suggests that the intention behind celebrating Mawlid and the respect shown to the Prophet may lead to rewards, acknowledging the positive aspects of such commemorations even while noting that different interpretations exist within the Islamic tradition.
