Now, can the ceremonies the Muslims hold on the day the...

Now, can the ceremonies the Muslims hold on the day the Qur'an was revealed or on the birthday of the Prophet be considered as a sign of polytheism, or an innovation in religion ? Muslim's Life Style Muslims have for long been holding celebrations in the memory of the Prophet of Islam. Tarikh al-Khamis , a history book written by Husayn ibn. Muhammad Diyarbakri, mentions that Muslims all over the world celebrate the month in which the Prophet was born.

During the days they arrange banquets and at nights they pay the poor their dues, express their joy, do good deeds of different kinds, and read poems written on the occasion. They are showered in manifest blessing because of the Prophet's birthday. [1] The above statements convey the general verdict derived from the Quran and the Muslims way of life concerning the permissibility of holding celebrations in memory of the saints.

Thus, what comes to light is the baselessness of the claim of those who consider it an innovation in religion to hold celebrations for God's saints. Innovation in religion virtually means a behavior unsupported by the Quran and the Sunnah, whereas the general verdict for the question raised at the beginning can be derived from the Quran and the permanent life style of the Muslims.

The celebrations under discussion are held specifically in honor and praise of those who are meritorious servants of God and are believed to be in need of the Lord of the world. This is in conformity with the principle of Oneness of God. The claim of those who consider the commemorating of saints of God a cause for polytheism and duality is thus proved to be baseless. [1] Tarikh al-Khamis by Husayn b. Muhammad b. Hasan al-Diyarbakri, vol. 1,p. 223, Beirut Ed. Back Index Next Previous…