Mawlid, The Expression of Gratitude

Mawlid is derived from the Arabic root word walada (ولد‎), meaning to give birth, bear a child, descendant. In contemporary usage, Mawlid refers to the observance of the birthday of prophet Muhammad. The oldest Mawlid text is claimed to be from the 12th century and most likely is of Persian origin.

The main significance of the celebration is an expression of love for the Prophet. In the Muslim world, the majority of Islamic scholars are in favor of Mawlid except for the Wahabis and Salafists (most scholar from Saudi Arabia) who say it is an improper innovation and thus, forbid its celebration.

For my understanding, celebration of Mawlid is not only an expression of love for the prophet but also an expression of our gratitude for God has sent prophet Muhammad for mankind. In hadith Qudsi God states - Lao laka lama khalaqtul aflaaq ( O Prophet, I would not have created anything if I had not created you). This hadith is not speaking about Muhamad as physical birth and appearance, but in his primordial existence.

In other hadith, it is also stated, ”Awaluma khalaq Allah noori” (God first created my Light). And the Prophet hastens to add - ana min noorillah kullu shayyim min noori (I am from God’s Light and everything has been created from my Light).

The celebration of Mawlid is an expression of our love, our gratitude and our yearning to our origin, which is God.

“Allahumma salli `ala muhammad wa ali muhammad.”