کارشناسی ارشد مذاهب اسلامی، پژوهشگر مؤسسۀ دار الإعلام لمدرسة أهل البیت و استاد مرکز آموزش زبان و معارف اسلامی مدرسۀ المهدی وابسته به جامعة المصطفی العالمیة.
Abstract
The birthday of Prophet Muhammad (S) is one of the events that are celebrated by Muslim societies all over the world with a lot of Muslims taking part in the event and even giving away their property to thank Allah on his birth. Ibn Taymiyyah Harrani interpreting Sunnah and bid'ah in his own way considers these celebrations as a form of innovation in religion saying that Prophet (S) himself did not permit it, not mention that Muslim in the early period of Islam did not celebrate such occasions when there was nothing to impede them from doing so. According to him, those who celebrate birthdays and such other events are innovators in religion and they are, therefore, unbelievers. But it becomes clear through the verses of the Quran as well as narrations that Ibn Taymiyyah's claim is unfounded. That is because there are verses in the Quran which clearly state that the Prophet (S) is a mercy to the world and we should thank Allah and be happy for this divine blessing. Moreover, with reliance on the prophetic traditions, it is proved that expressing happiness on the occasion of the birthday of the Prophet (S) is desirable. The narration regarding the Prophet (S) fasting on Monday, concession in the punishment of Abu Lahab because of Thuwaybah's freedom when he informed about the birth of the Prophet (S) and the fast of the day of Ahsura all prove the desirability of this practice. In addition, when we look at the biography and conduct of religious scholars over the centuries, we find out that they attached special importance to celebrating the birthday of the Prophet (S), not to mention the fact that they have also written many books on the legitimacy of this practice.