The Mawlid

‘Ali ibn ‘Abd as-Sadiq said: “The (fast) is classified in different ways: for example, it may be an obligation; or may be makruh, like for example, (fasting) the day of the Mawlid, the Prophet’s birthday, may the peace and blessings of Allah be upon him. This (latter judgement) is recorded from Zarruq from one of the (‘ulama) who justifies this (judgement by arguing) that it is one of the ‘Eid days of the Muslims. Our Shaykh, Abu ‘Abdallah al-Qouri, has expressed his juristic preference for this (latter judgement).”
Useful point: The author of Mukhtasar Hawi as-Suyuti said: “If you were to ask: ‘Is not fasting the day of the Mawlid an expression of gratitude to Allah – given that it is the best of actions in His eyes and that the Bani Israel fasted on the day of ‘Ashura?’ one could answer by saying that: ‘This day is intended for relaxing, for spending more time with one’s family and for taking the opportunity of being with one’s children. Do you not see that the (‘ulama) in the east and west have instructed (the men) to release their wives and children (from any responsibilities on this day), and to sing qasidas and songs praising the Prophet – in order that they may appreciate subtle meanings (of the deen) and that their hearts be moved to perform good acts and actions for the next world. As for any other activities associated with this (celebration), however, such as (forms of) singing and amusement which might (normally) be disapproved of, then it should be made clear that there is no harm in joining in whatever is licit and lends to the atmosphere of joy on that day; but that whatever is haram or makruh is prohibited. By my life, why would one not (attempt to) put a stop to anything reprehensible?! why would one not want to assist and support the one, may the peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, who was sent to put a stop to such things?! Moreover which other night is greater than this night, the night when the sublime malakut was adorned, as the bride is adorned, for the bridegroom of the divine kingdom?!’ Al-Hafidh Shams ad-Din al-Jazari has related that he saw Abu Lahab in a dream and the latter was asked: ‘What is your state?’ He replied: ‘(I reside) in the Fire. However, my torment is alleviated a little on Monday nights, and I may sip water from these two fingers of mine, just this amount’ – and he indicated the tip of his finger. ‘This is because I freed Thuwaiba when she informed me of the good news of the Prophet, may the peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, and because she gave him to suck.’ If Abu Lahab, a kafir whom the Qur’an has censured, has been given a respite in the Fire – through the joy and happiness of the night of his Mawlid, may the peace and blessings be upon him, then how much greater must be the reward of someone from his umma, may the peace and blessings of Allah be upon him – someone who possesses tawhid, who is filled with joy by his Mawlid and who strives as much as possible to demonstrate his love for him, may the peace and blessings of Allah be upon him! By my life, his reward will be from the Noble and Generous Lord who will cause him to enter into the Gardens of Blessings.”
(From Mufeed al-’ibad a commentary by Ahmad ibn al-Bashir al-Qalawi ash-Shinqeeti on al-Murshid al-mu’een of ‘Abdalwahid ibn ‘Ashir, to be published as Islam in the School of Madinah)