Grand Mufti Sheikh Abdul Aziz Al-Asheikh has warned against celebrating the birthday of the Prophet of Islam, saying that it is a superstitious practice that was illegally added to the religion.
Arab News published the story on Saturday on its webpage.
“It is a Bida (a sinful religious innovation) that crept into Islam after the first three centuries when the companions and successors of the companions lived.”
Instead, it is obligatory for Muslims to follow the Prophet’s teachings as contained in the Sunnah, the Sheikh said in his Friday congregational sermon at the Imam Turki bin Abdullah mosque in Riyadh.
The Sheikh said that those who urge others to celebrate the birthday of the Prophet are evil and corrupt.
“The true love of the Messenger of Allah (pbuh) is manifested by following in his footsteps and supporting his Sunnah ... that is how the love for the Prophet (pbuh) is expressed.”
He said Almighty Allah has said: “Say: ‘If you do love Allah, follow me: Allah will love you and forgive your sins.’” Muslims have a duty to believe in the Prophet (pbuh) as the servant and messenger of Allah, who was sent as a guide to the entire universe, Al-Asheikh said.