- Sheikh Dr. Abdul Rahman Al-Sudais, Imam and Khateeb of Masjid al-Haram (Grand Mosque), spoke against Mawlid celebrations on 18 August 2026
- He said the practice is an innovation (bid’ah) with no basis in the Quran or Sunnah, and was never observed by the Prophet ï·º, his companions, or the rightly guided caliphs
- He said Mawlid gatherings today often include mixing of genders, extravagance, and singing, and that true love for the Prophet ï·º is shown by following his Sunnah, not by innovating
What Al-Sudais Said
In a lecture titled “A Clarification on the Ruling of Celebrating (Mawlid),” Sheikh Al-Sudais said Muslims are commanded to follow the Prophet ï·º and avoid introducing new matters into the religion. He quoted the Quran: “O you who believe, obey Allah and obey the Messenger and those in authority among you. And if you disagree over anything, refer it to Allah and the Messenger.”
He also quoted the Prophet ï·º: “Beware of newly invented matters, for every newly invented matter is a bid’ah, and every bid’ah is misguidance,” and: “Whoever lives among you will see many differences, so hold on to my Sunnah and the Sunnah of the rightly guided caliphs after me. Hold on to it tightly with your molar teeth. And beware of newly invented matters.”
Views of Early Islamic Scholars
Sheikh Al-Sudais referenced companions of the Prophet ï·º who spoke against religious innovation. Abdullah ibn Mas’ud said: “Follow and do not innovate, for you have been sufficed. Hold fast to the old way, for it is enough for you.” Umar ibn al-Khattab said: “Every innovation is misguidance, even if people see it as good.”
He also cited Imam Ibn Taymiyyah, who said: “If a season is taken as a religious season without basis in the Shariah, like celebrating nights of Rabi’ al-Awwal which they call ‘the Prophet’s birthday,’ it is an innovation that was never practiced by the pious predecessors. Gathering for the Mawlid contains no religious benefit but rather resembles Christian practices.”
Concerns Raised About Mawlid Gatherings
Sheikh Al-Sudais said Mawlid celebrations, held in the month of Rabi’ al-Awwal, have become gatherings involving dancing, eating, and mixing between men and women who are not related. He said people who take part believe they are showing love for the Prophet ï·º, but are instead following practices he never commanded.
He said the true way to show love for the Prophet ï·º is by following his Sunnah, quoting the Quran: “Say, if you love Allah, then follow me, Allah will love you and forgive you your sins.”
Message to Muslims
Sheikh Al-Sudais closed his lecture with a direct message: “Fear Allah regarding yourselves. Abandon these innovations and misguidances. Hold fast to the Sunnah of your Prophet ï·º. Islam began as something strange, and it will return to being strange, so glad tidings to the strangers.”
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