Celebrating the Prophet's Mawlid, holding competitions, slaughtering sheep, and giving lectures

Q: We would like to know the exact birth date of the Prophet (peace be upon him). We plan to hold a Qur’an-competition, to sacrifice a sheep, and to deliver lessons about the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) on this occasion. We would like to know if this program is Islamically permissible or not?

(Part No. 3; Page No. 33) A: Firstly, the Prophet (peace be upon him) was born on Rabi‘ Al-Awwal, in the year of the Elephant (571 A.C.) as was recorded by Muhammad ibn Is-haq and other biographers in the books of Sirah (the Prophet’s biography). Secondly, it is a prohibited Bid‘ah (innovation in religion) to hold a celebration on the night of the birth anniversary of the Prophet (peace be upon him), run Qur’an-competitions, sacrifice sheep, or deliver speeches about the Prophet (peace be upon him) on this occasion. The Prophet (peace be upon him) is the most aware of his status and the proper manner of venerating him. He is the most knowledgeable about the Shar‘ (Law) of Allah. It was not authentically reported that the Prophet (peace be upon him) celebrated his birthday, or the birthday of one of his previous fellow Prophets (peace be upon them), or the birthday of one of his Sahabah (Companions of the Prophet, may Allah be pleased with them). It was authentically reported that the Prophet (peace be upon him) said: Anyone who introduces anything into this matter of ours (Islam) that is not part of it will have it rejected. In another narration: Anyone who does an action that is not in accordance with this matter of ours (Islam) will have it rejected. May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.