Gathering on the Prophet's Mawlid

Q 13: Is it permissible to gather on the 12th of Rabi‘ Al-Awwal to commemorate the Mawlid (the Prophet’s birthday)?

A: Celebrating the Mawlid is an act of Bid‘ah (innovation in religion). The Prophet (peace be upon him) neither celebrated it nor ordered that it be celebrated. The Sahabah (Companions of the Prophet), who were the keenest to honor and follow the Messenger (peace be upon him) and his Sunnah, did not celebrate it either. Indeed, all goodness lies in following the very way and guidance of the Prophet (peace be upon him), for he said: Anyone who introduces anything into this matter of ours (Islam) that is not part of it will have it rejected. May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.