Ruling on offices and schools taking the day of the Mawlid as a holiday

Q 11: May Allah keep you as a pillar supporting the Muslim Ummah (nation based on one creed). What is your opinion on schools and factories taking holidays or giving Khutbah (sermons), lectures, and so on, as we do here in Africa on the occasion of the Mawlid (the Prophet's birthday)?

A: Celebrating Mawlid and taking holidays on this occasion are acts of Bid`ah (innovation in religion). Neither the Prophet (peace be upon him) nor his Sahabah (Companions, may Allah be pleased with them) did this. 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. May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family and Companions.