Despite Varying Views, Nigerians Celebrate Mawlud Nabiyy

Muslims across Nigeria joined millions around the world to celebrate Mawlud Nabiyy, the birth of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), with festivities and prayers.

The celebration, which falls on the 12th day of Rabi’ al-Awwal, the third month of the Islamic calendar, was marked on Monday by diverse activities, including processions, lectures, and acts of charity.

Despite the widespread celebrations, opinions on the permissibility of Mawlud Nabiyy remain deeply divided within the Nigerian Muslim community.

The Celebration: A Symbol of Love for the Prophet

For many Nigerian Muslims, the Mawlud Nabiyy is an occasion to express love and reverence for the Prophet Muhammad. In cities like Niger, Kano, Ilorin, and Sokoto, processions of men, women, and children dressed in white and green marched through the streets, singing praises of the Prophet and engaging in religious lectures.

Scholars delivered sermons on the life of the Prophet, focusing on his teachings of peace, compassion, and humility.

An Islamic group in Suleja of Niger State, Muhammadawa, has staged a procession to commemorate the birth of Prophet Muhammad.

Sheikh Zakirullah Dan’Iya, the leader of the Tijjaniyyah Islamic sect in Lafia, Nasarawa, emphasized the significance of the day in spreading the Prophet’s message of love and unity.

He said, “The Mawlud is not just a celebration; it is an opportunity to educate Muslims about the noble qualities of the Prophet and his role as a mercy to mankind. We celebrate to renew our commitment to following his sunnah (traditions) and to remind ourselves of his virtues.”

In Lagos, mosques and community centers held special prayers and recitations of the Quran. Many Muslims also took the day as an opportunity to give charity, organize medical outreach programs, and provide food for the needy in the spirit of the Prophet’s teachings.

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Opposition: Mawlud as Bid’ah (Innovation) and Haram

However, not all Nigerian Muslims view the celebration of Mawlud Nabiyy positively. A significant number of scholars and clerics argue that the celebration is an innovation (bid’ah) that has no basis in the early Islamic tradition. They claim that the Prophet himself never celebrated his birthday, nor did his companions (Sahabah), and as such, it is an unapproved addition to the religion.

Dr Sharafadeen Gbadebo, a prominent Salafi scholar in Southwest, strongly opposed the practice.

He said, “The Prophet (PBUH) never instructed us to celebrate his birthday, nor did the rightly guided Caliphs. To engage in such celebrations is an innovation in Islam, and all innovations in religious matters are misguidance. Islam is complete and perfect, and there is no need to introduce new practices.”

He also argued that celebrating Mawlud is an imitation of non-Islamic cultures. “Mawlid is a borrowed practice that mimics the celebrations of birthdays seen in other religions, and this is unacceptable in Islam. We must follow the Prophet in the way he practiced his religion, not by introducing new forms of worship that he never endorsed.”

Some adherents of this view even consider the celebration to be haram (forbidden), citing the Prophet’s famous saying: “Every innovation (bid’ah) is misguidance, and every misguidance leads to hellfire.”

Supporters: Mawlud is Halal and a Tradition of Love

On the other hand, a large number of Muslims, particularly those from the Sufi orders in Nigeria, such as the Tijaniyyah and Qadiriyyah, defend the celebration as halal (permissible). They argue that while the Prophet and his companions may not have celebrated his birth, there is no harm in doing so as long as the celebration is conducted in a manner consistent with Islamic principles.

On the respected clergymen in the country, Sheikh Faruq Sulaiman Onikijipa explains, “The essence of Mawlud is to express love for the Prophet, and love for the Prophet is an essential part of the faith. Allah instructed us to honor and follow His Messenger, and celebrating his birth is one of the ways we show this honor. As long as it is done in a way that does not contradict the teachings of Islam, it is permissible.”

Sheikh Onikijipa also emphasized that Mawlud Nabiyy is an important tool for Islamic education.

“Many people learn about the Prophet’s life and teachings during Mawlud celebrations, and this helps in strengthening their faith. The lectures, recitations, and acts of charity are all in line with the values the Prophet stood for.”

The Divided Views of Nigerians

The division over Mawlud Nabiyy in Nigeria reflects the broader spectrum of Islamic thought in the country, with different schools of thought interpreting religious practices differently. For some Muslims, the celebration is a means of reinforcing their connection to the Prophet and spreading his message of love and peace. For others, it is an innovation that dilutes the purity of Islamic worship.

Amina Usman, a student at the University of Ilorin, expressed her support for the celebration, saying, “For me, Mawlud is an occasion to reflect on the life of the Prophet and to remind myself of his teachings. I don’t see anything wrong with it as long as we are using the day to do good and engage in acts of worship.”

On the other hand, Musodiq Harun, a businessman in Ile Ife, believes the focus should be on following the Prophet’s example daily. “I think every day should be a Mawlud. We don’t need to single out one day to celebrate the Prophet when we can follow his example every day. Celebrating it might lead people into thinking it is an obligation, when in fact, it is not.”

A Call for Tolerance and Unity

Despite the differing views, many scholars are calling for tolerance and understanding within the Nigerian Muslim community.

Sheikh Ahmed Sulaiman, a leading cleric in Abuja, urged Muslims to focus on what unites them rather than what divides them.

He said, “Islam is a religion of peace and brotherhood. Whether you choose to celebrate Mawlud or not, what is important is that we continue to love and respect one another as Muslims. Let’s focus on our shared faith and common values rather than engaging in disputes over practices.”

As Nigeria’s Muslims continue to observe Mawlud Nabiyy in their diverse ways, the varying perspectives highlight the rich plurality within the Islamic tradition in the country. While the debate over its permissibility remains, the celebration undeniably serves as a moment for reflection on the life of the Prophet and his profound impact on the lives of millions of people around the world.