Attending Meelad functions
Question:-
I want to know whether it is permissible to attend Meelad functions? Also, what is the significance of cutting scented leaves by the ladies at these gatherings?
Answer:-
We can never match, or even come close to, the love which the Sahaabah Radiallahu Anhum possessed for Rasulullah Salallahu Alaihi Wasallam. They gave preference to Rasulullah Salallahu Alaihi Wasallam over their wives, children, parents etc. However, they never celebrated Meelad themselves, nor was Meelad celebrated by the Ta’bieen, Tabe-Ta’bieen or, by any of our pious predecessors. The Meelad celebration commenced after the 6th century by King Arbal, as recorded in Tareekh Ibn Khalikaan. It is from that time that the Ulama-e-Haqq have been refuting the unsubstantiated celebration of Meelad.
Also, during the Meelad celebration the attendees call out that Rasulullah Salallahu Alaihi Wasallam is present. This is not proven anywhere in the Shariah. It is, therefore, necessary for us to refrain from these types of Bid’aat and innovations.
Re:- Kitaab-un-Nawaazil Pg. 551 / 552 Vol.1
If the Meelad celebration is baseless, then the practice of cutting scented leaves is also a baseless practice holding no significance whatsoever.
ALLAH TA’ALA KNOWS BEST!
ANSWERED BY:
Mufti Mohammed Desai
Date: 05 Rabi-ul-Aakhir 1444 / 31 October 2022