Here is a website that has an excellent summary of different opinions on the validity of Mawlid as an occasion to be commemorated.

http://qa.sunnipath.com/issue_view.asp?HD=7&ID=1776&CATE=108

Allah knows best.

Ulema is divided on this issue. Br. Naeem pointed out that this has been a long standing debate and we are not going to solve this here (if ever.)

Personally, I shall avoid celebrating the doubtful ones it because of the Hadith that urges us to replace that which is doubtful with that which isn’t.

However, either side can be right. We should not fight over it.

By the way, I also read over the Islamqa site and the site plainly states:

“Whoever wants to venerate the day on which the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) was born should follow the alternative that is based on Islamic evidence, which is that one should fast on Mondays, not just the day that he was born but every Monday. ”

So they too admit the Prophet (S) held his birthday special. So we are trying to do it every Monday, and not just the yearly anniversary of his birth.

-Yursil

I think hoping to find solutions to problems which have splintered the community on this message board is a bit of a effort in futility.

For every islam-qa site, there are huge volumes written which make strong arguments for it.

It is really a personal decision on everyones part to attempt to understand both sides and come to a conclusion on what they want to follow.

You said, “Confusion is whether we should hold these days special”

I have trouble exactly understanding what that means. What does “special” mean, and what are the consequences of being special?

Our local masjid will have an event every year where the Sunday School kids will speak on the Battle of Badr, around its anniversary. Is that holding a day to be ‘special’? Maybe.

The Prophet (S) and Muslims for generations have considered the days listed in Saifuddin’s post as days of significant events, as its extremely naive in my opinion to think that the days (as described) are insignificant.

The question then becomes do we believe the event that was happening on that day (as described) is insignificant?

To consider them insignificant is, in my opinion, a demonstration of not understanding what those days signify.

For example, speaking on Laylatul Rajab, it is Shaykh Abdul Qadir Jilani (Rah) a saint whose status no one has questioned (not even Ibn Taymiyya), who wrote in the Ghunya an entire chapter on the excellent qualities of Rajab and the hadith of the Prophet (S) about fasting in the first of Friday “Laylatul Rajab”:

http://www.ummah.net/Al_adaab/months/rajab3.html

The Prophet (S) said:
“It is most important, however, that none of you should neglect the first Friday in Rajab, for it is the night that the Malaa-ika call the Night of Wishes [Lailat ar-Ragha'ib]. This is because, by the time the first third of the night has elapsed, there will not be a single angel still at large in the heavens, nor in any region of the earth bar one. They will all be gathered together in the Ka’bah and the area immediately surrounding it. Allah (Exalted is He) will condescend to notice that they have assembled there, and He will say: “My angels, ask Me for whatever you wish!” Their response to this will be: “Our Rabb, the request we wish to make is that You grant forgiveness to those who faithfully keep the fast in Rajab,” whereupon Allah (Exalted is He) will tell them: “That I have already done!”"

Now we know who is denying this (along with all other nights).. So now the debate is over those who claim these hadith are ‘weak’ and which Shaykhs to listen to.

Do we really want to be the arbitrators in all this?

In Ottoman times, for 700 years, the Calipha of Islam and the ulema all held these days with special observance. They looked into this, and didn’t waste their time either.

If some modern ‘scholars’ don’t agree with them, that is their personal rebellion in my opinion. It is certainly still established within the minds of the majority where Mawlid and other nights are held very special, because of the events that happened on them are special.

Until then we will wait for Imam Mahdi (AS) who will restablish the Calipha to clear it up inshaAllah.

In the meantime, we will be trying to worship.

Br. Amad has kindly asked Sh. Haitham Hamdan. According to him-
“Lailatul Qadr … Sunnah.
Middle of Sha’baan … some Salaf considered it Sunnah … correct opinion: not Sunnah.
The rest … not Sunnah.”

Br. Saifuddin, the islam-qa site linked by anobody above makes a strong case against celebrating the Prophet (SAW) birthday.

Br. Naeem, I am waiting for your response.

Br. Yusril, I see no problem with spending the night in worship. Confusion is whether we should hold these days special. If you like, please find out from the scholars you know and let us know.

Sr. gess, try giving your brothers and sisters benefit of doubt. Please try suggesting what you think should be done, like br. Naeem has done above and avoid an accusatory tone (even if not intentional.)

Other anonymous commentators: JAK for your opinions. This seems to be a matter in which there is much disagreement amongst us. All we sincerely want to know is which one is correct.

Wallahu ‘Alim.

There is no doubt in every Muslim’s mind, that Laylat al-Miraj and Laylat al-Qadr are considered holy nights, both nights were mentioned in Qur’an and the AHadith, so, no discussion here.

With regards to the other nights, please read my previous comments, Jazak Allah Khair.

I agree with Brother Naeem. It was wrong to single out one scholar, instead of asking what the Qur’an says or Ahadith or other Islamic historic accounts say about the issue. Nor is it Islamic tradition to single out one source. Usually, the person who is doing the research presents many point of views with strong reference to the AHadith and Qur’an. To single out one person, sounds to me selective.

Saifuddin’s post (which this is really about) doesn’t specify what you or I have to do on these nights, it only says these nights are significant nights in the Heavens.

Looking at the things mentioned about the night from Sahih sources, does anyone disagree that they were and are holy and special?

Please do ask scholars you know. I am trying not to take sides, dear bro. I am just trying to know what is correct.

Of all the commentators, only br. Amad and gess have commented in a way that I could reach back to them.

Moreover, Sh. YQ is known and respected. That’s why I asked for his opinion on this.

JAK in advance.

OK, I can understand your situation. You are honestly trying to follow the correct way, inshaAllah. The hadith you mention regarding the Prophet’s (SAW) birthday is saheeh. But it never state’s to CELEBRATE his birthday or single-out that particular night. Rather, it gives an alternative, stating that you should fast on Mondays in general.

The exact hadith is found on this authentic site by Sheikh Salih Al Munajad.

http://www.islam-qa.com/index.php?ref=13810&ln=eng