Lukman Ayyubi
Today, Tuesday, 25 August 2026, Nigeria observes a public holiday declared by the Federal Government to commemorate Eid-ul-Maulud, the birth of Prophet Muhammad (saw) This raises an important question among Muslims: Is Eid-ul-Maulud part of Islam, or should it be regarded as bid’ah (innovation)?
Mawlid is a subject on which Muslim scholars have different opinions. Many Muslims around the world commemorate the birth of the Prophet by gathering to study his life, recite the Qur’an, send salawat upon him, give charity and remind themselves of his teachings.
However, other scholars strongly reject the annual celebration. Their argument is that the Prophet did not establish an annual birthday celebration, neither did his Companions or the early generations of Muslims. They therefore maintain that acts of worship require evidence from the Qur’an and authentic Sunnah, and that introducing a new religious celebration amounts to bid’ah.
On the other hand, scholars who permit Mawlid argue that gatherings involving Qur’an recitation, charity, feeding people, remembrance of Allah and studying the Seerah are themselves permissible and virtuous acts. They therefore see the commemoration as an opportunity to express gratitude for the coming of the Prophet and to remind Muslims of his exemplary life.
It is also important to distinguish a public holiday from a religious ruling. The Federal Government’s decision to declare 25 August a public holiday does not automatically establish Mawlid as an Islamic act of worship. It simply means that the government has recognised the occasion and granted citizens a holiday.
In my view, Muslims should approach this matter with knowledge, sincerity and mutual respect. Those who celebrate Mawlid should ensure that their activities remain within the limits of Islam, while those who consider it an innovation should present their evidence with wisdom rather than insults or condemnation.
Above all, our love for Prophet Muhammad should not be limited to one day. Whether a Muslim celebrates Mawlid or refrains from it, the greatest expression of love for the Prophet is to follow his Sunnah throughout the year in our worship, honesty, character, mercy, justice and treatment of others.
Therefore, today’s holiday should also be an opportunity for every Muslim to ask a more important question: How much of the life and teachings of Prophet Muhammad are reflected in my daily life?
That is a question that transcends the debate over Mawlid and brings us back to the essence of Islam: loving Allah, following His Messenger and living according to the guidance he brought.