11/10/2026
THE TRUE PURPOSE AND ETIQUETTE OF MAULUD GATHERINGS
A Maulud gathering should be a spiritual arena for nurturing and deepening the love of the Noble Prophet Muhammad صلى الله عليه وآله وسلم in the hearts of his lovers. It should be a gathering where his noble character is celebrated, his virtues are extolled, his teachings are revived, and his blessed life is presented as a source of guidance and inspiration all within the boundaries of the Shari'ah.
A Maulud gathering must never become a platform for self-glorification. It is deeply unbecoming for a scholar who has been invited to speak about the Noble Prophet صلى الله عليه وآله وسلم to turn the occasion into an opportunity to praise himself, parade his achievements, or seek personal recognition. The occasion is about the Messenger of Allah صلى الله عليه وآله وسلم, not the ego of the speaker. When self-promotion overshadows prophetic praise and remembrance, the very essence of the gathering is compromised.
We must, therefore, be discerning about the personalities we invite to deliver lectures during Maulud celebrations. Beyond a person's eloquence, popularity, or scholarly reputation, consideration should be given to their sincerity, humility, sound knowledge, and ability to inspire genuine love for the Messenger of Allah صلى الله عليه وآله وسلم. Those entrusted with speaking about the Prophet صلى الله عليه وآله وسلم should understand that such a responsibility demands not only knowledge but also reverence, spiritual discipline, and a profound sense of humility.
Furthermore, Maulud celebrations should remain within the framework of sound Islamic principles and the scholarly guidelines established by recognised authorities. Imam Jalal al-Din al-Suyuti, in his discussion of the permissibility of Maulud in Husn al-Maqsid fi Amal al-Maulid, outlined the scholarly basis for a commendable gathering centred on the recitation of the Qur'an, the narration of the Prophet's صلى الله عليه وآله وسلم birth and life, the provision of food, and other good deeds, provided they remain free from reprehensible practices. His position is also supported by the discussion of Imam Ibn Hajar al-Asqalani, as reported by al-Suyuti.
The essence of Maulud is not merely to assemble, recite poetry, or deliver speeches; it is to cultivate a love that transforms the heart, refines character, strengthens obedience to Allah, and inspires us to follow the Sunnah of His Beloved Messenger صلى الله عليه وآله وسلم.
Let every Maulud gathering increase our love for the Prophet صلى الله عليه وآله وسلم, not the pride of the speaker; strengthen our connection to his Sunnah, not our attachment to personalities; and bring us closer to Allah through our love for His Beloved Messenger صلى الله عليه وآله وسلم.
May Allah fill our hearts with sincere love for the Noble Prophet Muhammad صلى الله عليه وآله , grant us the privilege of following his Sunnah, and make our gatherings a means of spiritual elevation rather than a platform for worldly recognition.
Amin
©️ Nurudeen Al-lokojiy
