26/08/2026
GRIEF AND CONCERN OVER THE KILLING OF A SCHOLAR IN SYRIA 😢
It is deeply tragic if reports of the killing of a scholar in Syria are confirmed, especially if the attack was connected to his expression of love for the Messenger of Allah ﷺ and his participation in or organization of Mawlid celebrations.
However, we should distinguish between criticizing Mawlid as a matter of Islamic jurisprudence (fiqh) and justifying violence or the shedding of a Muslim’s blood. Differences among scholars regarding Mawlid do not give anyone the right to oppress or kill another Muslim.
What is even more troubling is how some extremists can turn differences in religious understanding into hatred, accusations, and violence.
Therefore, if someone believes that Mawlid is not permissible, we can discuss the matter with the Qur’an, Sunnah, knowledge, and good manners. But Mawlid must never be turned into a justification for shedding the blood of a Muslim.
It is also not fair to directly attribute such a killing to Ibn Bāz, Ibn ʿUthaymīn, Sālih al-Fawzān, Mustafā al-ʿAdawī, or to all Salafis/Izala followers without evidence establishing such a connection.
As someone who loves the Messenger of Allah ﷺ, I reaffirm:
Loving the Prophet ﷺ is not a crime. Sending blessings upon him is not a crime. Praising the Prophet ﷺ is not a crime. But shedding the blood of a Muslim cannot be justified in the name of this disagreement.
If there are people who believe that expressing joy over the Mawlid of the Prophet ﷺ is enough reason to oppress or kill someone, then such an understanding needs to be reconsidered in the light of the Qur’an, Sunnah, justice, and the mercy of Islam.
May Allah protect His scholars and servants from oppression and extremism, protect the Muslim Ummah from trials and bloodshed, and unite our hearts upon love for the Messenger of Allah ﷺ.
اللهم صل وسلم وبارك على سيدنا محمد وعلى آله وصحبه أجمعين ﷺ.