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Mawlid 2027: the birth of the Prophet ﷺ, its date and the scholars’ views
Mawlid an-Nabawi recalls the birth of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, on 12 Rabi‘ al-Awwal according to the most widespread view.
The birth of the Prophet ﷺ
Muhammad ﷺ, son of ‘Abdullah and Aminah, was born in Mecca into the tribe of Quraysh. His father died before his birth; he was nursed by Halimah as-Sa‘diyyah, then raised by his grandfather ‘Abd al-Muttalib and his uncle Abu Talib. That same year, the army of Abrahah and his elephants was destroyed before Mecca, as told in Surah Al-Fil. Read the life of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ.
The dates of the Mawlid
| Year | 12 Rabi‘ al-Awwal |
|---|---|
| 2027 (1449) | Around Saturday 14 August 2027 |
| 2028 (1450) | Around Thursday 3 August 2028 |
The scholars’ views
| View | Arguments |
|---|---|
| Innovation to avoid | Neither the Prophet ﷺ nor the Companions celebrated it; “Every innovation is misguidance” (Sahih Muslim, 867) |
| Tolerated or approved | Expressing joy at his birth by recalling the Sirah, the Quran, charity and offering food |
In any case, love of the Prophet ﷺ is shown every day: sending prayers upon him, especially on Friday, fasting on Monday, learning his hadiths and following his example. Listen also to his farewell sermon.
Sending prayers upon the Prophet ﷺ
“O Allah, send prayers upon Muhammad and the family of Muhammad, as You sent prayers upon Ibrahim and the family of Ibrahim. Indeed, You are Praiseworthy and Glorious.”
Sahih al-Bukhari, 3370Continue reading
All of Prophets
You may be wondering…
When is the Mawlid in 2027?
The Mawlid, 12 Rabi‘ al-Awwal 1449, is expected around Saturday 14 August 2027, to within a day depending on the moon sighting.
When was the Prophet ﷺ born?
He was born in Mecca on a Monday in the month of Rabi‘ al-Awwal, in the Year of the Elephant, around 570 or 571. Asked about fasting on Monday, he said: “That is the day I was born” (Sahih Muslim, 1162). 12 Rabi‘ al-Awwal is the most widespread date; other dates are reported.
Is the Mawlid permitted?
Scholars differ. The Prophet ﷺ and his Companions did not celebrate it; the celebration appeared several centuries later. Some scholars consider it an innovation (bid‘ah) to be avoided; others tolerate or approve it if limited to recalling the Sirah, the Quran and charity, without forbidden practices.
How should the Prophet ﷺ be honoured?
By sending prayers upon him (salat ‘ala an-Nabi), learning his life (Sirah), fasting on Mondays and above all following his Sunnah every day. “Whoever sends one prayer upon me, Allah sends ten upon him” (Sahih Muslim, 408).
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