The Ruling on Consuming Mawlid Food: Understanding the Islamic Perspective
Question: Can food distributed at a Mawlid celebration be consumed? What should be done if such food comes to one’s house?
Answer: Since celebrating Mawlid (the Prophet’s birthday) is an act of innovation (bid’ah) and resembles Christian practices, no Muslim should participate in or support such innovative practices in any way. If someone who celebrates Mawlid offers food or sweets, one should refrain from consuming it. In fact, it is important to advise such people to refrain from celebrating Mawlid.
The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: “Whoever among you sees an evil, let him change it with his hand. If he is unable to do so, then with his tongue. If he is unable to do so, then let him feel bad about it in his heart, and that is the weakest level of faith.” (Sahih Muslim)
This hadith instructs us to prevent those involved in innovation, but instead, some Muslims are concerned about consuming food from Mawlid celebrations.
Another point to consider is that Mawlid food doesn’t just appear in one’s home on its own; someone delivers it, and someone accepts it. Therefore, you should not accept such food and should clearly inform the person offering it that you disapprove of Mawlid and the food associated with it.
Respondent: Sheikh Maqbool Ahmed Salafi Hafizahullah
Jeddah Dawah Center, Saudi Arabia
Interpreter: Hasan Fuzail