Above is a picture of al-Maqrizi

I didn't know much about the history of the Mawlid before I started researching about the practice. To my surprise I realised that the celebration is understood to have been originally practised by the Shiite Fatimid dynasty in Egypt. But the exact date of when the practice was initiated is unknown. The earliest account of a Mawlid celebration is dated back to the year 517/1123 which has been documented by al-Maqrizi (d.845/1442). It is understood that whilst the practice of celebrating the Prophet's birthday became more and more popular it also received criticism from a small number of Muslims scholars such as Taj al-Din al-Fakihani and Ibn Taymiyya. 

The objection of this festival came in the form of fatwas (which are the opinions of scholars on a point of law). Equally, fatwas were also issued by Muslim scholars who defended the practice as being acceptable. For example, by al-Suyuti and Ibn Hajar. 

A quick history lesson. I hope you guys haven't 
gone to sleep as I use to during my history lessons. Lol.

 

 

In the past Muslim scholars expressed their opinion
through fatwas declaring what is permissible

and impermissible,

but in contemporary times, anybody and everybody has the

 ease and accessibility of using the social media to express

 how they feel about any topic at their fingertips.

The topic of Mawlid is no different. 

For those of you who are thinking what is all the fuss about?

 What are the arguments presented by those who oppose or accept the practice of Mawlid? 

I will mention some of the anti-Mawlid and pro-Mawlid arguments which can be found on the social media in the next post.