Former Minister of Communications, Barr. Abdur-Raheem Adebayo Shittu has questioned the Islamic basis for the celebration of Maulud, saying Prophet Muhammad did not celebrate his own birthday or promote the practice.
Shittu made the assertion in an interview with PrimeStar News Online, arguing that Muslims should demonstrate their love for the Prophet by obeying his teachings rather than organising celebrations that, according to him, have no basis in the Prophet’s practice.
According to Shittu, the Prophet never instituted Maulud as part of Islamic practice.
He further claimed that the celebration was introduced centuries after the death of the Prophet by a king of Egypt who, he said, sought to emulate Christmas celebrations.
Shittu also criticised what he described as the commercialisation of Maulud, arguing that some Muslims use the occasion to make money rather than for genuine religious devotion.
He maintained that Muslims should concentrate on following Islamic injunctions and living according to the teachings of the Prophet.
