Shaykh Ahmad Zarruq r.a.(1442-1493), Maliki Jurist's Opinion on Mawlid

Mawlid in Morocco


Shaykh Zarruq said: Fasting on the (day of) the Mawlid was disliked by some…He said: It is from from the Eids of the Muslims and fasting should not take place on it. Our Shaykh Abu Abdullah al-Quri would mention this often and regarded it as good.
I say: Perhaps he means Ibn Abbad, as he said in his ‘Rasail al-Kubra’: As for the Mawlid, what is apparent to me is that it is an Eid from the Eids of the Muslims, and a season from its seasons. All that is done in it which results from the presence of joy and happiness regarding the blessed Mawlid such as the lighting of lamps, the gratification of the sight and hearing, adorning by wearing of beautiful clothing and mounting on fine riding animals is a permissible matter which no one can be condemned for, being analogous/similar to other than it of times of happiness.
The ruling that these things are an innovation (bidah) at this time in which the secret of existence manifested, the banner of witnessing was raised, the darkness of disbelief and rejection was driven away in it. And the claim that this time is not from the legislated seasons for the people of belief, and its comparison to the Nayruz(Nowruz marks the first day of spring and the beginning of the Iranian Year)/Mahrajan is a disturbing matter which sounds hearts and intellects find repulsive.