Question:
Assalamu Alaikum,
I recently attended a grand Milad Un Nabi gathering in which I heard a statement made by the leader of a local religious organization for which I require some clarification.
The individual noted in his address to the gathering that the Birthday of Prophet Isa Alaihisalaam was a couple weeks ago and that the organization which he represents was going to begin recognizing the birth of Prophet Isa Alaihisalaam in their schools.
I would like to know if according to the Quran and authentic traditions if we as Muslims have any substantial evidence as to when Prophet Isa Alaihisalaam was born.
Also, is it permissible to take the 25th of December as the date in which Prophet Isa Alaihisalaam was born, as implied by this individual, and will it be permissible for us as Muslims to recognize the birth of Prophet Isa on this date?
Answer:
`Alaykum Salam,
It is permissible for Muslims to acknowledge and extend good wishes to non-Muslims on their festivals provided they steer clear of supporting un-Islamic beliefs, including false ideas about Sayyidina `Isa (upon our Prophet and upon him blessings and peace), who was but the humble servant and Messenger of Allah.
Here is the Fatwa of Shaykh `Abd Allah bin Bayya of Mauritania where he states that it is permissible to extend greetings to peaceful non-Muslim friends, colleagues and family, on their important days if there is a need and expectation of it, as long as no clear kufr statement is made. Note that he mentioned that this was also an opinion of the hardline Ahmad b. Taymiyya. Additionally the fatwa is a rejoinder of the fatwa of Shaykh Yusuf al-Qaradawi, another famous mufti of our times.
Hajj Gibril Haddad
