Ruling on people gathering for the Mawlid and the claim that the Prophet is present

Q 5: What is the ruling on people gathering to celebrate the Mawlid (the Prophet’s birthday) and their claiming that he (peace be upon him) attends these gatherings? Are these gatherings sanctioned by Shari‘ah? What should we do on the day of the Prophet’s anniversary? What is the exact date of his birth? Is he (peace be upon him) alive now in his grave?

A: People gathering to celebrate the night of the Prophet’s birthday and read his biography is not lawful. This is a newly-invented Bid‘ah (innovation in religion). Claiming that the Prophet (peace be upon him) attends their gatherings is a lie. However, the Prophet (peace be upon him) is alive - the life of Barzakh (period between death and the Resurrection) in his grave, enjoying the delights of Jannah (Paradise). This life is not like his worldly life, for he has died and has been washed and enshrouded. (Part No. 3; Page No. 35) Also, people have offered Funeral Prayer over him and he has been buried like other dead people. The Prophet (peace be upon him) will be the first to be resurrected from his grave on the Day of Resurrection. Allah (Exalted be He) addresses the Prophet (peace be upon him) saying (what means): Verily you (O Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم) will die, and verily they (too) will die. Then, on the Day of Resurrection, you will be disputing before your Lord. He (Glorified be He) also says: After that, surely, you will die. Then (again), surely, you will be resurrected on the Day of Resurrection. May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.