Shari`ah violations during Al-Mawlid celebrations

A: Firstly, it is permissible and encouraged to read the Sirah (the Prophet’s biography) to learn the rites and acts of ‘Ibadah (worship) that the Prophet (peace be upon him) used to perform, in words and deeds, and learn about his noble manners. However, gathering regularly at a certain date to relate the Prophet’s birth narrative is a detestable Bid‘ah (innovation in religion) that neither took place during the lifetime of the Prophet (peace be upon him) nor that of the first three generations of Islam, which the Prophet (peace be upon him) attested to their being the best of all. It is authentically reported that he (peace be upon him) said: Anyone who does an action that is not in accordance with this matter of ours (Islam) will have it rejected. The Prophet (peace be upon him) also said: Anyone who introduces anything into this matter of ours (Islam) that is not part of it will have it rejected. Regarding the part you mentioned from the story that is read by them, about the reward in the afterlife and the death of a hundred women in Makkah upon the marriage between ‘Abdullah and Aminah, because they could not marry him, neither of these are confirmed historically nor are they authentically reported from the Prophet (peace be upon him). Even if they were confirmed historically, this could not be used as evidence of the legitimacy of celebrating Al-Mawlid Al-Nabawy (the Prophet’s birthday). Secondly, putting barley or anything else in the middle of a gathering, burning incense, and then distributing the barley, hoping to obtain blessings through reciting the Prophet’s birth narrative over it, seeking healing through it, and believing in its blessings, are condemned acts of Bid‘ah and corruption in the ‘Aqidah (creed). Thirdly, women expressing their happiness at the recitation of the Prophet’s birth narrative by uttering Zagharid (Part No. 3; Page No. 28) and their mixing with the men are Munkar (unacceptable or disapproved of by Islamic law and Muslims of sound intellect) acts and constitute sources of Fitnah (temptation) that may lead to immorality. May Allah protect us.May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.