Maulid Nabi Muhammad: Origin and Meaning

Maulid is an important occasion for Muslims to celebrate the birth of the Prophet Muhammad SAW, who brought the light of Islam to the world. According to the dki.kemenag.go.id website, “Maulid” or “Maulud” comes from Arabic, meaning day of birth.

The Prophet Muhammad was born on the 12th of Rabiul Awal in 570 AD, which has since been celebrated as his birthday. This year, the Prophet’s birthday falls on September 16, 2024.

The commemoration of the Prophet Muhammad’s birthday is done in various ways. With the rich cultural diversity in Indonesia, different regions have unique traditions for celebrating this momentous occasion.

According to rri.co.id, various traditions mark the celebration of the Prophet’s birthday across Indonesia, such as Ampyang Maulid in Kudus, Grebeg Maulid in Solo, Nyiram Gong in Cirebon, Masak Kuah Beulangong in Aceh, and Bungo Lado in Padang Pariaman. It’s no surprise that this celebration has become an annual event in many regions.

Islamic historian and lecturer in Islamic Education at Universitas Muhammadiyah Surakarta(UMS), Dartim, S.Pd., M.Pd., stated that the origins of the Prophet's birthday celebration are still debated. This is due to the lack of specific evidence in Islamic sources that directly explains the tradition of Maulid Nabi.

“This is something that is very debatable. This means that not a single scholar agrees that this (Maulid) began in a certain era,” said Dartim. 

According to detik.com, author AM Waskito, in his book Pro dan Kontra Maulid Nabi, explains that the commemoration of the Prophet Muhammad's birth has been observed for thousands of years. Several theories have emerged regarding its origins, including:

• The Ubaid (Fatimid) Dynasty in Egypt, part of the Ismailiyah (Rafidhah) Shia sect, began celebrating the Prophet Muhammad's birthday between 362-567 Hijri. At that time, the celebration was just one of many celebrations or festivities.
  
• Among Ahlus Sunnah, the Prophet's birthday was first celebrated by Sultan Abu Said Muzhaffar Kukabri, the governor of Irbil in Iraq. He invited scholars, Sufis, and the public, offering food, gifts, and charity to the poor as part of the festivities.
• Another theory suggests that the Prophet's birthday was first commemorated by Sultan Saladin Al Ayyubi or Muhammad Al Fatih to boost Muslim morale during the Crusades and the capture of Jerusalem.

Since the exact origins of the Maulid celebration are unclear, what is the stance of the Majelis Tarjih Muhammadiyah on this tradition

Dartim explained that even within the Majelis Tarjih Muhammadiyah, there is no consensus on the historical origins of the Maulid celebration. As a result, the council has not issued any official fatwa regarding the celebration of the Prophet's birthday

If the celebration of the Prophet's birthday includes elements that contradict Islamic teachings, such as musryk, immorality, or hedonism, it is better to forgo the celebration so it does not become mudarat.

The commemoration of the Prophet Muhammad's birth is an opportunity to reflect on and emulate his behavior, as he is the best role model for humanity. “His example will undoubtedly be followed until the end of time,” said Dartim.

Dartim highlighted that there are many aspects of the Prophet Muhammad’s behavior that the current generation can emulate, including his morals, manners, and honesty. This is evident in the Prophet's efforts to uphold justice, strengthen the economy, and establish an education system. According to Dartim, the Prophet was a patient and well-organized individual.

According to Dartim, one of the key morals of the Prophet Muhammad that should be emulated today is honesty. This trait is crucial for building trust within communities and addressing the needs of the people.

The Prophet Muhammad SAW should be a role model for Muslims. Dartim explained that when people admire someone, they often adopt their qualities. By looking up to the Prophet Muhammad SAW as an example, individuals can be inspired to follow his character and apply his virtues in their own lives.

“Emulating him is a way to express our joy in celebrating the birth of the Prophet Muhammad, the values of the Prophet Muhammad must be reflected in our daily lives, as it is our responsibility to follow his example.” He added.

In Indonesia, there are many ways to commemorate the Prophet Muhammad's birthday. Dartim explained that these celebrations are closely linked to the influence of the Wali Songo, the revered figures who played a key role in spreading Islam throughout the archipelago.

“The Wali Songo noticed that the Javanese people loved gatherings, traditions, and celebrations. With the spirit of their da'wah, they infused these traditions with Islamic values,” Dartim explained. “One example is commemorating the Prophet's birthday while still upholding Islamic principles."

According to Detik.com, the tradition of commemorating the Maulid Nabi in Indonesia was introduced by the Wali Songo around 1404 AD. The goal was to attract the Javanese people to embrace Islam by integrating Islamic teachings into local customs and celebrations.

In Indonesia, Maulid Nabi is also referred to as the Syahadatain celebration. Kraton Trah Mataram Islam continues to honor the Prophet's birthday with the Grebeg Maulud celebration, which includes the upacara nasi gunungan. This tradition reflects the community’s way of celebrating the Maulid Nabi through this ceremonial offering of rice.

Writer: Gede Arga Adrian

Editor: Al Habiib Josy Asheva

Translator: Farizal Luqman Majid