[Q 456] Proof of Mawlid Jaloos, Evidence for Milad Processions, Ruling on Eid Milad-un-Nabi Jaloos

QUESTION:

Salaam what is the proof of doing mawlid jaloos?

ANSWER:

On the day of 12th Rabi‘ al-Awwal, taking out a jaloos (procession) free from unlawful and prohibited activities, and within the limits of Shari‘ah, is permissible. Since there is no evidence of prohibition from Shari‘ah, it is in fact mustahab (recommended) and rewardable with a good intention. This is because it contains respect and honour of the Prophet صلَّی اللہ تعالی علیہ وآلہ وسلَّم, expression of love for him, proclamation of Allah’s greatest blessing, and showing joy and gratitude to Allah Almighty. It also spreads love and reverence for the Prophet صلَّی اللہ تعالی علیہ وآلہ وسلَّم in the hearts of the Muslims. All of these are acts of reward which are beloved and desirable in the Shari‘ah. Therefore, under the general evidences regarding proclaiming blessings and showing honour, this action is included.

However, it must be remembered that if the jaloos involves unlawful actions such as drums, music, or other forbidden activities, then this is strictly impermissible. Those who do such things or assist in them are sinful and must abandon these prohibited acts.

Allah says in the Qur’an:

وَ اَمَّا بِنِعْمَةِ رَبِّكَ فَحَدِّثْ

Translation (Kanzul irfan): “And as for the blessing of your Lord, publicise it.

(Surah al-Duha, 93:11)

In Bukhari Sharif it is mentioned:

“محمد صلى الله عليه وسلم نعمة الله”

Translation: “Muhammad صلَّی اللہ تعالی علیہ وآلہ وسلَّم is the blessing of Allah.”

(Sahih al-Bukhari, Kitab al-Maghazi, vol. 2, p. 566, Karachi print)

And in the Qur’an Allah says:

اِنَّاۤ اَرْسَلْنٰكَ شَاهِدًا وَّمُبَشِّرًا وَّنَذِیْرًاۙ (۸) لِّتُؤْمِنُوْا بِاللّٰهِ وَرَسُوْلِهٖ وَتُعَزِّرُوْهُ وَتُوَقِّرُوْهُؕ

Translation (Kanzul Irfan): “We sent you as a witness and a bearer of glad tidings and a warner. ˹So˺ that you ˹people˺ may believe in Allah and His Messenger, support him (the Messenger), revere him.”

(Surah al-Fath, 48:8–9)

When the Prophet صلَّی اللہ تعالی علیہ وآلہ وسلَّم migrated from Makkah to Madinah, the joy of the people of Madinah was immense. In Sahih Muslim it is narrated:
“Men and women climbed onto the rooftops, and servants and children spread out into the streets, raising slogans of ‘Ya Muhammad, Ya RasulAllah.’” This proves that coming out into the streets in joy and chanting slogans of RasoolAllah صلَّی اللہ تعالی علیہ وآلہ وسلَّم is completely permissible and was the beloved way of the Sahabah. It serves as a clear proof for the permissibility of the processions of Mawlid within Shari‘ah boundaries.

Sahih Muslim narrates:
“فصعد الرجال والنساء فوق البيوت، و تفرق الغلمان والخدم فی الطرق، ينادون: يا محمد يا رسول الله، يا محمد يا رسول الله”
Translation: “The men and women climbed onto the rooftops, and the boys and servants spread out in the streets, calling out: ‘Ya Muhammad, Ya RasulAllah, Ya Muhammad, Ya RasulAllah.’”

(Sahih Muslim, Kitab al-Zuhd, Bab fi Hadith al-Hijrah, vol. 2, p. 419, Karachi print)

In Fatawa Razawiyyah it is written:
“The honouring of the Beloved Prophet صلَّی اللہ تعالی علیہ وآلہ وسلَّم is an absolute command… and absolutes always remain upon their absoluteness unless specific prohibition is proven. Alhamdulillah, in the faith of Muslims, reverence for RasulAllah صلَّی اللہ تعالی علیہ وآلہ وسلَّم is itself faith, the life of faith, and absolutely demanded by Shari‘ah. So whatever is done at any time or place out of reverence for the Prophet—even if that exact act is not transmitted—will be permissible, desirable, and praiseworthy, as long as no specific prohibition exists. This falls under the Qur’anic command: ‘wa tu‘azziruhu wa tuwaqqiruhu’, and thus becomes a great virtue.”

(Fatawa Razawiyyah, vol. 5, pp. 650–651, Raza Foundation, Lahore)

Answered by: Usman Madani (Ask mufti scholar)
Translated answer
Date: 24th August 2025