Sheikh Abdul Rahman Al-Sudais has reportedly spoken against celebrating Eid Milad-un-Nabi as a religious practice. Al-Sudais is an Imam of Masjid Al-Haram and serves as Saudi Arabia’s President of Religious Affairs.
According to the provided reports, he said the celebration was not established in the Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).
He also referred to the practices followed by the Prophet’s companions and the early generations of Muslims. The reported remarks have gained attention as Muslims around the world observe the Islamic month of Rabi-ul-Awwal.
Al-Sudais Shares His View on Mawlid
Al-Sudais reportedly made the remarks at Masjid Al-Haram in Makkah on August 18, 2026.
Video clips and social media posts presenting parts of his sermon have since circulated online. According to the remarks being shared, Al-Sudais described Mawlid celebrations as a religious innovation.
He argued that such celebrations were not observed during the lifetime of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). He also said the Prophet’s companions did not mark his birth in this manner.
His argument further referred to the practices of the early generations of Islam. The comments have attracted attention because they came during Rabi-ul-Awwal.
Scholars Hold Different Views on Eid Milad-un-Nabi
The observance of Eid Milad-un-Nabi has long been a subject of disagreement among Muslim scholars.
Some scholars oppose celebrating the occasion as a religious festival.
They argue that it was not formally observed by Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) or his companions. Other Muslim scholars and communities hold a different position.
They consider commemorating the Prophet’s birth permissible when activities remain within Islamic teachings. Such observances may include prayers, recitation of the Quran, charity and gatherings about the Prophet’s life and teachings.
As a result, practices surrounding the occasion vary significantly between countries and Muslim communities.
Rabi-ul-Awwal Brings Debate Into Focus
The reported remarks come as discussions surrounding Eid Milad-un-Nabi receive renewed attention during Rabi-ul-Awwal.
Many Muslim communities traditionally associate 12 Rabi-ul-Awwal with the birth of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). The occasion is marked differently depending on local traditions and scholarly interpretations.
Some communities organize religious gatherings, prayers and charitable activities. Others avoid special celebrations because of their interpretation of the Sunnah and early Islamic practice.
Al-Sudais’ reported comments represent one position within this longstanding religious discussion. Muslims continue to follow different scholarly opinions regarding how the Prophet’s birth should be remembered.
In other news read more about: Pakistan, Saudi Arabia to Sign New Domestic Workers Agreement
The debate therefore reflects broader differences in Islamic jurisprudence and religious interpretation rather than a universally accepted position.
