of the Mawlid was that it was a bida, which was not transmitted on the authority of one of the pious ancestors. However, he said that it comprised both good things, as well as the reverse, and that if one strove for good things in practicing it and evaded bad things, the Mawlid was a good innovation, and if not, then not. He said that the coming of the Prophet was a good benefaction, and said that only the day ought to be observed. He said that “it is necessary that one restricts oneself to that which expresses gratitude to God… namely by reciting the Quran, the giving of a banquet, almsgiving, declamations of some songs of praise for the Prophet and some ascetic songs of praise, which stimulate the hearts to do good and to make efforts to strive for the Hereafter.” He also said that the “sama and the entertainment and the like” may have been in line with the joyous nature of the day, but said that “what is forbidden or reprehensible, is, of course, prohibited. The same holds true for what is contrary to that which is regarded as the most appropriate." Other uses In some countries, such as Egypt and Sudan, Mawlid is used as a generic term for the celebration of birthdays of local Sufi saints and not only restricted to the observance of the birth of Muhammad. Around 3,000 Mawlid celebrations are held each year. These festivals attract an international audience, with the largest one in Egypt attracting up to three million people honouring Ahmad al-Badawi, a local 13th-century Sufi saint. Gallery See also Bayt al-Mawlid, the house where Muhammad is believed to have been born Durood Hamd Haḍra Madih nabawi Mawsim Mehfil Na'at Mawlid al-Barzanjī Islamic poetry Mid-Sha'ban Tweeza Ya Muhammad References Bibliography Further reading External links Mawlid from the Encyclopedia of the Orient The Mawlid: The Conservative View The Mawlid: A Time to Celebrate Eid Milad un Nabi Images Mawlid Rasul Allah ﷺ Ibn Kathir's book on the Mawlid in English Eid Mawlid Nabi: Celebrate Birthdays Life of Muhammad Kandil Islamic holy days Public holidays in Algeria Public holidays in Indonesia Public holidays in Sri Lanka Shia days of remembrance Islamic terminology Sufism Sufism in Algeria Mawlid Festivals in Algeria