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4. Imam of Imams Izzuddin Ibn Abd al-Salaam (radi Allahu anhu) writes in his book "Al-Qawa'aid": "Bid'ah is divided into Wajib, Haram, Mandub, Makruh and Mabah. And the way to know which category it belongs to, is to examine it together with the laws of Shari'ah. If it falls in with the laws that deal with what is Wajib, then it is Wajib. If with those laws that deal with Haram, then it is Haram. If with the laws dealing with what is Mandub, then it is Mandub. If with the laws dealing with what is Makruh, then it is Makruh. If with the laws dealing with what is Mubah, then it is Mubah".

Following the examination of the statements of these highly renowned scholars of Islam, we ask: How is it then that what is alleged that the word "Kul" or "every" includes all kinds of innovations or "Bid'ah" regardless? And where in the religion of Islam is it stated that there is no "good Bid'ah" or "good innovation". Hence, the Messenger of Allah (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) has said: "Whoever introduces a good innovation into the religion of Islam, will be granted due reward for it and the reward of those who acts upon it without any reduction in their deeds".

From this hadith we find that every Muslim is entitled to introduce a "good Bid'ah or innovation" as long as it conforms with the test mentioned earlier, even though the Messenger of Allah (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) did not do it, preach it or practice, in order that he/she could increase the deeds of goodness and rewards.

As we all know as matter of fact, that when ever people want to promote and advance their ways, they pave the way to spread their falsehood among the Muslims masses and those who have very limited knowledge by misquoting what the Imams of Islam have stated or written. It is alleged by those people who disagree with Meelad that Imam Ibn Kathir (radi Allahu anhu) stated in his book "Al-Bi'dayah Wa Ni'hayah" in Vol.11, p. 172 the following: "It was the Fatimy Government which ruled Egypt from 357-567 who was responsible for the celebration of Meelad".

We say in reply to the above that after having consulted the above reference we found that it was a sheer lie, for we read that page and we found that the above is but allegations, deceit and dishonesty when quoting the renowned scholars of Islam. However, if they insist on the above, we demand that they produce it before us if there is any truth in what they allege!

Allow me now to quote before you what Imam Ibn Kathir (radi Allahu anhu) has actually said in the same book "Al-Bi'dayah" Vol.13, p. 136: "Sultan Muzaffar used to arrange the celebration of the Meelad Shareef with honour, glory, dignity and grandeur. In this connection he used to organise a magnificent festival". Then he said in praise of that man: "He was a pure-hearted, brave and wise Aalim (Scholar) and a just ruler, may Allah shower His Mercy upon him and grant him an exalted status."

Shaikh Abu-Khattab Ibn Dihyah (radi Allahu anhu) also wrote a book for him on the Meelad Shareef entitled "Enlightenment on the Birthday of the Bearer of Good News, the Warner". For this book Sultan Muzaffar awarded him a gift of one thousand Dinars. He then said: "Every year his expenditure on the Meelad Shareef amounted to three hundred thousand Dinars".

Examine carefully, dear brother/sister, such praise which has been conferred by Ibn Kathir upon that man, where he described him as "a wise Aalim, brave and pure-hearted" and then concluded by saying "may Allah shower his Mercy upon him and grant him an exalted status". He did not say he was a corrupt or evil, he did not say he was committing "Bid'ah" or deeds which leads a person to be doomed, as it is alleged by those who reject the celebration of Meelad Shareef.

I refer you to that very reference which has been quoted to read further for yourselves what Imam Ibn Kathir (radi Allahu anhu) has added in praise of this Sultan.

I would strongly recommend as well that you consult what Imam Zahabi (radi Allahu anhu) in his book "Biography of the Elites", Vol. 22, p. 336 has said in description of this Sultan: "Sultan Al-Muzaffar was humble, generous, follower of the Prophet's way and he liked the scholars and narrators of Hadith".

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