others conduct it in private homes or in venues prepared for that purpose. Large crowds of ordinary, unlearned people attend, doing so in imitation of the Christians who originated the celebration of Jesus’s birth. For the most part, this gathering—besides being an innovation and a copy of the Christians—does not escape elements of shirk and other wrongs, such as reciting poems that exaggerate the Prophet’s status to the point of calling upon him instead of Allah and seeking his help. The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) forbade excessive praise, saying, “Do not over-praise me as the Christians over-praised the son of Mary. I am only a servant, so say: the servant of Allah and His Messenger.” (1)

Over-praise (iṭrāʾ) means going to extremes in commendation. Some even believe that the Messenger (peace and blessings be upon him) attends their celebrations. Other objectionable features that accompany these gatherings include melodious group chants, the beating of drums, and various Sufi litanies.