Saudi Arabia's highest religious official warned Wednesday that celebrating the birthday of the Prophet Mohammad was heresy, mimicking Christians.
"Some Muslims have deviated from the right path and are practicing acts unauthorized by God or his Prophet, (such as) marking the birthday of the Prophet," Sheikh Abdul Aziz al-Sheikh told the London-based Asharq Al-Awsat daily.
"These celebrations and feasts are heresy that have never been allowed by God," he said, calling upon Muslims and rulers of Islamic countries to refrain from marking the birthday, which falls on Friday.
The celebrations mimicked the "lost Christians who increase the number of festivals and celebrations because of the weakness of their faith and a lack of (religious) knowledge," Sheikh Abdul Aziz al-Sheikh said.
Muslim countries around the world mark the prophet's birthday with special religious festivities and speeches. The occasion is a public holiday in many Islamic states and in countries where Muslim minorities are large, like India. (Albawaba.com)
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