THE RULING CONCERNING THE CELEBRATION OF MAWLID

The celebration of Mawlid an-Nabawi (birthday of Allah's Messenger) is celebrated on the day the Prophet passed away (i.e., 12th of Rabie al-Awwal). The birth-day of the Prophet as proven by the almanac is 9th Rabie al-Awwal. Ironically, only a few years ago the celebration was called, 'Bara Wafaat' (i.e., 12th - the day of death), but recently it was renamed, 'Eid Milad' (the celebration of Milad/Mawlid) or Mawlid an-Nabawi.
Some (of those who celebrate Mawlid an-Nabawi) believe that the Messenger of Allah visits (the celebrations of) Mawlid. They also stand to greet and welcome the Prophet. This is the greatest falsehood and worst form of ignorance because the Prophet shall never come out of his grave before the Day of Resurrection. He will neither meet/make contact with any person nor attend their gatherings.