What is the ruling on celebrating the Prophet's Birthday (Mawlid al-Nabawi), and what is the authenticity of the hadith: "Whoever rejoices in us, we rejoice in him," mentioned in a vision of the Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, and what is its interpretation if it is authentic? Also, is the statement, "It is not important for me to ask about its authenticity now," considered disbelief (kufr), and is being shy to ask a friend about matters of disbelief for fear of upsetting her also considered disbelief?

Visions and dreams do not independently serve as a basis for deriving legal rulings (Ahkam Sharia), for the religion was perfected during the lifetime of the Prophet (peace be upon him). Seeing him in a dream is only valid if he appears in his true form. Scholars have unanimously agreed that dreams are not suitable for establishing legal rulings, because the dreamer is asleep and not fully aware. This has been affirmed by Imam Al-Nawawi and Al-Shatibi.

If the Prophet in a dream informs of a ruling that conforms to the Sharia, then the established ruling is to be followed. But if he informs of something contradictory, it is impossible, because the religion does not depend on nocturnal dreams after his death. Relying on dreams to validate false claims is prevalent among some Sufis.

As for the statement mentioned in the dream: "Whoever rejoices in us, we rejoice in him," it is not inherently objectionable. Rejoicing in the Prophet (peace be upon him) and emulating him is part of the perfection of loving and revering him, and adhering to his guidance outwardly and inwardly. However, celebrating the Prophet's birthday (Mawlid) was not practiced by the early Muslims (Salaf), and had it been good, they would have done it, due to their perfect love and reverence for the Prophet (peace be upon him).