Mawlid al-Nabi: Joyful celebrations of Prophet Muhammad's birthday

The Prophet Muhammad's birthday, Mawlid al-Nabi, is observed all across the world on the twelfth day of the month of Rabi' al-Awwal, the third month of the Islamic Hijri year. This day is a holiday in various Muslim nations. Muslims honor the Prophet as the last prophet sent by God to promote the Abrahamic faith throughout the world.

History 

The history of the Mawlid festivities may be found in the writings of Jamal al-Din Ibn al-Ma'mn, who passed away in 587 AH/1192 CE. The celebration of the Prophet's birthday began to gain popularity in Egypt in the 11th century CE, and by the 12th century, it had spread to countries like Turkey, Morocco, Syria, and Spain, the New Arab reported. 

Significance 

Muslims consider the life and teachings of the Prophet Muhammad to be a guide for all facets of life, including morality, spirituality, and social justice. Muslims show their respect and admiration for the Prophet Muhammad and expand their understanding of his message by celebrating his birthday. 

Lack of consensus

According to the New Arab, not all Muslims concur that the Prophet's birthday should be celebrated. Muslims who adhere to the Wahhabi and Salafi sects have been particularly adamant in their opposition to any sort of celebration, contending that they are not a component of Islam. Their interpretation is that such celebration is not acknowledged in the Quran and therefore considered a “bid’ah”, or innovation. The Prophet's birthday is not observed as a national holiday in Saudi Arabia, while it is a holiday in Egypt.

Different countries, different traditions 

PSU Connected reported that the day is observed in many cultures and countries in various ways. Typically, religious meetings, processions, poetry readings, lectures, and special prayers are all part of the celebrations. Muslims assemble in mosques and private homes for group prayers and discourses that focus on the life and teachings of the Prophet Muhammad.

Bright lights, decorations and banners line the streets. The ceremonies also place a strong emphasis on charity, with many Muslims donating alms and distributing food to those in need.

According to the BBC, Muslims prepare special foods to commemorate the Prophet’s birthday, which are often sweets. Tunisians prepare “Zaqouqo porridge” from ground pine nuts, decorated with a layer of cream, dry fruits, and a special colorful dessert. As for Algerians, in some regions of the country, they celebrate by preparing “Tamina,” a traditional dessert made from semolina, honey, and butter.

Iraqis cook “Zarda” from rice, sugar, rose water and cardamom, which is then decorated with cinnamon. In Egypt, various types of sweets are widespread. Horse-shaped or bride-shaped desserts are also known in Egypt. There are Muslims who prepare foods other than sweets to celebrate the Prophet’s birthday, such as in Indonesia, where a traditional curry dish is cooked in large quantities and distributed to the public.

Muslim women and children in Cape Town, South Africa, cut lemon and orange tree leaves while reciting salutations on the Prophet. Afterwards, they soak them in rose and lemon water and stuff them into tiny sachets to be given to the males in the South African community. This is called the Rampies-sny ceremony, according to TRT World.