The last prophet of Islam, Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) was born in the third month of the Islamic year, which is Rabi ul-Awwal. Maulud /Milad un Nabi is the birthday of the Prophet and is observed in a similar way by Muslims around the world. Here are the details about the importance and history of this day.
What is Maulidur Rasul or Milad un Nabi?
Also known as Mawlud, Mawlid un Nabi Sharif, and Eid Milad, Milad un Nabi is the auspicious occasion of Prophet Muhammad s.a.w’s birthday. The literal meaning of the word Mawlid is to give birth, which comes from the Arabic language. The contemporary usage however refers to the birth of the Prophet s.a.w. specifically.
When is the 12 Rabi ul-Awwal?
Mawlid is observed on 12 Rabi ul-Awwal every year. Since the Islamic calendar is a lunar calendar, the date as per the English calendar varies from year to year. The date for Milad un Nabi 2021 is October 19th.
What do Muslims do on Mawlid?
Mawlid is observed by remembering Prophet Muhammad’s teachings. Muslims offer prayers and narrate verses from the Holy Quran. They also wear new clothes, cook and eat special food with their loved ones, and exchange gifts. Important places such as the streets, mosques, and residential areas are decorated with colorful lights.
Editor’s Note: Mawlid is celebrated all across Muslim countries, with the exception of a few. In many Muslim-majority countries, Mawlid is declared a public holiday.
Should Muslims Celebrate the Mawlid?
Another consideration… not all Muslims celebrate Prophet Muhammad’s s.a.w’s birthday. Watch the video below…
Aziph Mustapha is an International Keynote Speaker and a TEDx speaker. He is also currently the Head of Culture Transformation and Employee Engagement at Celcom Axiata Berhad. He is also Aziph has a unique mix of corporate, startup, and government leadership experience, where he had worked as an entrepreneur and thereafter in leadership roles in various government agencies and corporations.
