How Do Different Muslim Countries Celebrate the Prophet's Birthday?
Mawlid al-Nabi is an Islamic holiday that celebrates the birth of the Prophet Muhammad, and it is observed in many Muslim countries.
Muslims celebrate the Prophet Muhammad's birthday on the twelfth day of the third month, Rabi' al-Awwal.
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Different Muslim countries celebrate the Prophet's birthday as a significate Islamic holiday. However, some Muslim countries do not because they follow a strict interpretation of Islam, where Mawlid celebrations are considered innovative and a step out of early Islamic practices.
Nevertheless, here are some of the ways the celebration of Mawlid al-Nabi is commenced in countries that do celebrate it:
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Some Muslims tend to gather to listen to lectures and religious discussions to commemorate the life and teachings of the Prophet Muhammad.
Decorations are put up on streets, mosques, and public buildings are adorned with colorful lights, banners, and decorations to mark the festive occasion of the Prophet's birthday
Special Prayers known as Mawlid prayers are performed: During the day, special prayers known as "Mawlid prayers" are conducted in mosques. These prayers often include specific invocations and recitations to seek blessings and guidance from Allah.
Some people may fast on Mawlid because they want to resemble Prophet Muhammad, who used to fast on Mondays.
Here are some different ways that other countries culturally celebrate:
Morocco's streets come alive with color, music, and a mood of harmony and spiritual devotion during the Mawlid parades.
The presence of Sufi brotherhoods or tariqas during the Mawlid parades in Morocco is one of its greatest features. The Sufi orders are crucial for maintaining religious customs and partaking in spiritual activities.
Members of several Sufi brotherhoods march through the streets during the parades while singing homage to the Prophet and executing traditional dances while carrying banners and flags.
Traditionally in Egypt, people commemorate the day by giving gifts and consuming sweets like dehydrated coconut snacks (gozeya), peanuts and dry chickpeas with syrup, and lokum with nuts (malban).
Arouset el-Moulid, bride-shaped dolls that come in various forms, are also sold in a bid to get young couples to marry during the celebration. This tradition was made because of the reign of the Fatimid king El Hakim Ba'amrUllah, and the customs of the Mawlid doll came to life.
During the Prophet's birthday in Pakistan, a handful of sweets are distributed within the community, and families frequently make these traditional delights at home, but they are also sold in bakeries and sweet shops around the nation.
To mark the occasion of the Prophet Muhammad's birthday, houses, streets, businesses, and governmental structures in Pakistan are decorated with vibrant lights.
In Nigeria, the Sufi groups hold carnival-like celebrations for the celebration of the Prophet’s birthday.
Nigerian Sufis commence their celebrations of the Prophet’s birthday with the recitation of a poem which praises the Prophet and the name of it is Burdah nabiyy and Taniyah which is another poem at the dawn of every days of Rabiul-Awwal.
The highlights of the festivities generally include Qur'anic contests and Dhikri sessions, as well as several lecture sessions focusing on the life and times of the Prophet and current challenges impacting Muslims.