Today, Rabi al-awwal 12th, is one of the most significant dates for Muslims. It is popularly believed as the birth date of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and is celebrated with great fervor among the Sunni and many Shia communities around the world. There are also some sects, like Wahhabism/Salafism and Deobandism that don’t condone the celebration of the day. Most Muslim majority countries, except Saudi Arabia and Qatar, commemorate the day as a national holiday.

This is how the world celebrates this holy day:

Malaysia

The event is known as Maulud Nabi in Malaysian and is celebrated with great enthusiasm. There are parades with people wearing colorful clothes, huge gatherings for recitations and prayers throughout the country.

Russia

Called Mawlid an-Nabi among the Muslims of Dagestan region, the birth of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) is celebrated in huge numbers. Makhachkala Central mosque is packed with more than 20 thousand worshipers, both men and women, who mark this occasion event despite heavy snow and freezing temperature outside.

Indonesia

Indonesians celebrate Maulidur-Nabi. According to Herman Beck, “In many parts of Indonesia, the celebration of the Mawlid al-nabi “seems to surpass in importance, liveliness, and splendour” the two official Islamic holidays of Eid ul-Fitr and Eid al-Adha”.

South Africa

Congregations are held in the morning where Muslims gather in large numbers to pray, recite holy verses and sing hymns in praise of the Prophet.

Pakistan

Pakistanis mark this occasion with great enthusiasm, with lights being put up on mosques, shops and even homes. Large gatherings happen and people get together to commemorate by singing naat and hymns.

India

Indian Muslims celebrate Eid Miald en-Nabi (called the Mahanabi Jayanti in Sanskrit) by organizing special prayers and cooking food to distribute to the needy. Rallies and parades are also held to celebrate the occasion as a community.

United States of America

Muslims from all communities and backgrounds get together in mosques and community centers and pray. There are gatherings to sing hymns and naat and special prayers are organized where lectures are given about the life of the Prophet.

Egypt

The event is called el Mūled (en-Nabawi) or Mūled en-Nabi in Egyptain Arabic. The spirit of giving and charity is most intense during the event and volunteers take food, clothing and toys for the impoverished to include them in the celebration.

Morocco

The event, known as Eid al-Mawlid an-Nabawī in Arabic, is a luxurious celebration in Morocco. Parades are organized and congregations include people getting together. New clothes are made especially for the occasion and grand dinners are organized to mark the event.

Iraq

Muslims in Iraq and Iraqi Kurdistan celebrate the event by making special food to distribute to people who have gathered to pray at community centers. Hymns are sung in huge congregations and a spirit of unity is marked by all.

Turkey

Mevlid-i Şerif is celebrated by Turkish Muslims mostly in mosques. Congregations are organized and special prayers are held for the day.

South Sudan

In Sudan, thousands traditionally gather in public squares for celebrations attended by members of hundreds of different Sufi sects. Children are given special toys, and eat a particular kind of pink sticky candy made especially for the occasion.

Palestine

Palestinians take part in a ceremony commemorating the birth of Prophet Mohammed, known in Arabic as “Mawlid al-Nabawi” outside the Dome of the Rock the Al-Aqsa mosque compound, Islam’s third holiest site, in the old city of Jerusalem.

How do you mark this day?

Cover image via: tvi.com.pk