Milad an-Nabi: The birth month of the Prophet Muhammad

Islam is a faith inclined to celebration, with two Eid festivals a year – one of which lasts three days – and positive milestones marked by sweet treats and community gatherings.

This month will see another moment of rejoicing, with the day that is widely recognised as the Prophet Muhammad’s birthday.

Throughout the remainder of the month, according to the Islamic lunar calendar, many will be celebrating, increasing spiritual reminders, and spending time in remembrance of the religious leader’s life and lessons.

The day is noted as a public holiday in many Muslim-majority countries around the world – even in India.

But not all Muslims and Sharia-ruled countries recognise this date as another ‘Eid’ holiday, such as Saudi Arabia and Qatar, instead following the example that the Prophet’s birthday was not celebrated during his lifetime, according to the majority of Sunni scholars.

Either way, the time for sacred ceremony is widely observed in London and around the world.

When is Milad an-Nabi?

For many Muslims, particularly those of the Sufi branch of faith, his birthday falls in the third month of the Islamic calendar Rabi’ al-awwal.

This translates to “the first spring”.

Sufi Muslims follow the belief that Rabbi ul-awwal 12 is the auspicious date, while some Shia Muslims believe that it is instead the 17^th day of this month.

In the Gregorian calendar, this means the 2022 celebration will be from the evening of Friday, October 7 to Saturday, October 8.

The day, also known as Mawlid, Mevlid, Mulud or Maouloud, is said to have originated under the 12^th century Abbasids, who memorialised the birthplace of the Prophet.

Larger festival-scale celebrations, however, were credited to the Egyptian Fatimid dynasty.

During Muhammad’s life, he practised fasting from dawn to dusk regularly on Mondays and Thursdays. When asked why, he said that he was born on a Monday.

What are some of the traditions?

Qasidas, or Arabic poetry, and na’ats, verses of praise, are commonly recited in congregations.

Instruments such as the Persian daf drum or the Moroccan ta’arija drum are often used to give a musical quality to the chorus.

This time is also in remembrance of seerah (historical accounts of the Prophet’s life) – his teachings, trials, leadership, and character are used as examples for modern Muslim conduct.

Salawaat, meaning blessings upon the religious messiah, are recited and traditional Middle Eastern and South Asian sweets are distributed among observers.

In many countries, including the UK, street processions are held with lights, decorated vehicles, and speakers playing poetry and prayers.

The lively parades are often splashed with emerald green, the colour of the minaret atop the Prophet’s mosque in Medina, and gold.

In other countries, like Pakistan and Malaysia, communal breakfasts are also held and it is customary to give charity to show dedication to the Prophet’s teachings.