Drafted by SHUBHAM SHARMA
Milad-un-nabi or Mawlid is celebrated mainly by Muslim communities to mark the birthday of the Islamic prophet Muhammad. This day reminds the peace, kindness, compassion, and teaching of prophet Muhammad. This day is celebrated on the third month of the Islamic calendar and the 12th Rabi’ al-Awal is the accepted date among most Sunni and Shia scholars. Some Shia regards 17th Rabi’ al- Awal as an accepted date. It is being observed in India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Egypt, and other parts of the subcontinent today.
History
According to Festivals in World Religions, the Mawlid was first introduced by the Abbasids in Bagdad, Afghanistan. It has been said that the Mawlid was first formalized by Al- Khayzarun of the Abbasids(8th century).
But, According to Nico Kaptien of Leiden University, The idea that the celebration of the mawlid originated with the Fatimid dynasty(10th- 12th century) has today been almost universally accepted among both religious polemicists and secular scholars.
In 1207, the first public holiday of Mawlid was celebrated by Muzzafar- al-din- Gokburi in Erbil(Iraq).
Celebration
Milad Un Nabi is celebrated by peace full religious gatherings, rallies, parades. People wear new clothes, perform rituals and exchange greetings All the streets, Houses, Mosques are decorated with colorful lights, Ribbons, Green flags. The color green represents Islam and paradise. Delicious sweets and flavored dishes like Shami kabab, bread puddings, biryani, etc are cooked and exchange between families and friends. Beautiful qawwalis, Songs, and poetry are sung. One of the major and most popular songs is Maulaud. As per the traditional values of Islam, singing this song brings good luck and also reaffirms the loyalty of the devotee towards God.
- Night long prayers
- Festive banners are being hoisted in mosques, streets, buildings, and home
- Community feasts within localities and mosques
- Reciting Naats, preachings of the Prophet, and stories related to his life
- Rites and rituals over the footprints of the Prophet Muhammad
- Beautiful qawalis and poetry are sung on Prophet Muhammad
Among non-Muslim countries, India is noted for its Mawlid celebrations. India has several destinations to visit on this day and can observe the relics of Prophet Muhammad.
Some notable places to visit:
- Jammu and Kashmir are famously called the Paradise on Earth. Hazrath bal shrines is noted for long night prayers and early morning prayers.
- Charminar-Hyderabad, Telangana is noted for its grand Milad festivities Religious meetings, night-long prayers, rallies, parades and decorations are made throughout the city.
- Jama masJid , Jamali Kamali, Moti masjid- DElhi.
- Haji ali dargah, Mumbai
- Nakhoda masjid,Tipu sultan masjid- Kolkata
- Sir sayyid House Mosque Aligarh
- and in almost every city
