Prophet Muhammad was born in Mecca, Saudi Arabia, at the beginning of Rabi’ al-Awwal, or on April 22, 570 AD, according to many historians. Muslims around the world celebrate Mawlid (Muhammad’s birth) on 12 Rabi’ al-Awwal, the third month of the Islamic calendar also known as Eid Milaad un Nabi. It is celebrated in almost all Islamic countries, and in countries that have a significant Muslim population, such as India, the United Kingdom, Sri Lanka, France, Germany, Italy, Russia, China, and Canada, etc.
The Fatimids (Egypt) was the first to celebrate the Prophet’s birthday, and they also celebrated the New Year; the day of Ashura; the nights of Rajab 1, Sha’ban 1, and Sha’ban 15; the first of Ramadan; the Feast of Sacrifice; and the Feast of Eid ul Fitr, etc.
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The day of joy and celebration for all Muslims
Many countries are celebrating the Birthday, with special tradition according to local customs and values. In Pakistan, it is a public holiday and public buildings are lighted with colorful lights and colorful flags. Conferences and seminars are organized, where scholars and intellectuals highlight the various aspects of the Holy Prophet’s life. The private sector and individuals also celebrate the day with true spirit and organize many activities, including processions, QuarnKhuwani, distributing food, sweets, and delicious drinks. Decorate shops, roads, and houses with colorful lights and flags, etc. It is a mega festival in Pakistan and is celebrated each year regularly.
Although there are various versions of the Holy Prophets birthday, the consensus is to celebrate it on 12 of Rabi Ul Awal. But one thing is confirmed without any difference of opinion that he departed this world on the 12th of Rabi UlAwal. So some people also mourn on this day.
It is our love for the holy prophet, the way how we mark this day is not important, but he remains in our hearts and minds in more significant. We believe he was the role model and perfect human being. His way of life was guidelines and his teachings were key to success in this life as well as the life afterward. He was equally, respected by other religions too. And his teachings are being followed by other than Muslims too.
Many of the leading scholars from other religions also acknowledge his personality and praise his character. Some of the non-Muslims follow his teachings and became the winner in this life and are ruling the world. He was a mentor and teacher to the whole of humankind. He was a blessing for humankind, irrespective of faith. He was and is a role model for many leaders around the globe. His personality was undisputed and his teachings are light of wisdom and his exemplary way of life is the ray of hope and guarantee for success.
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What lessons Muslims can learn?
We, Muslims, need to study him, his teachings, his way of life and transfer this knowledge into our children and keep this tradition alive for the next generations to come. This is the only way, we can keep his teaching alive and ensure that our next generations will also be beneficiaries of his wisdom, teachings, and mentorship.
We may not limit our activities only to his birthday, but exercise his teachings throughout the year and for the rest of our whole life. Lets, make a promise to ourselves that we will try our best to follow him, and implement his teachings in our daily routine life. The best way to mark his birthday will be by following his Sunnah in our lives.
While nonbelievers are beneficiaries of his teachings, why are we, Muslims are deviating from his teachings. Let’s revert to his teachings and Sunnah, and be beneficiary of his legacy and ensure success in this life and the life hereafter.
His companions and their companions are also shining stars for us and sources of wisdom and ray of light for us. We must respect his companions and their companies too. We must respect the Holy Prophet and his family.
Once again, I must emphasize that the best way to show respect and love for our holy prophet, is to observe his teachings in our life. Trust, by following his exemplary life, we will succeed in this world and also in the world hereafter. Ameen
Prof. Engr. Zamir Ahmed Awan, Sinologist (ex-Diplomat), Editor, Analyst, Non-Resident Fellow of CCG (Center for China and Globalization), National University of Sciences and Technology (NUST), Islamabad, Pakistan. He can be reached at awanzamir@yahoo.com.
The views expressed in the article are the author’s own and do not necessarily reflect the editorial policy of Global Village Space.