Mawlid, Mawlid un-Nabi, or Milad un-Nabi is an important day in the history of Islam that marks the birthdate of beloved Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). It is celebrated as an Islamic holiday in many countries across the globe. Though the exact date of the day is unknown and remains a matter of debate, the day is observed on the 12th of Rabi al-Awwal. Rabi al-Awwal is the third month in the Islamic Lunar Calendar falling just after the month of Safar. The celebrations of the day can differ from place to place around the world. The month is auspicious and can be utilized to learn more about the teachings of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), offer prayers and supplications, read the Islamic tales and much more.
What is Milad-un-Nabi?
Also known as Mawlid, Mawlid un Nabi Sharif, and Eid Milad, Milad-un-Nabi is the auspicious occasion of Prophet Muhammad Saheb’s birthday. The literal meaning of the word Mawlid is to give birth, which comes from the Arabic language. The contemporary usage however refers to the birth of the Prophet specifically.
Milad-un-Nabi dates
The celebrations of Milad un-Nabi will begin from evening of 15th September 2024 and will end by the evening of 16th September 2024.
What is the month of Rabi ul-Awwal?
The third month in Islmaic Calendar, Rabi Al Awwal falls after the holy month of Muharram and Safar. The literal meaning of Rabi Al Awwal can be derived from two words Rabi meaning the spring and Al Awwal meaning the first. As a result, Rabi al Awwal is translated to the first spring of the year. However, the meaning has no significance in the modern day as Islamic Calendar is a lunar Calendar and seasons may differ from month. The month in today’s world maintains the metaphorical sense of spring that is the blossom of hope and joy. The month also marks key events such as the birth of the beloved Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). Hence, the month is significant for the Muslims around the world. The month is widely celebrated for the 12th of Mawlid or Milad-un-Nabi.
What is 12 Rabi ul-Awwal?
Mawlid is observed on 12 Rabi ul-Awwal every year. Since Islamic calendar is a lunar calendar, the date as per the English calendar varies year to year. The date for Milad-un-Nabi 2024 is September 15th. It starts on the evening of 15th September and ends on the evening of the next day, which is the 16th.
Eid Milad-un-Nabi History
The history of Eid Milad revolves around the time when Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) was born in Makkah in 570 CE. However, the popularity of Eid-e-Milad began during the 8th century after the Prophet’s house was converted to a prayer hall. This was done by the then Caliph, Harun-al-Rashid’s mother, Al-Khizuran.
Also, at that time, the day was observed very differently from the way it is observed today. Going back to the 11th century, Mawlid was only celebrated in Egypt by the leading clan. Later in the day, people used to recite and offer prayers and then people from the ruling clan gave speeches and verses from the Holy Quran. It was only in the 12th century, that other Muslim countries such as Syria, Turkey, Morocco, and Spain started to celebrate this day.
Eid Milad-un-Nabi Significance
Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) is the last messenger of Allah Almighty, and a man of wise words, honesty, and mercy on all human beings. The entire humanity has been blessed by the birth of Prophet Muhammad and therefore any day related to his life is of great significance for Muslims irrespective of geographical boundaries. On this day, the believers greet his birthday to show their love and devotion to the Prophet (PBUH). This festival is all about remembering and regarding the teachings of the Holy Prophet.
How is Milad un-Nabi celebrated?
Eid Milad-un-Nabi is celebrated differently across different locations. In countries like India and Pakistan, Eid Milad is marked by grand processions, colorful decorations, and public gatherings. Buildings and streets are often illuminated with lights and candles. Special naat (poetry praising the Prophet) competitions and recitations are common. In Egypt and other North African countries, the focus is on religious lectures, Quranic recitations, and scholarly discussions about the life and teachings of the Prophet. In many Arab countries, Eid Milad is observed as a religious occasion with prayers and Quran recitations. In some Arab cultures, there is a tendency to avoid elaborate celebrations and focus on spiritual aspects. Countries like Indonesia and Malaysia may hold public festivals, including parades and cultural events, to celebrate Eid Milad. Streets and buildings are often decorated with banners and Islamic calligraphy. Some Middle Eastern countries place a strong emphasis on religious gatherings, where scholars discuss the life and teachings of the Prophet. In Western countries with Muslim populations, the celebration of Eid Milad varies, influenced by local customs and the diversity of Muslim communities.
What do Muslims do on Mawlid 2024?
Mawlid is observed by remembering Prophet Muhammad’s teachings. Muslims offer prayers and narrate verses from the Holy Quran. They also wear new clothes, cook and eat special food with their loved ones, and exchange gifts. Important places such as the streets, mosques, shrines, and residential areas are decorated with colorful lights. People sing poetry in praise of the Prophet as it is also believed that listening to these prayers gets mercy and heavenly rewards from the Almighty Allah.
The roots of celebrating this day go back to the early four Rashidun Caliphs of Islam. Usually, there are gatherings at dargahs/mosques to begin their day with a morning prayer, followed by night-long prayers. There are marches and parades as well as communal meals in the mosque. Sending Eid-e-Milad wishes via messages and e-cards is increasingly becoming popular. Overall, it is a good day to spend time with family and to tell kids inspiring stories and poems about the life of Prophet Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him.
Eid Milad-un-Nabi-Mawlid Facts
- Mawlid shares both the events, birth and the death of Prophet Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him.
- Muslims engage in donations and charity and arrange feasts that are served to the poor.
- Mawlid is known as Maouloud in West Africa.
- Mawlid was first declared an official holiday by the Ottomans in the year 1588.
- Sections within the Muslim community are split regarding the date of birth of the Prophet, peace, and blessings be upon him.
- Some sections of the Muslim community believe except Eid al-Fitr and Eid-e-Adha, no other events are to be celebrated as per the Islamic holy books.
- In Saudi Arabia and Qatar, Mawlid holidays and celebrations are forbidden.
- In countries where it is celebrated, people carry green banners, flags, tie green ribbons on their waist or head, and wear green-colored clothes on this day. The green color represents Islam and paradise.
- Gun salutes and religious chants are common sights on Mawlid in Pakistan.
- Mawlid is observed in India with night-long prayers and display of relics of the Prophet in Jammu & Kashmir; and rallies & parades in Telangana.
Regardless of the difference in observance, the day of Eid Milad un Nabi is a day of great importance in Islam and is spent thinking, reading, or listening about his extraordinary life and teachings that hold importance even many centuries later.
Suggested Read:Eid Prayer: Meaning, Timings, and How To Offer Eid Salah
Milad-Un-Nabi 2024 FAQs
Why is Milad-un-Nabi important?
Milad un Nabi is an important day as it commemorates the birthday of the last Islamic Prophet, Prophet Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him
What are the other names of Milad-un-Nabi?
Milad un Nabi is also popularly known as Eid Milad un Nabi, Mawlid, Mawlid an-Nabi ash-Sharif, and Eid e Milad.
What do Muslims do on Milad un Nabi?
On Mawlid, Muslims listen to the narration of the Prophet’s life and his teachings. It is believed that Mawlid is the day to seek mercy and forgiveness from Allah.
Is Milad un Nabi a government holiday?
In many countries with a significant Muslim population, Mawlid is a government declared a holiday. All government offices, schools, colleges, as well as business offices remain closed on this day. The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and Qatar however are an exception.
When is Milad un Nabi 2024?
Milad un Nabi will be begin on 15th September 2024 and will end on 16th September 2024.
When was Mawlid first declared as the holiday?
Ottomans first declared Mawlid as a holiday in 1588.
Which are the countries in which Mawlid is not celebrated?
Countries like Qatar and Saudi Arabia do not celebrate Mawlid as a holiday.
