MAULIDUR RASUL 2009

The birthday of Prophet Muhammad is celebrated on the 12 th day of Rabi-al-Awwal by the Sunni Muslims mainly. It is regarded as an auspicious day and on this day Muslims send their blessings to Prophet Muhammad with recitation of praises and blessings. Sometimes Muslim organizations arrange for lectures in mosques in order to remember the life history of Prophet Muhammad and his good deeds. The birthday of Prophet Muhammad is also known as Milad, Milad an-Nabi, Mevlid Serif, Mawlid ar-Rasul, Yawm an-Nabi or Milad-un-Nabi.

Prophet Muhammad is considered to be the last Prophet of God and the last messenger of God by the Muslims. He was born on 12 Rabiul Awwal, the third month of Muslim calendar. His birthday was first celebrated during the 13 th century followed by a month long celebration. The original celebrations included a sermon, honoring of religious deities, giving gifts, recitation of litanies followed by a feast. Nowadays, however, it is far more subdued although march pasts are still held at different places.

Since the birthday of Prophet Muhammad is based on the Islamic calendar, the date varies every year on the Western calendar because of the differences between both of them. The Islamic calendar is based on lunar movements and the Western calendar is based on solar calendar.

There is a difference of opinion as to whether the birthday of Prophet Muhammad should be considered as a time of celebration. There are evidences that the Prophet, his Companions and the early followers never celebrated on this day. However, some people argue that though it was not celebrated initially, the remembrance of Prophet Muhammad on his birthday is a good innovation in Islam.