Mawlid

Mawlid signifies birth of Prophet, Mawlid is marked on the birthday of Islamic Prophet Muhammad. It celebrates in the month of Rabi al awwal which is the 3rd month of the Islamic calendar. The term mawlid is also used in other countries like Egypt for birthdays of other saints. Some Muslim community Shia observes Mawlid on the 17th of the month coinciding it with the birthday of 6th imam jafar al-sadiq and the Prophet Muhammad.

History

The elementary original accounts for the execution of Mawlid can be initiated in Mecca in 8th Century, when the house of Muhammad was malformed into the prayer room by the mother of Harun Al Rashid, Al Khayzuran. No community celebrations of the birth of Muhammad took place until fourth century after he passed away. The eldest Mawlid transcript is granted to be from 12th century and most probable is of the origin of Persia.

In past the celebration of Mawlid comprise basics of Sufi inspiration, along with animals forfeit and the parade and procession with the torch lights. Most of the celebration of Mawlid took place in day time in disparity of current scenario with the ruler performing the vital role in the ceremony. Most important was given to Aahl-al-Bayt who is known to be translators of Quran with performance with orations and narration of Quran. The event also includes distributing gifts to officials to get support for the presiding caliph.

Widely most of the Muslim community are in favour of celebrating Mawlid. They cogitate mandatory to celebrate Mawlid in Islam religion and foresee it as a commendable event and optimistic development while sunni one of the community in Muslim believe it is an unsuitable event and prohibits it celebrations. While some Muslim community believe that by observing fasts on Monday is also way of remembering and celebrating birthday of Muhammad.

Celebrations & Rituals

Mawlid is renowned in most of the Muslim countries and also countries with partial Muslim presence including British, India, Canada and Russia.

Mawlid is celebrated in the festival manner with large processions and parades on the street are held. Most of the house and mosques are decorated. Food and charity are distributed. Stories on the life of Muhammad are recited in form of poem by the children’s. Renowned poets and scholars recited poems known as Qasida-Al- Burda.

The biggest celebration of Mawlid so far took place in Pakistan wherein Mawlid is considered as a bank holiday in Pakistan, Flag hoisting takes place and entire area is decorated with the lights. On the day of Mawlid in Pakistan Movie theatre presents religious movie instead of fiction movies. The world biggest gathering takes place in Pakistan where thousands of people gather Minar e Pakistan, Lahore for procession and parades. Similar kind of practice also takes place in some part of South Asia, in India Mawlid is celebrated in borders of Jammu and Srinagar.

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