Milad-un-Nabi 2024: A Commemoration of the Prophet Muhammad’s Birth

Milad-un-Nabi, also known as Eid-e-Milad, is a significant Islamic festival marking the birth anniversary of the Prophet Muhammad. This year, the festival is observed from the evening of September 15 to September 16, 2024, according to the Islamic lunar calendar, Rabi’ al-Awwal. The 12th day of this month is considered highly auspicious by Sunni Muslims, whereas Shia Muslims commemorate it on the 17th.

The tradition of celebrating this occasion, often called Mawlid, has roots tracing back to the early Rashidun Caliphs and was officially observed by the Fatimids. Initially exclusive to specific sects, the practice spread widely by the 12th century, becoming a time for reflection on the Prophet’s life and teachings.

In India, Milad-un-Nabi is acknowledged with public holidays in various states, including Uttarakhand, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and Jammu and Kashmir. Moreover, popular religious sites like Haji Ali Dargah, Jama Masjid, Nizamuddin Aulia, and Ajmer Sharif attract thousands of devotees, reflecting the depth of spiritual engagement during this time.

Muslims commemorate the day through prayers, processions, and community gatherings, which may include charitable acts and the decoration of homes and mosques. The day encapsulates not only festivities but also a reminder of the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad, emphasizing acts of kindness, compassion, and faith.

Despite its widespread celebration, certain Islamic groups, such as those aligned with the Salafi and Wahhabi schools of thought, do not observe this festival. They regard it as a religious innovation, not practiced during the Prophet’s lifetime or his immediate successors, and advocate a return to fundamental practices solely outlined in the Quran and Sunnah.