Milad-un-Nabi 2024: Observance and Significance

Eid-e-Milad-un-Nabi, also known as Mawlid or the Prophet’s Birthday, commemorates the birth of Prophet Muhammad. This Islamic event takes place on the 12th day of Rabi’ al-Awwal, the third month of the Islamic lunar calendar. It is celebrated from the evening of September 15 to September 16 this year.

The day holds immense spiritual significance for Muslims worldwide, as it reflects on the teachings and life of Prophet Muhammad. Traditionally, this observance is significant in both Sufi traditions within Sunni Islam and in Shia Islam, albeit on different days.

In various states across India, banks will be closed to mark the occasion, creating a long weekend for residents. Among these states are Uttarakhand, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and Delhi, among others.

A historical note highlights the Prophet’s birthplace. Muhammad was born in 570 CE in Mecca. This day is not only significant for his birth but also marks his death, adding a layer of reflective mourning to the celebrations.

Religious activities include prayers, processions, orations on the Prophet’s life, and community gatherings. Prominent sites like Haji Ali Dargah and Jama Masjid experience a surge of visitors. Homes and mosques are often adorned with lights, while charity is emphasized. Nevertheless, certain schools of thought within Islam, such as the Salafi and Wahhabi, reject such celebrations, viewing them as non-traditional innovations.

The historical roots of these celebrations trace back to the Fatimid Dynasty and have evolved to include a wide spectrum of cultural practices, influenced heavily by Sufi traditions over time. Today, the day is marked by communal feasts and acts of devotion.