Maulud Nabi
(The Birth of the Prophet)
The birthday of Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessing be upon him)is celebrated on the 12th day of Rabi-al-Awwal (Hijrah calendar) 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 Rabi-al- Awwal, the third month of Muslim calendar. His birthday was first celebrated during the 13th century followed by a month long celebration.
The original celebrations included a sermon, giving gifts, recitation of the Qur’an, zikr/dua (litanies) followed by a feast. Nowadays, however, it is far more subdued.
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. For this year it falls on February 4, 2012.
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.
www.mapsofworld.com/…/pro… – Estados Unidos
flights.indonesiamatters.com/…/maulid–nabi/ (for the image/picture)
