Today, October 19, marks the day that tens of millions of Muslims across the world will celebrate the anniversary of the birth of the Prophet Muhammed. Known as Mawlid al-Nabi, this celebration is commemorated on the 12th day of Rabi al-Awwal, the third month of the Islamic calendar. This equates to October 19 in the 2021 Gregorian calendar.
It should be note the Sunnis and Shias celebrate this occasion on different days in the same month. The above-mentioned date of the 12th is the date on which the Sunnis commemorate the birth of the prophet, while the Shias celebrate it on the 17th of the month.
While the prophet himself did not honor the day, the occasion is observed in the majority of Muslim states, with a number of them designating it as a national holiday. Believers take this day to celebrate the life of the prophet, his teachings and sufferings, and his character.
During the Mawlid al-Nabi, celebrations are held across the world. Festivities include special meals, often held at mosques with other members of the community, as well as the day spent reflecting on the teachings of the prophet Muhammed. Throughout the Middle East, many towns and cities will decorate their streets for the occasion and food and sweets are distributed to the public. There are also fairs and other events open to families and children.
The celebration of the prophet’s birth is equally as important in an American context, where English forms of poetry, song and literature show the increasing importance of Mawlid al-Nabi amongst American Muslims. The various ethnic groups in this community bring their own customs to the festival observance of Mawlid al-Nabi and many have begun to add distinctly American elements as part of their celebration.
#DEI #DEIatCTI #MawlidalNabi #DiversityEquityInclusion
If you would like to join the Community Teamwork’s Diversity & Inclusion Committee, please email diversity@commteam.org
