Mawlid Un Nabi Starts

Mawlid Un Nabi History

Mawlid Un Nabi, also known as Milad Un Nabi, is a significant observance celebrated by Muslims worldwide to honor the Prophet Muhammad's birth. It occurs during the third month of the Islamic calendar, Rabi' al-Awwal. This event is marked by activities that emphasize the teachings and values of Islam, including reciting poems, singing praises, and delivering sermons, all meant to commemorate the life of Prophet Muhammad, who is considered the final prophet in Islam. While Mawlid Un Nabi is not universally celebrated among Muslims, it holds remarkable importance in shaping the religious and cultural fabric of communities around the globe.

The commemoration of Mawlid Un Nabi dates back to the 12th century when it first started to be observed in Mamluk Egypt. Over time, the celebration spread to different parts of the Muslim world, including India, which has unique customs and ceremonies in honour of the prophet. In India, Mawlid celebrations are rooted in the country's cultural diversity, with each region having its distinct rituals and practices. The day signifies an opportunity to educate the younger generation about the exemplary life of the Prophet Muhammad, his teachings, and his role in shaping the society's faith, morals, and ethics.

In India, Mawlid Un Nabi is observed with great enthusiasm, particularly in the states of Maharashtra, Kerala, Karnataka, and Telangana. The festivities include processions with colourful banners, flags, and devotional songs, distributing food and sweets to the poor and needy. Additionally, mosques and religious institutions hold talks and symposiums on Islamic history and the prophet's life. Communal prayers for peace, prosperity, and harmony are also conducted during Mawlid Un Nabi. The observance usually takes place on the 12th day of Rabi' al-Awwal month, as per the lunar-based Islamic calendar, which differs each year in the Gregorian calendar.

Mawlid Un Nabi Starts facts & quotes

• Muhammad was born in Mecca to Abdullah ibn Al Muttalib, the son of the chief of the Quraysh, and Aminah bint Wahab, a member of the Banu Zuhrah tribe. His mother, Aminah, is a descendent of Abraham through his son Ismail.
• Muhammad was born on the Year of the Elephant, which is named after the year on which Aksumite king Abraha tried to destroy Mecca with an army of his elephants. Tradition dictates that the army was destroyed by birds carrying small stones, which they threw on the elephants.
• The Ottomans declared it an official holiday in 1588 and the first public celebrations included feasting, giving to the poor and reciting poetry.
• One of the most significant rituals observed during Mawlid un Nabi in India is the Barawafat procession. The term Barawafat is derived from the Arabic word barah, which means twelve, signifying the twelfth day of the Islamic month of Rabi al-Awwal, the day Prophet Muhammad was born.
• An important aspect of Mawlid un Nabi celebrations in India is the Sandal ceremony, popularly known as Sandal ka Rawan. During this event, people prepare a symbolic cradle for the Prophet complete with bedding and adornments. They also apply sandalwood paste to the cradle as a gesture of respect and devotion. The sandalwood paste is later distributed as a blessing among the participants.

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Top things to do in India for Mawlid Un Nabi

• Watch the Omar series to learn more about the times of Muhammad. Although it does not show Muhammad directly out of Muslim's respect for him, it shows all his companions and the lives they led.
• Study the Quran or the Hadith (teachings of Muhammad) to learn more about the Prophet Muhammad.
• Paying respects at Sufi shrines and dargahs (tombs of Sufi saints) is a common practice. People visit these holy sites to offer prayers and seek blessings. The most famous ones include Ajmer Sharif Dargah in Ajmer and Nizamuddin Dargah in Delhi.
• Visit beautifully decorated mosques during this time. Some popular mosques include Hazratbal Shrine in Srinagar, Jama Masjid in Delhi, Mecca Masjid in Hyderabad, and Ajmer Sharif Dargah in Ajmer.