Eid-e-Milad is celebrated on the twelfth of the Muslim month, Rabi’ al Awwal. It is also known as the Nabi Day. The celebration depends on the moon’s sighting.
The community has a special place for the Prophet’s teachings. Hence, they remember his faith and his teachings about peace and unity, which they reflect on this day. It brings joy to the community. They recall his teachings via gatherings. On this day, Muslims wear new clothes. They offer a special prayer in the mosque.
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History of Eid-e-Milad
In ancient times, they mourned on this day. It was the death anniversary of the Prophet Muhammad. It reflected loss for the community.
However, things changed in the tenth century. The Fatimid Caliphate established this day as a celebration. The Shia dynasty started holding public gatherings to offer prayers and praise the Prophet. It helped popularise the celebration amongst the Islamic world. Hence, it evolved from a regional event to a community celebration.
From the 13th century, Muslims worldwide started celebrating Eid-e-Milad. They observed it as the birthdate of Prophet Muhammad. The day’s significance changed from sadness to celebration. It became a new way of honouring his teachings.
Significance of Eid-e-Milad
It is a famous festival in September for the Muslim community. They carry out processions and do charity. Some organise communal meals. Today, Muslims follow the Prophet’s teachings to strengthen the community bond. Some have private family gatherings.
Eid-e-Milad is a big festival for Muslims. They remember the Prophet’s teachings on this day. They renew their commitment to his pedagogy on this day.
How Eid-e-Milad is Celebrated
Muslims start the day by cleaning their houses and streets. They also clean the nearby mosques. Moreover, they gather to offer prayer in the mosque. They also take out processions in which they praise Prophet Muhammad.
The children attend meetings to learn about Prophet Muhammad’s teachings. They participate in all kinds of events organised on this day.
Muslims wear new clothes on this day. Men wear Jhabbas, whereas women wear Abayas. They show complete devotion through their dress.
Eid-e-Milad is a festival of joy for Muslims. They celebrate this day by singing in public places. Maulud is a popular song that is widely sung today. According to Islamic culture, singing this song brings good fortune.
Many religious speakers organise lectures to spread the Prophet Muhammad’s teachings. People write essays and poems to honour the deeds and life of Prophet Muhammad. Artists create paintings suitable for this unique festival.
Sweets are shared among friends and families. Honey is the most commonly distributed sweet.
How Shias and Sunnis Celebrate Eid-e-Milad
Both communities of Muslims honour this occasion. However, their different religious practices and traditions lead to variations in how they observe it. Let’s see how they celebrate the festival.
Sunnis
They celebrate Eid-e-Milad by singing religious poems. They also sing Islamic songs praising the Prophet Muhammad. Sunnis decorate mosques and homes with lights and green flags. They engage in charitable acts such as feeding the poor. Some of them help the less fortunate community members.
Many mosques or community centres hold lectures on the Prophet’s life. They talk about his teachings. Families and communities exchange meals and sweets on this joyous occasion.
Shias
They gather at mosques or private homes to narrate the teachings of Prophet Muhammad. They call him Ahlul Bayt. Shias’s lectures highlight the sufferings of the Prophet, especially that of Imam Hussein. Some communities hold candle processions.
Like Sunnis, they also perform charitable acts on this occasion. Besides, they recite a special prayer known as Salat al-Mawlid.
Conclusion
Eid-e-Milad 2024 represents faith, unity, and compassion. The celebrations involve remembering the life and teachings of Prophet Muhammad. People across the globe unite to honour his legacy. This festival encourages a deep sense of community. Muslims celebrate the festival by offering prayers, organising gatherings, and performing acts of charity. Eid-e-Milad highlights the importance of peace in today’s world. This occasion reminds us of the universal values that connect us all.
FAQs
It is an important festival in September for Muslims. It is the birthday of Prophet Muhammad. This Eid is also known as Nabi Day or Mawlid. It is a national holiday.
The Eid-e-Milad 2024 date is September 15 in Saudi Arabia. It will be celebrated on September 17 in India, Pakistan and other Islamic countries.
The entire Muslim community celebrates it. The Sunnis celebrate it on the twelfth day of the Islamic month Rabi’ al-awwal. While the Shias celebrate it on the seventeenth day of this month.
It means spring. Moreover, the meaning of Al-awwal is the first in Arabic. Hence, the word Rabi al-awwal means the first spring.
The Islamic meaning of Bid’ah is innovation. It also means performing actions in deen’s matters, which Allah has not suggested. Hence, it is a Bid’ah.
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