Published by: Nibandh Vinod
Last updated: Sep 26, 2023 07:47 IST
The date for Eid-e-Milad depends on the phase of the moon. (Image: Shutterstock)
Eid Milad-Un-Nabi 2023: In Arabic, this day is also known as Nabid, Mawlid or Mawlid an-Nabi. The event takes place during Rabi’ al-Awwal, the third month of the Islamic calendar. Many countries regard the day as a public holiday.
Muslims around the world will commemorate Prophet Muhammad’s birthday as Eid-e-Milad. In Arabic, this day is also known as Nabid, Mawlid or Mawlid an-Nabi. The event takes place during Rabi’ al-Awwal, the third month of the Islamic calendar. Many countries regard the day as a public holiday. In India, the day is celebrated on September 28. The festivities include lively processions gathering at mosques and the public recitation of Muhammad’s teachings.
Eid Milad-Un-Nabi in India: Date
The date for Eid-e-Milad depends on the phase of the moon. According to this year’s observation, the event will start on the evening of September 27 and will continue this year on the evening of September 28. In India, Eid Milad-un-Nabi has been declared a public holiday on September 28.
Eid Milad-Un-Nabi: History and Meaning
Prophet Hazrat Muhammad was born in Mecca, Saudi Arabia, and is said to have attained enlightenment in 540 CE in a cave near Mecca called Hira. During his lifetime, Muhammad established Islam and established what is now Saudi Arabia as one kingdom dedicated to worshiping God. After Muhammad’s death in 632 CE, many Muslims began celebrating numerous informal festivals to commemorate his life and teachings.
Shiites and Sunnis celebrate the day in different ways. On this day, Prophet Muhammad, according to Shia tradition, chose Hazrat Ali as his successor. On the other hand, the Sunni community gathers for prayers on this day. The celebration of Eid Milad un-Nabi started in Egypt and eventually spread around the world.
Eid Milad-Un-Nabi: How to Celebrate
Milad-un-Nabi gatherings are held to commemorate, discuss and honor the birth and teachings of the Prophet Muhammad. Many devotees send good wishes to their friends and relatives.
Some of the activities performed on this day include all-night prayer meetings, marches and parades that draw huge crowds, festive banners that adorn homes, mosques and other religious buildings, meals served in mosques and other community facilities.
Moreover, this is also an opportunity for an important meeting of religious intellectuals and historians. These individuals attend lectures and engage in thoughtful conversations about the Prophet and Islam. There are also regular debates on controversial religious issues.
In India, Muslims honor the life and deeds of the Prophet by writing poetry and scriptures about him. Milad, paintings and sculptures without Nabi theme have been created by many artists to commemorate the occasion.
