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Casablanca – Eid Al Mawlid Annabawi, or “Meloudia,” as it is called in Morocco, is an Islamic holiday that commemorates the birth of the Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him). The religious celebration takes place on the 12th day of Rabi’ Al Awwal, the third month of the Islamic calendar.
The festivities on this sacred holiday vary between regions, with each one having its own customs and rituals.
The celebration of Eid Al Mawlid dates back to the early days of Islam when some Muslims began chanting and reciting poems in commemoration of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).
The year 1588 marked the first year when the Ottoman Empire — which originated in Turkey and was founded by Osman — recognized Eid Al Mawlid as an official holiday, naming it “Mevlid Kandil.”
Since then, Eid Al Mawlid has gained recognition in Muslim countries, with this day dedicated to carrying out spiritual ceremonies.
Moroccan Rituals
The festivities and traditions that Moroccans have been renewing in honor of the birth of the Holy Prophet begin on the first day of Rabi’ Al Awwal and continue until the day of the Prophet’s birth.
After the Maghrib prayer, daily lessons are held throughout mosques to speak of the Prophet’s biography, the lives of the companions, and the virtues of the messenger to Muslims. These lessons are accompanied by prophetic praise and religious recitations.
These customs are carried out until the night of Eid when a large ceremony is held in the great mosque in each city.
Following the Isha prayer, the event begins with reciting Qur’anic passages and prophetic praises. The imam then delivers a short sermon in which he reminds the worshipers of the Prophet’s history and the biographies of his companions.
For Moroccans, the holiday provides an occasion to remember principles of peace and tolerance while also reviving a religious environment.
Famous Moroccan Cities’ Celebrations
In Morocco, many cities hold street festivals and celebrations while playing issawa, the holy and mystic music.
However certain cities have unique traditions that draw in visitors during this holiday like Fez, Meknes, Marrakech, and Sale.
Sale, for example, Rabat’s twin city, has its own special way to celebrate the Mawlid.
On the eve of the Mawlid, after Al-Asr prayer (afternoon), the city organizes the “Candle Convoy,” a religious and artistic carnival.
The convoy members carry enormous wooden frames covered with multicolored candles in various designs. The frame can weigh up to 50 kg and has a dome shape with minaret towers which are inspired by Islamic architecture.
After traveling through some of the city’s main roads, the convoy arrives at its destination, the “Square of Martyrs.”
The carnival dates back to the 16th century when Morocco was governed by the Saadi Dynasty.
Before his reign, Ahmad Al Mansur, commonly known as Al Mansur Eddahbi (The Golden Mansur), was the Sultan of the dynasty from 1578 and 1603, he was left captivated by a candle procession in Istanbul, the Ottoman Empire.
After ascending to the throne, he opted to continue celebrating Eid Al Mawlid in the same manner.
Meknes is also one of the most famous cities for its special rituals for celebrating Eid Al Mawlid.
The Royal Palace organizes the “Mussem of Shaykh al-Kamil” in Meknes, which represents the pilgrimage of the disciples of the Sufi brotherhood of Aissawa.
Festivities in Meknes, dubbed “Mussem,” include parades around the city with individuals dressed in vibrant outfits, as well as several religious processions and Moussem-style activities.
The Issawa groups arrive from various parts of Morocco days before Eid and set up camp near the shrine in Meknes. The major spiritual center of the Issawa brotherhood is the Zaouia, or monastery, in Meknes.
Sects’ Seasons
The commemoration of the Prophet’s birthday in Morocco coincides with the celebrations of the routes and sects. The sects’ seasons are annual festivals celebrated by most of the Sufi orders in Morocco, and it is related to the Ahmad Shah sect and the Issawa sect.
The spiritual, social-cultural, and scientific centers — called “Zawayas” in Morocco — of various Sufi brotherhoods during this day welcome a variety of disciples, including Mourids, and Fouqaras, coming from various horizons.
The Other Side of Eid Al Mawlid in Morocco
Eid Al Mawlid has long been a source of contention in the Islamic world, as many Muslim scholars believe that celebrating birthdays is forbidden or “haram.”
Despite the controversy, many Moroccans consider Eid Al Mawlid as an opportunity to express their faith and affection for their prophet.
Although Eid Al Mawlid is mainly a spiritual holiday, it is also a special occasion for family reunions.
Moroccan Muslim families gather to share traditional meals, one of the dishes of this special occasion is the “Tfaya Couscous.”
Other Moroccan dishes such as harira, assida, and a meat tajine are also considered special meals to enjoy with family over the holiday.
While some Moroccan families chose to feast, others read poems or sing songs in praise of the Prophet Muhammad’s life, values, and character.
Leading up to the anniversary of the Prophet’s birthday, stores and marketplaces in Morocco’s towns and countryside are packed with people looking to buy various types of sweets and new garments for children to wear on Eid.
Happy Eid Al Mawlid Annabawi!
