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Join on Telegram Rabat – Every year muslims around the world celebrate the birth of the Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him). The festivities of the holidays take place on the eleventh and twelfth of the third month of the Islamic calendar – Rabi’ Al Awwal.
For many the holiday represents an opportunity to look back at the life of the Prophet (PBUH) and praise his character and values that many around the globe appreciate and try to live by.
This year Eid Al Mawlid Annabawi will be celebrated in Morocco on September 28, as announced by the Ministry of Habous and Islamic Affairs.
Historicals origins and evolution:
The celebrations and festivities of the holiday, which include reciting poems and chants commemorating his life, date back to the early days of Islam, albeit long after the death of the Prophet Mohammed (PBUH).
The religious holiday was first publicly celebrated in the 13th century, but it was not until 1588 when Eid Al Mawlid Annabawi became a national holiday in the Ottoman Empire.
The controversy surrounding the celebration
The holiday has long sparked a major controversy over its religious legitimacy. As neither the Qur’an nor the Sunnah (traditions and practices of the Prophet), the canonical texts of Islam, mention celebrating the day, many people and countries consider its celebration to be Bid’ah, a new practice introduced to Islam. In fact, countries such as Saudi Arabia and Qatar have banned the celebration altogether.
However, Abdellah Kadira, head of the local scientific council in Rabat, argues that the celebration of the Prophet’s birthday is “supported by the Holy Quran;” he believes people should be free to celebrate the birth of the Prophet.
In most countries in the Islamic World, where this sentiment or belief is prevalent, including Morocco, Eid Al Mawlid Annabawi is celebrated and designated a national holiday.
Celebrating Eid Al Mawlid Annabawi in Morocco
Regardless of the controversy, Moroccans consider the holiday an opportunity to express their love for and faith in the Prophet (PBUH).
During the celebration of Al Mawlid, people tend to recite prayers, poems, and stories about the life of Prophet Mohammed, but it is also considered an opportunity for family reunions. Families around Morocco celebrate the Prophet’s birthday together.
Newly purchased clothes for the children and delicious food decorate the tables at these family gatherings. Although Morocco is known for its cultural diversity, and each area has its own dishes and traditions, for most Moroccan families, asida is the national dish for Eid. The highly prized dish is For many it is an indispensable part of the breakfast table in many families.
Among the Moroccan cities famous for their celebration of Eid Al Mawlid are Meknes and Sale. During the festivities in Meknes, the city is taken over by processions accompanied by groups of Isawa, who come from all corners of Morocco to attend the annual “Mussem of Shaykh al-Kamil” organized by the Royal Palace.
Sale, on the other hand, is known for its unique celebration of Al Mawlid with the “Candle Convoy.” Carrying beautiful wooden frames loaded with intricate details and multicolored candles, the convoy members walk around the city’s main road and sites until they reach their destination, the “Square of Martyrs.”
Significance of Eid Al Mawlid Annabawi
Several factors contribute to the importance of Eid Al Mawlid Annabawi.. The commemoration of the birth of the last Prophet, Mohammed (PBUH), is one of the main reasons that make the celebration of this day so important.
Another important aspect of the celebrations is spiritual reflection. People often take the opportunity to reflect on the Prophet’s life and teachings, to gain a better understanding of the character, values, and message of Islam.
The celebration is also popular in the Muslim world for its ability to unite families and promote love and brotherhood. Families in different Muslim communities come together to share their affection for the Prophet Mohammed (PBUH), which strengthens the bonds of brotherhood within families and within the Muslim World as a whole.
This Eid is also an opportunity for Muslims to draw closer to Allah and express their gratitude for Prophet Mohammed, the last Messenger, and for his guidance and divine message. As Prophet Mohammed (PBUH) is a role model for Muslims, many consider that their immense love and affection for the prophet can get them closer to God.
Education is another reason why people around the Muslim world tend to celebrate this significant day. Muslims consider the day as an opportunity to gain a deeper sense and understanding of their faith, through seminars, lectures, and discussions about the life and teaching of the Prophet Mohammed (PBUH).
The prophet (PBUH) was a role model for all people, regardless of their backgrounds, which leads muslims to consider the occasion of the Mawlid as an opportunity to follow in his footsteps and engage in acts of charity and kindness. His character and values of compassion and generosity are universal, and Muslims from all over the world respect the Prophet and look to him as a role model for the way they live their lives.
Despite the controversy surrounding the celebration of the prophet’s birthday, Eid Al Mawlid Annabawi remains an important day for Muslims around the world because of its spiritual, social, and educational significance.
Happy Eid!
