The President of India, Ram Nath Kovind extended his greeting on the eve Eid-e-Milad-un-Nabi on Monday. He said, “On the auspicious occasion of Prophet Muhammad’s birthday which is celebrated as Eid-e-Milad or Milad-un-Nabi, I extend my greetings to all our fellow citizens, especially our Muslim brothers and sisters".
"Prophet Muhammad’s life is an example of fraternity, compassion and affection. He will always remain a source of inspiration for humanity. Let us take inspiration from his life & ideals and work for the prosperity of the society and promotion of peace and harmony in the country”", the president added.
What is Eid-e-Milad-un-Nabi and how is it celebrated?
Eid Milad-un-Nabi is an annual celebration to commemorate the birth anniversary of Prophet Muhammad and is observed in the month of Rabi-ul-Awwal, the third month of the Islamic lunar calendar, which commences with the sighting of the moon. The occasion also marks the death anniversary of the Prophet.
This year, as per the Gregorian calendar, the celebration will begin from the evening of October 18 and will last till the evening of October 19. Along with India, the festival is celebrated in Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and other parts of the subcontinent.
One of the most important parts of Eid Milad-un-Nabi is to celebrate the life of the Prophet, his teachings, sufferings, and his character, as he even forgave his enemies. Muslims celebrate the occasion by wearing new clothes, offering prayers, and exchanging gifts. The community assembles at a mosque or a dargah and begins their day with a morning prayer followed by a procession.
The custom of celebrating the birth of the Holy Prophet on an enormous scale began in Egypt with the descendants of the Prophet, through his daughter Fatima. It was especially celebrated by theologians and religious institutions. They gathered to hear sermons, distributing sweets, gifts and honey in particular, the Prophet's favourite. Hence, the feast is an important part of the celebrations.
The two major sects of Islam, Sunnis and Shias commemorate the occasion on different days in the same month. While Sunnis observe the day on the 12th day of the month, Shias do it on the 17th day of the month.
Prophet Muhammad is the last messenger of Allah who spread the message of love and unity for all the human beings. This day gained popularity in the 8th century when the prophet’s house was converted into a prayer hall. Unlike now, the day was observed in a very different form.
The history of Mawlid goes back to the early days of Islam when people gathered to read poetry and sang verses to honour Prophet Muhammad. The Prophet's life and teachings, as reflected in the Hadith, continue to influence believers. Muslims who observe Milad-un-Nabi remember, discuss and celebrate the Prophet's life on Eid Milad Un Nabi. People hold night-long prayers and send Milad-un-Nabi e-cards to friends and family. Eid Milad Un Nabi Mubarak!
Public gatherings customarily take place to mark this day. Religious congregations are also observed where leaders enunciate the teachings of Islam and the life of the Prophet by focusing on his teachings, sufferings, and his forgiving nature.
(With inputs from ANI)
