The Haji Ali and Mahim dargahs, together with other Muslim religious organisations in Mumbai, have planned celebrations and charity events to mark the 1500th birthday of Prophet Muhammad, the messenger of Islam.
150 Million Durood Shareef Prayers Planned
The shrines, alongwith other community groups, plan to offer 150 million Durood Shareef prayers to mark the date. The day will also represent the one and half millennia of Islam as the birthday of the prophet is also considered as the founding date of the religion. Durood Shareef prayers ask for God's mercy on the prophet and his family. The prayers are an essential part of Islamic rituals.
Mosques and Kabristan Trusts to Join In
The year 571 AD is the birth date of the prophet as per the Gregorian calendar. The birthday will be celebrated on the 12th day of the Islamic lunar month of Rab Al Awal, corresponding to September 4 or 5, depending on the sighting of the moon. However, two most important Sufi shrines, dedicated to saints Pir Haji Ali Shah Bukhari and Makhdoom Ali Mahimi, will start a 12-day programme beginning around August 25.
Daily Prayer Tracking System
Among the events planned are religious preaching, the hoisting of the national flag, and calligraphy art workshops. Suhail Khandwani, managing trustee of the Haji Ali and Mahim dargahs, said that he met members of organisations such as Raza Academy to discuss the plans. The trust plans to distribute 1500 bags of food rations to needy families, 1500 notebooks to students, and offer medical treatment for 1500 patients.
Dedication at Mahim Dargah
Khandwani said that the shrine will work with mosques and kabristan trusts to complete 150 million prayers. "A team will coordinate and calculate the number of times the prayer is read everyday at various locations. The prayers will be the dedication to Prophet Muhammad at the Mahim dargah," Khandwani added.
