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{{Infobox holiday
{{Infobox holiday
| holiday_name = Mawlid
| holiday_name = Mawlid
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| image =Maulidur Rasul (8413657269).jpg
| image =Maulidur Rasul (8413657269).jpg
| imagesize = 300px
| imagesize = 300px
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| observedby = Adherents of mainstream [[Sunni Islam]], [[Shia Islam]] and various other [[Islamic denominations]] except a few such as [[Wahhabism]]/[[Salafism]] etc.
| observedby = Adherents of mainstream [[Sunni Islam]], [[Shia Islam]] and various other [[Islamic denominations]] except a few such as [[Wahhabism]]/[[Salafism]] etc.
| date = 12th day of [[Rabi' al-awwal]] ([[Sunni Islam]]), 17th day of [[Rabi' al-awwal]] ([[Shia Islam]])<ref>http://www.noormags.ir/view/fa/articlepage/52947</ref>
| date = 12th day of [[Rabi' al-awwal]] ([[Sunni Islam]]), 17th day of [[Rabi' al-awwal]] ([[Shia Islam]])<ref>http://www.noormags.ir/view/fa/articlepage/52947</ref>
| observances = fasting, public processions, religious singing, family and other social gatherings, decoration of streets and homes, festivals
| observances = fasting, public processions, religious singing, family and other social gatherings, decoration of streets and homes
| type = [[Islam]]ic, cultural
| type = [[Islam]]ic, cultural
| significance = Traditional commemoration of the birth of [[Muhammad]]
| significance = Traditional commemoration of the birth of [[Muhammad]]
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| duration = 1 day
| duration = 1 day
}}
}}
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{{Muhammad|praise}}
{{Muhammad|praise}}
'''Mawlid''' ({{lang-ar|مَولِد النَّبِي}} ''mawlidu n-nabiyyi'', "Birth of the Prophet", sometimes simply called in [[Varieties of Arabic|colloquial Arabic]] {{lang|ar|مولد}} ''mawlid, mevlid, mevlit, mulud'' among other vernacular pronunciations; sometimes {{lang|ar|ميلاد}} ''mīlād'') is the observance of the birthday of the [[Prophets of Islam|Islamic prophet]] [[Muhammad]] which is celebrated often on the 12th day of [[Rabi' al-awwal]], the third month in the [[Islamic calendar]].<ref name=Reference.com/> The 12th Day of Rabi' al-awwall is the most popular date from a list of many dates that are reported as the birth date.
'''Mawlid''' ({{lang-ar|مَولِد النَّبِي}} ''mawlidu n-nabiyyi'', "Birth of the Prophet", sometimes simply called in [[Varieties of Arabic|colloquial Arabic]] {{lang|ar|مولد}} ''mawlid, mevlid, mevlit, mulud'' among other vernacular pronunciations; sometimes {{lang|ar|ميلاد}} ''mīlād'') is the observance of the birthday of the [[Prophets of Islam|Islamic prophet]] [[Muhammad]] which is celebrated often on the 12th day of [[Rabi' al-awwal]], the third month in the [[Islamic calendar]].<ref name=Reference.com/> The 12th Day of Rabi' al-awwall is the most popular date from a list of many dates that are reported as the birth date.

The origin of Mawlid observance dates back to the period of the early four [[Rashidun|Rashidun Caliphs]] of [[Islam]].<ref name="lastprophet.info"/> The celebration of this birthday was further initiated by the [[Fatimids]] and it was celebrated in lands under their control.<ref>http://www.abukhadeejah.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/Origins-of-the-Prophets-Birthday-Online.pdf</ref> The [[Ottomans]] declared it an official holiday in 1588.<ref>https://books.google.com/books?id=dm7Ups_zsbcC&pg=PA35&dq=mawlid+ottoman+holiday&hl=en&sa=X&ei=gWpmVKL8HraRsQST1YK4Aw&ved=0CCIQ6AEwAQ#v=onepage&q=mawlid%20ottoman%20holiday&f=false</ref>
Some denominations including [[Wahhabi movement|Wahhabi,]] [[Salafism|Salafi]], [[Deobandi movement|Deobandi]] and the [[Ahmadiyya]] disapprove of celebrating the mawlid festival, considering it an unnecessary religious innovation ([[bid'ah]] or bidat).<ref>name=Mufti Muhammad ibn Adam Hanafi>http://islamqa.org/hanafi/daruliftaa/8579. Mufti Muhammad ibn Adam .</ref><ref>name=Sheikh Muhammed Salih Al-Munajjid>http://islamqa.info/en/249 Sheikh Muhammed Salih Al-Munajjid.</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Friday Sermon: True Commemoration of the blessed life of the Holy Prophet (pbuh)|url=https://www.alislam.org/friday-sermon/printer-friendly-summary-2009-03-13.html|website=alislam.org|accessdate=6 December 2015|date=13 March 2009}}</ref>
The term ''Mawlid'' is also used in some parts of the world, such as [[Egypt]], as a generic term for the birthday celebrations of other historical religious figures such as [[Sufism|Sufi]] [[saint]]s.<ref name=BBCNewsMoulid/>

Most denominations of [[Islam]] approve of the commemoration of Muhammad's birthday;<ref>name="Schussman 1998, p">Schussman (1998), p.??</ref><ref>name=Shakir>[https://books.google.com/books?id=urcyCnUurGMC&pg=PA106&dq=sunni+and+shia+celebrate+mawlid&hl=en&sa=X&ei=U1cRU9PyNIPr2AWCqYCIDg&ved=0CCsQ6AEwAA#v=onepage&q=sunni%20and%20shia%20celebrate%20mawlid&f=false]. Zaid Shakir.</ref> however, some denominations including [[Wahhabi movement|Wahhabism]]/[[Salafism]], [[Deobandi movement|Deobandism]] and the [[Ahmadiyya]] disapprove its commemoration, considering it an unnecessary religious innovation (bid'ah or bidat).<ref>name=Mufti Muhammad ibn Adam Hanafi>http://islamqa.org/hanafi/daruliftaa/8579. Mufti Muhammad ibn Adam .</ref><ref>name=Sheikh Muhammed Salih Al-Munajjid>http://islamqa.info/en/249 Sheikh Muhammed Salih Al-Munajjid.</ref> ''Mawlid'' is recognized as a national holiday in most of the Muslim-majority countries of the world except [[Saudi Arabia]] and [[Qatar]] which are officially Wahhabi/Salafi.<ref>{{cite book|last1=March|first1=Luke|title=Russia and Islam|date=24 June 2010|publisher=Routledge|page=147|url=https://books.google.ca/books?id=jIjFBQAAQBAJ&pg=PA147&dq=mawlid+wahhabi&hl=en&sa=X&ei=_oxPVZWqCoqYyAT2ooDwDA&ved=0CEQQ6AEwBw#v=onepage&q=mawlid%20wahhabi&f=false|accessdate=10 May 2015}}</ref>


==Etymology, and other terms used for the event==
==Etymology, and other terms used for the event==
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[[File:1328439417-eid-e-milad-un-nabi-procession-on-mohammeds-birthday--dhaka 1035609.jpg|thumb|left|250px|Mawlid an-Nabawi celebrations in [[Dhaka]], [[Bangladesh]] ]]
Mawlid is derived from the Arabic root word ({{lang-ar|ولد}}), meaning ''to give birth, bear a child, descendant''.<ref>{{lang-ar|قاموس المنجد}} – Moungued Dictionary (paper), or online: [http://www.websters-online-dictionary.org/translation/arabic/%25D9%2588%25D9%2584%25D8%25AF Webster's Arabic English Dictionary]</ref> In contemporary usage, Mawlid refers to the observance of the birthday of Muhammad.<ref name=Reference.com>[http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/mawlid Mawlid]. Reference.com</ref>
Mawlid is derived from the Arabic root word ({{lang-ar|ولد}}), meaning ''to give birth, bear a child, descendant''.<ref>{{lang-ar|قاموس المنجد}} – Moungued Dictionary (paper), or online: [http://www.websters-online-dictionary.org/translation/arabic/%25D9%2588%25D9%2584%25D8%25AF Webster's Arabic English Dictionary]</ref> In contemporary usage, Mawlid refers to the observance of the birthday of Muhammad.<ref name=Reference.com>[http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/mawlid Mawlid]. Reference.com</ref>


Along with being referred to as the celebration of the birth of Muhammad, the term Mawlid also refers to the 'text especially composed for and recited at Muhammad's nativity celebration' or "a text recited or sung on that day".<ref name="Knappert" />
Along with being referred to as the celebration of the birth of Muhammad, the term Mawlid also refers to the 'text especially composed for and recited at Muhammad's nativity celebration' or "a text recited or sung on that day".<ref>name="Knappert" />eventname="Knappert" </ref>
Other terms used for this event include:
<!--The list follows the order of the English alphabet-->
*'''Eid al-Mawlid an-Nabawī''' – Festival of the birth of the Prophet (''Arabic'')
*'''Eid Milād-un-Nabī''' – Festival of the birth of the Prophet (''Urdu'')
*'''Eid-e-Meeladun Nabi''' – The Birth of the Prophet (''[[Languages of Bangladesh|Bangladesh]], [[Languages of Sri Lanka|Sri Lanka]], [[Languages of the Maldives|Maldives]], [[Languages of India|South India]]'')
*'''el Mūled (en-Nabawi)'''/'''Mūled en-Nabi''' – The birth (of the prophet )/Birth of the prophet (''[[Egyptian Arabic]]'')
*'''el Mūled''' - The birth (''[[Tunisian Arabic]]'')
*'''Gamou''' – ? (''[[Wolof language|Wolof]]'')
*'''Mawlûd''' – Birth of the Prophet (''Arabic'')
*'''Mawlid an-Nabī''' (pl. al-Mawālid) – The Birth of the Prophet (''Arabic'')
*'''Milād an-Nabī''' – The Birth of the Prophet ([[Urdu]]'')
*'''Maulidur-Rasūl''' – The Birth of the Messenger of Allah (''[[Malay language|Malay]]'')
*'''Maulidur-Nabi''' – The Birth of the Prophet (''[[Indonesian language|Indonesian]]'')
*'''Maulud Nabi''' – The Birth of the Prophet (''[[Malaysian language|Malaysian]]'')
*'''Maulidi''' – The Birth of the Prophet (''[[Swahili language|Swahili]]'', ''[[Hausa language|Hausa]]'')
*'''Mawlūd-e Sharīf''' – The Blessed Birth (''[[Dari (Persian)|Dari]]/Urdu'')
*'''Mawlid en-Nabaoui Echarif''' – The Blessed Birth of the Prophet (''[[Languages of Algeria|Algerian]]'')
*'''Mevlid-i Şerif''' – The Blessed Birth / '''Mevlüt''' – The Name (''[[Turkish language|Turkish]]'')
*'''Mevlud/Mevlid''' – The Blessed Birth (''[[Bosnian language|Bosnian]]'')
*'''Mevlydi''' – The Blessed Birth (''[[Albanian language|Albanian]]'')
*'''Milād-e Payambar-e Akram''' – The birth of the great/blessed Prophet (''[[Persian language|Persian]]'')
*'''Mulud''' – The Birth (''[[Javanese language|Javanese]]'')
*'''Nabi/Mahanabi Jayanti''' – The birth of the (great) Prophet (''[[Sanskrit Language|Sanskrit]]'', ''[[Languages of India|South Indian Languages]]''). ''Maha'' means "great."
*'''Yawm an-Nabī''' – The Day of the Prophet (''Arabic'')
*'''Mövlüd""" - The birth of the (great) Prophet
(''[[Azerbaijani Language|Azeri]]''


==History==
==History==
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[[File:Mawlid an-Nabi SallAllaho Alaihi wa Sallam procession at Boulac Avenue in 1904 at Cairo, Egypt.jpg|thumb|250px|Mawlid an-Nabi procession at Boulac Avenue in 1904 at [[Cairo]], [[Egypt]].]]
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At first observation of [[Muhammad|Muhammad's]] birth as a holy day was usually arranged privately and later there was an increased number of visitors to the Mawlid house that was open for the whole day specifically for this celebration. <ref name="Mawlid a., or Mawlud">{{cite web|title=Mawlid (a.), or Mawlud|url=http://referenceworks.brillonline.com/entries/encyclopaedia-of-islam-2/mawlid-a-or-mawlud-COM_0716|work=Encyclopedia of Islam, Second Edition|publisher=BrillOnline Reference Works}}</ref> This celebration was introduced into the city [[Ceuta|Sabta]] by Abu 'l'Abbas al-Azafi as a way of counteracting Christian festivals and to strengthen Muslim identity.<ref name="Mawlid">{{cite web|title=Mawlid|url=http://referenceworks.brillonline.com/entries/encyclopedia-of-islam-2/mawlid-COM_1430|work=Encyclopedia of Islam, Second Edition|publisher=BrillOnline Reference Works}}</ref> The mawlid was one of many celebrations that were sponsored by the Fatimids.<ref>[vol. 1, p. 490]</ref>
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[[File:COLLECTIE TROPENMUSEUM In een optocht te Yogyakarta wordt een gunungan (ceremoniële rijstberg) gedragen ter gelegenheid van de 'Garebeg TMnr 10003399.jpg|thumb|250px|The ''Garebeg'' festival celebrating Mawlid in Yogyakarta, [[Java Island]], [[Indonesia]].]]
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In early days of Islam, observation of [[Muhammad|Muhammad's]] birth as a holy day was usually arranged privately and later there was an increased number of visitors to the Mawlid house that was open for the whole day specifically for this celebration. <ref name="Mawlid a., or Mawlud">{{cite web|title=Mawlid (a.), or Mawlud|url=http://referenceworks.brillonline.com/entries/encyclopaedia-of-islam-2/mawlid-a-or-mawlud-COM_0716|work=Encyclopedia of Islam, Second Edition|publisher=BrillOnline Reference Works}}</ref> This celebration was introduced into the city [[Ceuta|Sabta]] by Abu 'l'Abbas al-Azafi as a way of strengthening the Muslim community and to counteract Christian festivals.<ref name="Mawlid">{{cite web|title=Mawlid|url=http://referenceworks.brillonline.com/entries/encyclopedia-of-islam-2/mawlid-COM_1430|work=Encyclopedia of Islam, Second Edition|publisher=BrillOnline Reference Works}}</ref> The mawlid was one of many celebrations that were sponsored by the Fatimids.<ref>[vol. 1, p. 490]</ref>


The early celebrations, which were started by the [[Fatimid Caliphate|Fatimid rulers]], included elements of Sufic influence, with animal sacrifices and torchlight processions along with public sermons and a feast.<ref name=Britannica-Mawlid>"Mawlid", Encyclopædia Britannica</ref><ref>Schussman p. 216</ref> The celebrations occurred during the day, in contrast to modern day observances, with the ruler playing a key role in the ceremonies.<ref name=Kaptein-p30>Kaptein (1993), p. 30</ref> Emphasis was given to the ''[[Ahl al-Bayt]]'' with presentation of sermons and recitations of the Qur'an. The event also featured the award of gifts to officials in order to bolster support for the ruling caliph.<ref>Kaptein p. 30</ref> Particularly in early Cairo, mawlid was celebrated by the court and the ruling class, not the common people.<ref name="Mawlid a., or Mawlud"/>
The early celebrations, included elements of Sufic influence, with animal sacrifices and torchlight processions along with public sermons and a feast.<ref name=Britannica-Mawlid>"Mawlid", Encyclopædia Britannica</ref><ref>Schussman p. 216</ref> The celebrations occurred during the day, in contrast to modern day observances, with the ruler playing a key role in the ceremonies.<ref name=Kaptein-p30>Kaptein (1993), p. 30</ref> Emphasis was given to the ''[[Ahl al-Bayt]]'' with presentation of sermons and recitations of the Qur'an.


==Significance and Permissibility==
==Practice==
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[[File:Maulidi Day in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.jpg|thumb|250px|A banner with Maulid greetings in [[Dar es Salaam]], [[Tanzania]].]]
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[[File:1328472093-processions-marked-eidemiladunnabi-in-new-delhi 1036257.jpg|thumb|250px|Mawlid an-Nabawi celebrations in [[Dehli]], [[India]].]]
Traditionally, most [[Sunni]] and nearly all of the [[Shia]] scholars have approved of the celebration of Mawlid,<ref>http://www.masud.co.uk/ISLAM/misc/verdict.htm</ref><ref name="Schussman 1998, p">Schussman (1998), p.??</ref><ref name=Shakir>[https://books.google.com/books?id=urcyCnUurGMC&pg=PA106&dq=sunni+and+shia+celebrate+mawlid&hl=en&sa=X&ei=U1cRU9PyNIPr2AWCqYCIDg&ved=0CCsQ6AEwAA#v=onepage&q=sunni%20and%20shia%20celebrate%20mawlid&f=false]. Zaid Shakir.</ref> while some other [[Wahhabism|Wahhabi]] influenced scholars<ref name="Mufti Muhammad ibn Adam Hanafi">http://islamqa.org/hanafi/daruliftaa/8579. Mufti Muhammad ibn Adam .</ref><ref name="Sheikh Muhammed Salih Al-Munajjid">http://islamqa.info/en/249 Sheikh Muhammed Salih Al-Munajjid.</ref><ref name="Majmoo’ Fataawa Ibn Taymiyah (25/298)">Majmoo’ Fataawa Ibn Taymiyah (25/298)</ref> and the [[Ahmadiyya]]<ref name="alislam.org">https://www.alislam.org/friday-sermon/printer-friendly-summary-2009-03-13.html True Commemoration of the blessed life of the Holy Prophet (pbuh)</ref> oppose the celebration.<ref>[https://books.google.com/books?id=pBc9349sw4QC&pg=PA415&dq=wahabi+mawlid&hl=en&sa=X&ei=ylgRU8qGHuHP2AWeq4CIBA&ved=0CDIQ6AEwAQ#v=onepage&q=wahabi%20mawlid&f=false]</ref> Most Islamic scholars like [[Yusuf al-Qaradawi]], the primary scholar of the [[Muslim Brotherhood]] movement, [[Muhammad Tahir-ul-Qadri]] and [[Zaid Shakir]], all of whom subscribe to [[Sunni Islam]], have given their approval for the observance of Mawlid.<ref>[http://www.livingislam.org/n/mwld-qrd_e.html Shaykh Qardawi Approves of Celebrating Mawlid]. Yusuf Al-Qardawi.</ref>


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While other scholars and preachers particularly those belonging to [[Wahhabism|Wahhabi]] denomination, consider Mawlid to be [[Bid‘ah]] and forbid its celebration. These include [[Abd al-Aziz ibn Abd Allah ibn Baaz]], [[Abdul Rahman Al-Sudais]], [[Zakir Naik]] and [[Ebrahim Desai]].<ref name="alislam.org">https://www.alislam.org/friday-sermon/printer-friendly-summary-2009-03-13.html True Commemoration of the blessed life of the Holy Prophet (pbuh)</ref> The [[Ahmadiyya]] also consider celebration of Mawlid as an innovation in Islam. However the Ahmadiyyah hold gatherings called ''jalsa seerat-un-Nabi'' emphasising the life and legacy of Muhammad oriented towards both Muslim and non-Muslim audiences.<ref>audiences.https://www.alislam.org/v/k-Seerat-un-Nabi.html?page=1 Seerat-un-Nabi</ref>
Some Islamic scholars like [[Yusuf al-Qaradawi]], the primary scholar of the [[Muslim Brotherhood]] movement, [[Muhammad Tahir-ul-Qadri]] and [[Zaid Shakir]], all of whom subscribe to [[Sunni Islam]], have given their approval for the observance of Mawlid.<ref>[http://www.livingislam.org/n/mwld-qrd_e.html Shaykh Qardawi Approves of Celebrating Mawlid]. Yusuf Al-Qardawi.</ref>

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hile other scholars and preachers consider Mawlid to be [[Bid‘ah]] and forbid its celebration. These include [[Abd al-Aziz ibn Abd Allah ibn Baaz]], [[Abdul Rahman Al-Sudais]], [[Zakir Naik]] and [[Ebrahim Desai]].<ref name="alislam.org">https://www.alislam.org/friday-sermon/printer-friendly-summary-2009-03-13.html True Commemoration of the blessed life of the Holy Prophet (pbuh)</ref> The [[Ahmadiyya]] also consider celebration of Mawlid as an innovation in Islam. However the Ahmadiyyah hold gatherings called ''jalsa seerat-un-Nabi'' emphasising the life and legacy of Muhammad oriented towards both Muslim and non-Muslim audiences.<ref>audiences.https://www.alislam.org/v/k-Seerat-un-Nabi.html?page=1 Seerat-un-Nabi</ref>


== Observances ==
== Observances ==
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[[File:Sekaten Yogyakarta 2011 1.JPG|thumb|250px|[[Sekaten]] fair in [[Indonesia]], a week-long celebration of Mawlid.]]
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Mawlid is celebrated in most predominantly Islamic countries, and in other countries that have a significant Muslim population, such as [[India]], the United Kingdom, Nepal, Sri Lanka, France, Germany, Italy, Russia<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.islamdag.info/video/1127 |title=Mawlid celebration in Russia |publisher=Islamdag.info |accessdate=20 November 2011}}</ref> and Canada.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.q-news.com/367-Cloak.html |title=q News |publisher=q News |accessdate=20 November 2011}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.artsweb.bham.ac.uk/bmms/1996/08August96.html |title=Arts Web Bham |publisher=Arts Web Bham |date=14 August 1996 |accessdate=20 November 2011}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.buildingsoflondon.co.uk/diary/2007/04/apr.htm |title=Buildings of London |publisher=Buildings of London |accessdate=20 November 2011}}</ref><ref>[http://www.jsboard.co.uk/etac/etbb/benchbook/et_03/et_mf09.htm Js Board]{{dead link|date=November 2011}}</ref><ref>[http://www.sunnirazvi.org/society/uk.htm Sunni society UK ]{{dead link|date=November 2011}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Bednikoff |first=Emilie |url=http://mrsp.mcgill.ca/reports/html/Salahouddine/index.htm |title=Montreal Religious Sites Project |publisher=Mrsp.mcgill.ca |accessdate=20 November 2011}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://muslimmedianetwork.com/mmn/?s=Mawlid |title=Muslim Media Network |publisher=Muslim Media Network |accessdate=20 November 2011}}</ref><ref>[http://www.mawlid.ca/events.htm Canadian Mawlid]</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/religion/religions/islam/holydays/miladunnabi.shtml |title=Religion & Ethics – Milad un Nabi |publisher=BBC |date=7 September 2009 |accessdate=20 November 2011}}</ref> In some Arabian countries - i.e. [[Kuwait]], [[Qatar]], [[Saudi Arabia]] and [[Bahrain]] - it is not an official public holiday.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.moonsighting.com/important.html |title=Moon Sighting |publisher=Moon Sighting |date=20 June 2011 |accessdate=20 November 2011}}</ref> There is no one clear motive for people celebrating Mawlid, for the celebration itself appears to have sacred and profane elements.<ref>{{cite journal|last=Schielke|first=Samuli|title=On Snacks and Saints: When Discourses of Rationality and Order Enter the Egyptian mawlid|journal=Archives de sciences sociales des religions|date=September 2006|volume=135|page=117|url= http://www.jstor.org/stable/30122873|doi=10.4000/assr.3765}}</ref>
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[[File:International Mawlid Conference at Minar-e-Pakistan Lahore by Minhaj-ul-Quran1.jpg|thumb|250px|International Mawlid Conference, [[Minar-e-Pakistan]], [[Lahore]], [[Pakistan]].]]
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Mawlid is celebrated in most predominantly Islamic countries, and in other countries that have a significant Muslim population, such as [[India]], the United Kingdom, Nepal, Sri Lanka, France, Germany, Italy, Russia<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.islamdag.info/video/1127 |title=Mawlid celebration in Russia |publisher=Islamdag.info |accessdate=20 November 2011}}</ref> and Canada.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.q-news.com/367-Cloak.html |title=q News |publisher=q News |accessdate=20 November 2011}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.artsweb.bham.ac.uk/bmms/1996/08August96.html |title=Arts Web Bham |publisher=Arts Web Bham |date=14 August 1996 |accessdate=20 November 2011}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.buildingsoflondon.co.uk/diary/2007/04/apr.htm |title=Buildings of London |publisher=Buildings of London |accessdate=20 November 2011}}</ref><ref>[http://www.jsboard.co.uk/etac/etbb/benchbook/et_03/et_mf09.htm Js Board]{{dead link|date=November 2011}}</ref><ref>[http://www.sunnirazvi.org/society/uk.htm Sunni society UK ]{{dead link|date=November 2011}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Bednikoff |first=Emilie |url=http://mrsp.mcgill.ca/reports/html/Salahouddine/index.htm |title=Montreal Religious Sites Project |publisher=Mrsp.mcgill.ca |accessdate=20 November 2011}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://muslimmedianetwork.com/mmn/?s=Mawlid |title=Muslim Media Network |publisher=Muslim Media Network |accessdate=20 November 2011}}</ref><ref>[http://www.mawlid.ca/events.htm Canadian Mawlid]</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/religion/religions/islam/holydays/miladunnabi.shtml |title=Religion & Ethics – Milad un Nabi |publisher=BBC |date=7 September 2009 |accessdate=20 November 2011}}</ref> In some Arabian countries - i.e., [[Qatar]] and [[Saudi Arabia]] - it is not an official public holiday.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.moonsighting.com/important.html |title=Moon Sighting |publisher=Moon Sighting |date=20 June 2011 |accessdate=20 November 2011}}</ref>


Often organized in some countries by the Sufi orders,<ref name="Knappert">{{cite journal|last=Knappert|first=J|title=The Mawlid|journal=S.O.A.S.}}</ref> Mawlid is celebrated in a [[carnival]] manner, large street processions are held and homes or mosques are decorated. Charity and food is distributed, and stories about the life of Muhammad are narrated with recitation of poetry by children.<ref name=FestivalsInIndia>{{cite web|url=http://www.festivalsinindia.net/barah-wafat/eid-ul-milad-rituals.html |title=Festivals in India |publisher=Festivals in India |accessdate=20 November 2011}}</ref><ref>[http://www.pakistantimes.net/2007/04/02/top1.htm Pakistan Celebrate Eid Milad-un-Nabi with Religious Zeal, Fervor]. Pakistan Times. 2007-04-02.</ref> Scholars and poets celebrate by reciting [[Qaṣīda al-Burda]] Sharif, the famous poem by 13th-century Arabic Sufi [[Busiri]]. A general Mawlid appears as "a chaotic, incoherent spectacle, where numerous events happen simultaneously,all held together only by the common festive time and space".<ref name="Schielke 2012">{{cite journal|last=Schielke|first=Samuli|title=Habitus of the authentic, order of the rational: contesting saints' festivals in contemporary Egypt.|journal=Critique: Critical Middle Eastern Studies|year=2012|volume=12|issue=2}}</ref> These celebrations are often considered an expression of the Sufi concept of the pre-existence of Muhammad .<ref>{{cite journal|last=Knappert|first=J|title=The Mawlid|journal=S.O.A.S.|pages=209–215}}</ref> However,the main significance of these festivities is expression of love for Muhammad.<ref name="Schielke 2012"/>
Often organized in some countries by the Sufi orders,<ref name="Knappert">{{cite journal|last=Knappert|first=J|title=The Mawlid|journal=S.O.A.S.}}</ref> Mawlid is celebrated in a [[carnival]] manner, large street processions are held and homes or mosques are decorated. Charity and food is distributed, and stories about the life of Muhammad are narrated with recitation of poetry by children.<ref name=FestivalsInIndia>{{cite web|url=http://www.festivalsinindia.net/barah-wafat/eid-ul-milad-rituals.html |title=Festivals in India |publisher=Festivals in India |accessdate=20 November 2011}}</ref><ref>[http://www.pakistantimes.net/2007/04/02/top1.htm Pakistan Celebrate Eid Milad-un-Nabi with Religious Zeal, Fervor]. Pakistan Times. 2007-04-02.</ref> Scholars and poets celebrate by reciting [[Qaṣīda al-Burda]] Sharif, the famous poem by 13th-century Arabic Sufi [[Busiri]]. A general Mawlid appears as "a chaotic, incoherent spectacle, where numerous events happen simultaneously,all held together only by the common festive time and space".<ref name="Schielke 2012">{{cite journal|last=Schielke|first=Samuli|title=Habitus of the authentic, order of the rational: contesting saints' festivals in contemporary Egypt.|journal=Critique: Critical Middle Eastern Studies|year=2012|volume=12|issue=2}}</ref> These celebrations are often considered an expression of the Sufi concept of the pre-existence of Muhammad .<ref>{{cite journal|last=Knappert|first=J|title=The Mawlid|journal=S.O.A.S.|pages=209–215}}</ref> However,the main significance of these festivities is expression of love for Muhammad.<ref name="Schielke 2012"/>
Line 54: Line 87:
Most of [[Shia Islam|Shia]] scholars believe the 17th day of [[Rabi' al-awwal]] is the birthday of the [[Muhammad]], and most of [[Sunni Islam|Sunni]] scholar believe that is the 12th day of Rabi' al-awwal. This issue led to assigning these days (12-17 Rabi' al-awwal) as '''Unity Week''' by [[Iran|Islamic Republic of Iran]] to respect both viewpoints. So scholars and followers of these two sects emphasize on common ground against the common enemies. and and International Islamic Unity Conference is hosted each year. <ref name="Muhammad brithday, Unity Week and 9th International Islamic Unity Conference">{{cite journal|last1=Vaiz Zade Khorasani|first1=Muhammad|title=Muhammad birthday, Unity Week and 9th International Islamic Unity Conference|journal=Mishkat|date=1996|issue=51|pages=4–43|url=http://www.noormags.ir/view/fa/articlepage/52947}}</ref><ref name="Days on viewpoint of Imam Khomeini">{{cite book|last1=Iranian Revolutionary Guards|first1=Institute of Islamic Studies|title=Days on viewpoint of Imam Khomeini|publisher=Islamic research center|location=Tehran|page=176|url=http://www.noorlib.ir/View/fa/Book/BookView/Image/5788}}</ref><ref name="The dynamics of Sunni-Shia relationships : doctrine, transnationalism, intellectuals and the media">{{cite book|last1=Maréchal|first1=Brigitte|last2=(editors)|first2=Sami Zemni|title=The dynamics of Sunni-Shia relationships : doctrine, transnationalism, intellectuals and the media|date=2013|publisher=Hurst|location=London|isbn=978-1-84904-217-8|page=34}}</ref><ref name="The political system of the Islamic Republic of Iran">{{cite book|last1=Mahmood|first1=M.|title=The political system of the Islamic Republic of Iran|date=2006|publisher=Kalpaz Publications|location=Delhi|isbn=81-7835-520-5|page=112}}</ref>
Most of [[Shia Islam|Shia]] scholars believe the 17th day of [[Rabi' al-awwal]] is the birthday of the [[Muhammad]], and most of [[Sunni Islam|Sunni]] scholar believe that is the 12th day of Rabi' al-awwal. This issue led to assigning these days (12-17 Rabi' al-awwal) as '''Unity Week''' by [[Iran|Islamic Republic of Iran]] to respect both viewpoints. So scholars and followers of these two sects emphasize on common ground against the common enemies. and and International Islamic Unity Conference is hosted each year. <ref name="Muhammad brithday, Unity Week and 9th International Islamic Unity Conference">{{cite journal|last1=Vaiz Zade Khorasani|first1=Muhammad|title=Muhammad birthday, Unity Week and 9th International Islamic Unity Conference|journal=Mishkat|date=1996|issue=51|pages=4–43|url=http://www.noormags.ir/view/fa/articlepage/52947}}</ref><ref name="Days on viewpoint of Imam Khomeini">{{cite book|last1=Iranian Revolutionary Guards|first1=Institute of Islamic Studies|title=Days on viewpoint of Imam Khomeini|publisher=Islamic research center|location=Tehran|page=176|url=http://www.noorlib.ir/View/fa/Book/BookView/Image/5788}}</ref><ref name="The dynamics of Sunni-Shia relationships : doctrine, transnationalism, intellectuals and the media">{{cite book|last1=Maréchal|first1=Brigitte|last2=(editors)|first2=Sami Zemni|title=The dynamics of Sunni-Shia relationships : doctrine, transnationalism, intellectuals and the media|date=2013|publisher=Hurst|location=London|isbn=978-1-84904-217-8|page=34}}</ref><ref name="The political system of the Islamic Republic of Iran">{{cite book|last1=Mahmood|first1=M.|title=The political system of the Islamic Republic of Iran|date=2006|publisher=Kalpaz Publications|location=Delhi|isbn=81-7835-520-5|page=112}}</ref>


==Mawlid texts==
=== Prophet's Day ===
Along with being referred to as the celebration of the birth of Muhammad, the term Mawlid also refers to the 'text especially composed for and recited at Muhammad's nativity celebration' or "a text recited or sung on that day".<ref name="Knappert"/> These texts contain stories of the life of Muhammad,
[[Sufi]] [[Sunni]] Sayed Zafor Sadek initiated this event on August 29, 2013 in Bangladesh.<ref name="Prophet's Day 11">{{cite web|url = http://khaborprotidin24.com/2015/06/%E0%A6%B0%E0%A6%BE%E0%A6%B9%E0%A7%87-%E0%A6%AD%E0%A6%BE%E0%A6%A8%E0%A7%8D%E0%A6%A1%E0%A6%BE%E0%A6%B0-%E0%A6%A6%E0%A6%B0%E0%A6%AC%E0%A6%BE%E0%A6%B0-%E0%A6%B6%E0%A6%B0%E0%A7%80%E0%A6%AB%E0%A7%87/|title = A Bilateral meeting held between Prophet's Day Organizer and Journalist delegates at Rahe Bhander Kadhurkhil School of Mono-Theology (রাহে ভান্ডার দরবার শরীফে সাংবাদিকদের সাথে নবী দিবস উদ্যেক্তার মতবিনিমিয়),|author = The Daily khaborprotidin24|date = June 15, 2015}}</ref> <ref>{{cite web|url = http://www.pratibadikalam.com/Index.aspx|title = Bengali News Media from Tripura, India:}}</ref><ref name="WorldTimes24 2015">{{cite news|title = Prophet's Day Observed Amid Festivity In Ctg|url = http://worldtimes24.com/prophets-day-observed-amid-festivity-in-ctg/|accessdate = 4 September 2015|publisher = WorldTimes24|date = August 30, 2015}}</ref> in order to create "a global event to boost global awareness of need to love and respect all Islamic prophets of every era".<ref name="Prophet's Day 12">{{cite web|url = http://banglapostbd.com/2015/06/15/%E0%A6%B0%E0%A6%BE%E0%A6%B9%E0%A7%87-%E0%A6%AD%E0%A6%BE%E0%A6%A8%E0%A7%8D%E0%A6%A1%E0%A6%BE%E0%A6%B0-%E0%A6%A6%E0%A6%B0%E0%A6%AC%E0%A6%BE%E0%A6%B0-%E0%A6%B6%E0%A6%B0%E0%A7%80%E0%A6%AB%E0%A7%87/|title = A discussion meeting about Prophet's Day with Journalist delegates held at Rahe Bhander Kadhurkhil School of Mono-Theology (রাহে ভান্ডার দরবার শরীফে সাংবাদিকদের সাথে নবী দিবস প্রসঙ্গে মতবিনিমিয়),|author = banglapostbd|date = June 15, 2015}}</ref><ref name="Prophet's Day 13">{{cite web|url = http://chittagongdaily.com/%E0%A6%A8%E0%A6%AC%E0%A7%80-%E0%A6%A6%E0%A6%BF%E0%A6%AC%E0%A6%B8-%E0%A6%89%E0%A6%A6%E0%A7%8D%E0%A6%AF%E0%A7%87%E0%A6%95%E0%A7%8D%E0%A6%A4%E0%A6%BE%E0%A6%B0-%E0%A6%B8%E0%A6%BE%E0%A6%A5%E0%A7%87/|title = Bilateral meeting held between Prophet's Day Organizer and Journalist delegates (নবী দিবস উদ্যেক্তার সাথে সাংবাদিক নেতৃবৃন্দের মতবিনিমিয় সভা),|author = Chittagong Daily|date = June 15, 2015}}</ref><ref name="Prophet's Day 14">{{cite web|url = http://worldtimes24.com/views-exchange-meeting-on-prophets-day-held/|title = Views exchange meeting on Prophet's Day held,|author = News Media: Worldtimes24.com|date = June 16, 2015}}</ref> During the Prophet's day celebrations different discussions and meetings are held which are pre planned throughout the year.
or at least some of the following chapters from his life, briefly summarized below:<ref name="Knappert"/>
⚫
# The Ancestors of Muhammad
# The Conception of Muhammad
# The Birth of Muhammad
# Introduction of Halima
# Life of Young Muhammad in Bedouins
# Muhammad's orphan hood
# Abu Talib's nephew's first caravan trip
# Arrangement of Marriage between Muhammad and Khadija
# Al-Isra'
# Al-Mi'radj, or the Ascension to heaven
# Al-Hira, first revelation
# The first converts to Islam
# The Hijra
# Muhammad's death
⚫
These text are only part of the ceremonies. There are many different ways that people celebrate Mawlid, depending on where they are from. There appears to be a cultural influence upon what kind of festivities are a part of the Mawlid celebration. In Indonesia, it is common the congregation recite [[Simthud Durar]], especially among [[Arab Indonesians]].
==Other uses==
==Other uses==
In some countries, such as Egypt and [[Sudan]], Mawlid is used as a generic term for the celebration of birthdays of local Sufi saints and not only restricted to the observance of the birth of Muhammad.<ref name=EoI-Mawlid>Kaptein (2007)</ref> Around 3,000 Mawlid celebrations are held each year. These festivals attract an international audience, with the largest one in Egypt attracting up to three million people honouring [[Ahmad al-Badawi]], a local 13th-century Sufi saint.<ref name=BBCNewsMoulid>[http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/shared/spl/hi/picture_gallery/07/middle_east_egypt0s_biggest_moulid/html/2.stm In pictures: Egypt's biggest moulid]. BBC News.</ref>
In some countries, such as Egypt and [[Sudan]], Mawlid is used as a generic term for the celebration of birthdays of local Sufi saints and not only restricted to the observance of the birth of Muhammad.<ref name=EoI-Mawlid>Kaptein (2007)</ref> Around 3,000 Mawlid celebrations are held each year. These festivals attract an international audience, with the largest one in Egypt attracting up to three million people honouring [[Ahmad al-Badawi]], a local 13th-century Sufi saint.<ref name=BBCNewsMoulid>[http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/shared/spl/hi/picture_gallery/07/middle_east_egypt0s_biggest_moulid/html/2.stm In pictures: Egypt's biggest moulid]. BBC News.</ref>
==Gallery==
<gallery>
<gallery>
File:Birth-Place-of-Prophet-Muhammad-PBUH-Moolid-un-Nabi-SAW-003.jpg|Birth Place of Islamic prophet [[Muhammad]] in [[Mecca]], [[Saudi Arabia]]
File:Birth-Place-of-Prophet-Muhammad-PBUH-Moolid-un-Nabi-SAW-003.jpg|Birth Place of Islamic prophet [[Muhammad]] in [[Mecca]], [[Saudi Arabia]]
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File:1328439417-eid-e-milad-un-nabi-procession-on-mohammeds-birthday--dhaka 1035609.jpg|Mawlid an-Nabawi celebrations in [[Dhaka]], [[Bangladesh]]
File:Mawlid an-Nabawi SallAllaho Alaihi wa Sallam Celebrations in Cairo in 1878.jpg|Mawlid an-Nabawi celebrations in [[Cairo]] in 1878
File:Mawlid an-Nabawi SallAllaho Alaihi wa Sallam Celebrations in Cairo in 1878.jpg|Mawlid an-Nabawi celebrations in [[Cairo]] in 1878
File:The Ottoman flag is raised during Mawlid an-Nabi.jpg|The [[Ottoman Empire|Ottoman]] flag is raised during Mawlid an-Nabi celebration of Mohammad's birthday in 1896 in the field of municipal [[Libyan]] city of [[Benghazi]]
File:The Ottoman flag is raised during Mawlid an-Nabi.jpg|The [[Ottoman Empire|Ottoman]] flag is raised during Mawlid an-Nabi celebration of Mohammad's birthday in 1896 in the field of municipal [[Libyan]] city of [[Benghazi]]
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File:An illuminated view of Presidency and Parliament House decorated with colorful lights in connection with Eid-e-Milad-un-Nabi (PBUH) celebrations.JPG|An illuminated view of Presidency and Parliament House decorated with colorful lights in connection with Eid-e-Milad-un-Nabi celebrations in [[Pakistan]]
⚫
File:Mawlid an-Nabi SallAllaho Alaihi wa Sallam procession at Boulac Avenue in 1904 at Cairo, Egypt.jpg|Mawlid an-Nabi procession at Boulac Avenue in 1904 at [[Cairo]], [[Egypt]]
⚫
File:International Mawlid Conference at Minar-e-Pakistan Lahore by Minhaj-ul-Quran1.jpg|International Mawlid Conference, [[Minar-e-Pakistan]], [[Lahore]], [[Pakistan]]
⚫
File:COLLECTIE TROPENMUSEUM In een optocht te Yogyakarta wordt een gunungan (ceremoniële rijstberg) gedragen ter gelegenheid van de 'Garebeg TMnr 10003399.jpg|The ''Garebeg'' festival celebrating Mawlid in Yogyakarta, [[Java Island]], Indonesia
File:Собрание на празднике маулид в Керале (Индия). 25 апреля 2007.jpg|Under supervision of Shaykh Sufi Riaz Ahmed Naqshbandi Aslami, 2007
File:Собрание на празднике маулид в Керале (Индия). 25 апреля 2007.jpg|Under supervision of Shaykh Sufi Riaz Ahmed Naqshbandi Aslami, 2007
⚫
File:An illuminated view of Presidency and Parliament House decorated with colorful lights in connection with Eid-e-Milad-un-Nabi (PBUH) celebrations.JPG|An illuminated view of Presidency and Parliament House decorated with colorful lights in connection with Eid-e-Milad-un-Nabi celebrations in [[Pakistan]].
⚫
File:Sekaten Yogyakarta 2011 1.JPG|[[Sekaten]] fair in [[Indonesia]], a week-long celebration of Mawlid
⚫
File:1328472093-processions-marked-eidemiladunnabi-in-new-delhi 1036257.jpg|Mawlid an-Nabawi celebrations in [[Dehli]], [[India]]
⚫
File:Maulidi Day in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.jpg|A banner with Maulid greetings in [[Dar es Salaam]], [[Tanzania]]
</gallery>
</gallery>


Revision as of 08:14, 10 December 2015

Mawlid
Malaysian Sunni Muslims in a Mawlid procession in capital Putrajaya, 2013.
Also calledEid al-Mawlid an-Nabawī (المولد النبوي), Havliye, Donba, Gani[1]
Observed byAdherents of mainstream Sunni Islam, Shia Islam and various other Islamic denominations except a few such as Wahhabism/Salafism etc.
TypeIslamic, cultural
SignificanceTraditional commemoration of the birth of Muhammad
Observancesfasting, public processions, religious singing, family and other social gatherings, decoration of streets and homes
Date12th day of Rabi' al-awwal (Sunni Islam), 17th day of Rabi' al-awwal (Shia Islam)[2]
FrequencyAnnual
Part of a series on
Muhammad
Life
Career
Miracles
Views
Perspectives
Succession
Praise
Related

Mawlid (Arabic: مَولِد النَّبِي mawlidu n-nabiyyi, "Birth of the Prophet", sometimes simply called in colloquial Arabic مولد mawlid, mevlid, mevlit, mulud among other vernacular pronunciations; sometimes ميلاد mīlād) is the observance of the birthday of the Islamic prophet Muhammad which is celebrated often on the 12th day of Rabi' al-awwal, the third month in the Islamic calendar.[3] The 12th Day of Rabi' al-awwall is the most popular date from a list of many dates that are reported as the birth date.

The origin of Mawlid observance dates back to the period of the early four Rashidun Caliphs of Islam.[1] The celebration of this birthday was further initiated by the Fatimids and it was celebrated in lands under their control.[4] The Ottomans declared it an official holiday in 1588.[5] The term Mawlid is also used in some parts of the world, such as Egypt, as a generic term for the birthday celebrations of other historical religious figures such as Sufi saints.[6]

Most denominations of Islam approve of the commemoration of Muhammad's birthday;[7][8] however, some denominations including Wahhabism/Salafism, Deobandism and the Ahmadiyya disapprove its commemoration, considering it an unnecessary religious innovation (bid'ah or bidat).[9][10] Mawlid is recognized as a national holiday in most of the Muslim-majority countries of the world except Saudi Arabia and Qatar which are officially Wahhabi/Salafi.[11]

Etymology, and other terms used for the event

File:1328439417-eid-e-milad-un-nabi-procession-on-mohammeds-birthday--dhaka 1035609.jpg
Mawlid an-Nabawi celebrations in Dhaka, Bangladesh

Mawlid is derived from the Arabic root word (Arabic: ولد), meaning to give birth, bear a child, descendant.[12] In contemporary usage, Mawlid refers to the observance of the birthday of Muhammad.[3]

Along with being referred to as the celebration of the birth of Muhammad, the term Mawlid also refers to the 'text especially composed for and recited at Muhammad's nativity celebration' or "a text recited or sung on that day".[13] Other terms used for this event include:

  • Eid al-Mawlid an-Nabawī – Festival of the birth of the Prophet (Arabic)
  • Eid Milād-un-Nabī – Festival of the birth of the Prophet (Urdu)
  • Eid-e-Meeladun Nabi – The Birth of the Prophet (Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Maldives, South India)
  • el Mūled (en-Nabawi)/Mūled en-Nabi – The birth (of the prophet )/Birth of the prophet (Egyptian Arabic)
  • el Mūled - The birth (Tunisian Arabic)
  • Gamou – ? (Wolof)
  • Mawlûd – Birth of the Prophet (Arabic)
  • Mawlid an-Nabī (pl. al-Mawālid) – The Birth of the Prophet (Arabic)
  • Milād an-Nabī – The Birth of the Prophet (Urdu)
  • Maulidur-Rasūl – The Birth of the Messenger of Allah (Malay)
  • Maulidur-Nabi – The Birth of the Prophet (Indonesian)
  • Maulud Nabi – The Birth of the Prophet (Malaysian)
  • Maulidi – The Birth of the Prophet (Swahili, Hausa)
  • Mawlūd-e Sharīf – The Blessed Birth (Dari/Urdu)
  • Mawlid en-Nabaoui Echarif – The Blessed Birth of the Prophet (Algerian)
  • Mevlid-i Şerif – The Blessed Birth / Mevlüt – The Name (Turkish)
  • Mevlud/Mevlid – The Blessed Birth (Bosnian)
  • Mevlydi – The Blessed Birth (Albanian)
  • Milād-e Payambar-e Akram – The birth of the great/blessed Prophet (Persian)
  • Mulud – The Birth (Javanese)
  • Nabi/Mahanabi Jayanti – The birth of the (great) Prophet (Sanskrit, South Indian Languages). Maha means "great."
  • Yawm an-Nabī – The Day of the Prophet (Arabic)
  • Mövlüd""" - The birth of the (great) Prophet

(Azeri

History

Mawlid an-Nabi procession at Boulac Avenue in 1904 at Cairo, Egypt.
The Garebeg festival celebrating Mawlid in Yogyakarta, Java Island, Indonesia.

In early days of Islam, observation of Muhammad's birth as a holy day was usually arranged privately and later there was an increased number of visitors to the Mawlid house that was open for the whole day specifically for this celebration. [14] This celebration was introduced into the city Sabta by Abu 'l'Abbas al-Azafi as a way of strengthening the Muslim community and to counteract Christian festivals.[15] The mawlid was one of many celebrations that were sponsored by the Fatimids.[16]

The early celebrations, included elements of Sufic influence, with animal sacrifices and torchlight processions along with public sermons and a feast.[17][18] The celebrations occurred during the day, in contrast to modern day observances, with the ruler playing a key role in the ceremonies.[19] Emphasis was given to the Ahl al-Bayt with presentation of sermons and recitations of the Qur'an.

Significance and Permissibility

A banner with Maulid greetings in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.
File:1328472093-processions-marked-eidemiladunnabi-in-new-delhi 1036257.jpg
Mawlid an-Nabawi celebrations in Dehli, India.

Traditionally, most Sunni and nearly all of the Shia scholars have approved of the celebration of Mawlid,[20][21][22] while some other Wahhabi influenced scholars[23][24][25] and the Ahmadiyya[26] oppose the celebration.[27] Most Islamic scholars like Yusuf al-Qaradawi, the primary scholar of the Muslim Brotherhood movement, Muhammad Tahir-ul-Qadri and Zaid Shakir, all of whom subscribe to Sunni Islam, have given their approval for the observance of Mawlid.[28]

While other scholars and preachers particularly those belonging to Wahhabi denomination, consider Mawlid to be Bid‘ah and forbid its celebration. These include Abd al-Aziz ibn Abd Allah ibn Baaz, Abdul Rahman Al-Sudais, Zakir Naik and Ebrahim Desai.[26] The Ahmadiyya also consider celebration of Mawlid as an innovation in Islam. However the Ahmadiyyah hold gatherings called jalsa seerat-un-Nabi emphasising the life and legacy of Muhammad oriented towards both Muslim and non-Muslim audiences.[29]

Observances

Sekaten fair in Indonesia, a week-long celebration of Mawlid.
International Mawlid Conference, Minar-e-Pakistan, Lahore, Pakistan.

Mawlid is celebrated in most predominantly Islamic countries, and in other countries that have a significant Muslim population, such as India, the United Kingdom, Nepal, Sri Lanka, France, Germany, Italy, Russia[30] and Canada.[31][32][33][34][35][36][37][38][39] In some Arabian countries - i.e., Qatar and Saudi Arabia - it is not an official public holiday.[40]

Often organized in some countries by the Sufi orders,[41] Mawlid is celebrated in a carnival manner, large street processions are held and homes or mosques are decorated. Charity and food is distributed, and stories about the life of Muhammad are narrated with recitation of poetry by children.[42][43] Scholars and poets celebrate by reciting Qaṣīda al-Burda Sharif, the famous poem by 13th-century Arabic Sufi Busiri. A general Mawlid appears as "a chaotic, incoherent spectacle, where numerous events happen simultaneously,all held together only by the common festive time and space".[44] These celebrations are often considered an expression of the Sufi concept of the pre-existence of Muhammad .[45] However,the main significance of these festivities is expression of love for Muhammad.[44]

During Pakistan's Mawlid the day starts with a 31-gun salute in federal capital and a 21-gun salute at the provincial capitals and religiuos hymns are sung during the day.[46]

In many parts of Indonesia, the celebration of the Mawlid al-nabi "seems to surpass in importance, liveliness, and splendour" the two official Islamic holidays of Eid ul-Fitr and Eid al-Adha.[47]

In Qayrawan, Tunisia, Muslims sing and chant hymns of praise to Muhammad, welcoming him in honor of his birth.[48] Also, generally in Tunisia, people usually prepare Assidat Zgougou to celebrate the Mawlid.[49]

Among non-Muslim countries, India is noted for its Mawlid festivities.[50] The relics of Muhammad are displayed after the morning prayers in the Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir at the Hazratbal Shrine, where night-long prayers are also held.[51]

Islamic Unity Week

Most of Shia scholars believe the 17th day of Rabi' al-awwal is the birthday of the Muhammad, and most of Sunni scholar believe that is the 12th day of Rabi' al-awwal. This issue led to assigning these days (12-17 Rabi' al-awwal) as Unity Week by Islamic Republic of Iran to respect both viewpoints. So scholars and followers of these two sects emphasize on common ground against the common enemies. and and International Islamic Unity Conference is hosted each year. [52][53][54][55]

Mawlid texts

Along with being referred to as the celebration of the birth of Muhammad, the term Mawlid also refers to the 'text especially composed for and recited at Muhammad's nativity celebration' or "a text recited or sung on that day".[41] These texts contain stories of the life of Muhammad, or at least some of the following chapters from his life, briefly summarized below:[41]

  1. The Ancestors of Muhammad
  2. The Conception of Muhammad
  3. The Birth of Muhammad
  4. Introduction of Halima
  5. Life of Young Muhammad in Bedouins
  6. Muhammad's orphan hood
  7. Abu Talib's nephew's first caravan trip
  8. Arrangement of Marriage between Muhammad and Khadija
  9. Al-Isra'
  10. Al-Mi'radj, or the Ascension to heaven
  11. Al-Hira, first revelation
  12. The first converts to Islam
  13. The Hijra
  14. Muhammad's death

These text are only part of the ceremonies. There are many different ways that people celebrate Mawlid, depending on where they are from. There appears to be a cultural influence upon what kind of festivities are a part of the Mawlid celebration. In Indonesia, it is common the congregation recite Simthud Durar, especially among Arab Indonesians.

Other uses

In some countries, such as Egypt and Sudan, Mawlid is used as a generic term for the celebration of birthdays of local Sufi saints and not only restricted to the observance of the birth of Muhammad.[56] Around 3,000 Mawlid celebrations are held each year. These festivals attract an international audience, with the largest one in Egypt attracting up to three million people honouring Ahmad al-Badawi, a local 13th-century Sufi saint.[6]

See also

Notes

  1. ^ a b http://www.lastprophet.info/mawlid-in-africa
  2. ^ http://www.noormags.ir/view/fa/articlepage/52947
  3. ^ a b Mawlid. Reference.com
  4. ^ http://www.abukhadeejah.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/Origins-of-the-Prophets-Birthday-Online.pdf
  5. ^ https://books.google.com/books?id=dm7Ups_zsbcC&pg=PA35&dq=mawlid+ottoman+holiday&hl=en&sa=X&ei=gWpmVKL8HraRsQST1YK4Aw&ved=0CCIQ6AEwAQ#v=onepage&q=mawlid%20ottoman%20holiday&f=false
  6. ^ a b In pictures: Egypt's biggest moulid. BBC News.
  7. ^ name="Schussman 1998, p">Schussman (1998), p.??
  8. ^ name=Shakir>[1]. Zaid Shakir.
  9. ^ name=Mufti Muhammad ibn Adam Hanafi>http://islamqa.org/hanafi/daruliftaa/8579. Mufti Muhammad ibn Adam .
  10. ^ name=Sheikh Muhammed Salih Al-Munajjid>http://islamqa.info/en/249 Sheikh Muhammed Salih Al-Munajjid.
  11. ^ March, Luke (24 June 2010). Russia and Islam. Routledge. p. 147. Retrieved 10 May 2015.
  12. ^ Arabic: قاموس المنجد – Moungued Dictionary (paper), or online: Webster's Arabic English Dictionary
  13. ^ name="Knappert" />eventname="Knappert"
  14. ^ "Mawlid (a.), or Mawlud". Encyclopedia of Islam, Second Edition. BrillOnline Reference Works.
  15. ^ "Mawlid". Encyclopedia of Islam, Second Edition. BrillOnline Reference Works.
  16. ^ [vol. 1, p. 490]
  17. ^ "Mawlid", Encyclopædia Britannica
  18. ^ Schussman p. 216
  19. ^ Kaptein (1993), p. 30
  20. ^ http://www.masud.co.uk/ISLAM/misc/verdict.htm
  21. ^ Schussman (1998), p.??
  22. ^ [2]. Zaid Shakir.
  23. ^ http://islamqa.org/hanafi/daruliftaa/8579. Mufti Muhammad ibn Adam .
  24. ^ http://islamqa.info/en/249 Sheikh Muhammed Salih Al-Munajjid.
  25. ^ Majmoo’ Fataawa Ibn Taymiyah (25/298)
  26. ^ a b https://www.alislam.org/friday-sermon/printer-friendly-summary-2009-03-13.html True Commemoration of the blessed life of the Holy Prophet (pbuh)
  27. ^ [3]
  28. ^ Shaykh Qardawi Approves of Celebrating Mawlid. Yusuf Al-Qardawi.
  29. ^ audiences.https://www.alislam.org/v/k-Seerat-un-Nabi.html?page=1 Seerat-un-Nabi
  30. ^ "Mawlid celebration in Russia". Islamdag.info. Retrieved 20 November 2011.
  31. ^ "q News". q News. Retrieved 20 November 2011.
  32. ^ "Arts Web Bham". Arts Web Bham. 14 August 1996. Retrieved 20 November 2011.
  33. ^ "Buildings of London". Buildings of London. Retrieved 20 November 2011.
  34. ^ Js Board[dead link]
  35. ^ Sunni society UK [dead link]
  36. ^ Bednikoff, Emilie. "Montreal Religious Sites Project". Mrsp.mcgill.ca. Retrieved 20 November 2011.
  37. ^ "Muslim Media Network". Muslim Media Network. Retrieved 20 November 2011.
  38. ^ Canadian Mawlid
  39. ^ "Religion & Ethics – Milad un Nabi". BBC. 7 September 2009. Retrieved 20 November 2011.
  40. ^ "Moon Sighting". Moon Sighting. 20 June 2011. Retrieved 20 November 2011.
  41. ^ a b c Knappert, J. "The Mawlid". S.O.A.S.
  42. ^ "Festivals in India". Festivals in India. Retrieved 20 November 2011.
  43. ^ Pakistan Celebrate Eid Milad-un-Nabi with Religious Zeal, Fervor. Pakistan Times. 2007-04-02.
  44. ^ a b Schielke, Samuli (2012). "Habitus of the authentic, order of the rational: contesting saints' festivals in contemporary Egypt". Critique: Critical Middle Eastern Studies. 12 (2).
  45. ^ Knappert, J. "The Mawlid". S.O.A.S.: 209–215.
  46. ^ Pakistan with Muslims world-over celebrate Eid Milad-un-Nabi tomorrow[dead link]
  47. ^ Herman Beck, Islamic purity at odds with Javanese identity: the Muhammadiyah and the celebration of Garebeg Maulud ritual in Yogyakarta, Pluralism and Identity: Studies in Ritual Behaviour, eds Jan Platvoet and K. van der Toorn, BRILL, 1995, pg 262
  48. ^ Speight, R Marston (1980). "The nature of Christian and Muslim festivals". Muslim World. 70.
  49. ^ How Does Tunisia Celebrate Al Mawlid? Tunisia Live
  50. ^ "Milad Celebrated". The Times of India. 14 May 2003. Retrieved 20 November 2011.
  51. ^ TajaNews
  52. ^ Vaiz Zade Khorasani, Muhammad (1996). "Muhammad birthday, Unity Week and 9th International Islamic Unity Conference". Mishkat (51): 4–43.
  53. ^ Iranian Revolutionary Guards, Institute of Islamic Studies. Days on viewpoint of Imam Khomeini. Tehran: Islamic research center. p. 176.
  54. ^ Maréchal, Brigitte; (editors), Sami Zemni (2013). The dynamics of Sunni-Shia relationships : doctrine, transnationalism, intellectuals and the media. London: Hurst. p. 34. ISBN 978-1-84904-217-8. {{cite book}}: |last2= has generic name (help)
  55. ^ Mahmood, M. (2006). The political system of the Islamic Republic of Iran. Delhi: Kalpaz Publications. p. 112. ISBN 81-7835-520-5.
  56. ^ Kaptein (2007)

References

Further reading

  • Malik, Aftab Ahmed (2001). The Broken Chain: Reflections Upon the Neglect of a Tradition. Amal Press. ISBN 0-9540544-0-7.
  • Hagen, Gottfried, Mawlid (Ottoman), in Muhammad in History, Thought, and Culture: An Encyclopedia of the Prophet of God (2 vols.), Edited by C. Fitzpatrick and A. Walker, Santa Barbara, ABC-CLIO, 2014.
  • Picken, Gavin, Mawlid, in Muhammad in History, Thought, and Culture: An Encyclopedia of the Prophet of God (2 vols.), Edited by C. Fitzpatrick and A. Walker, Santa Barbara, ABC-CLIO, 2014.
  • Tahir-ul-Qadri, Muhammad (2014). Mawlid al-Nabi: Celebration and Permissibility. Minhaj-ul-Quran Publications. ISBN 978-1908229144.
  • Ukeles, Raquel. "The Sensitive Puritan? Revisiting Ibn Taymiyya's Approach to Law and Spirituality in Light of 20th-century Debates on the Prophet's Birthday (mawlid al-nabī)." Ibn Taymiyya and His Times, ed. Youssef Rapport and Shahab Ahmed, 319-37. Karachi: Oxford University Press, 2010.
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