In one month time, we will celebrate Maulud Nabi. Maulud Nabi, Maulidur Rasul, Milad-un Nabi or Maulid (Mawlid - meaning birthday in Arabic) is the birthday celebration of Prophet Muhammad s.a.w. and is celebrated by Muslims. Maulud Nabi is celebrated by Muslims on 12 Rabiulawal of the Islamic lunar calendar, the third month of the Muslim calendar, 570 C.E. (Common Era) in Makkah. The Prophet died on his 63rd birthday. This year, Maulud Nabi falls on Mar 9. There is no historical evidence that Prophet Muhammad s.a.w., his Companions, and the early followers after them celebrate or observe his birthday. On the contrary, Prophet Muhammad s.a.w. was careful to warn his people not to imitate other faiths, whose followers elevated their prophets and added to the religion what was not in the original teachings. Despite this, large numbers of Muslims do commemorate the birth anniversary of Prophet Muhammad s.a.w. because the birth of the Prophet Muhammad s.a.w. is regarded as a great blessing for the whole of humanity. The Prophet’s birthday celebrations was first observed in the 13th century and rather than a big celebration, there are only restricted festivities on Maulud Nabi because the same day also marks the anniversary of the death of the Prophet. The most important part of Maulud Nabi is focusing upon the character of the Prophet; on his teachings, sufferings, and how he forgave even his most bitter enemies; which I sometimes feel people now forget amidst the pomp and glory we put on show on the Day.
