Today, followers of Islam are commemorating the 1,499th birth anniversary of the Prophet Muhammad. According to the Islamic calendar, the 12th of Rabi’ al-Awwal is observed as the birthday of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). Celebrations for this significant occasion, known as “Mawlid al-Nabi,” began on the 9th of this month, with Muslims across various communities participating in festive activities.
In anticipation of the event, Muslim-majority neighborhoods are bustling with activity. Areas such as Jaleshwar, Samsi, Loharpatti, Bhanga, Matiyani, and Ramgopalpur, which have substantial Muslim populations, have been adorned with decorations, cleaned, and illuminated with colorful lights.
On this special day, Muslim communities have organized peace rallies to promote mutual respect, unity, charity, and non-violence, which are the core messages of the celebration. Mahmood Alam, a resident of Jaleshwar-6, emphasizes that the essence of the festival is fostering unity and goodwill.
The day began with a ritual of cleansing and special prayers, where Muslims called upon Allah and listened to the teachings of Prophet Muhammad. Known also as Eid Milad-un-Nabi, the festival includes reciting the Quran, communal meals, and exchanging festive greetings.
Traditional practices involve preparing and sharing sweet dishes, symbolizing kindness and compassion. Imtiaz Ahmed, a community leader from Samsi-6, notes that this festival highlights the importance of mercy and aims to spread the Prophet Muhammad’s message of religious harmony throughout the world.
In observance of the occasion, the Madhesh Province government has declared today as a public holiday.
