Somalis join the Muslim world in marking birth of Prophet Muhammad
Miladulnabi, also commonly known as Mawlid, is celebrated by Muslims on the 12th of the month of Rabiulawal, the third month of the Islamic calendar.
It is observed as a public holiday and marked with celebrations in many Muslim countries around the world as it commemorates the anniversary of the birth of the Prophet Muhammad (P.B.U.H), the final messenger sent by God according to Muslims.
In Somalia, this year’s Miladulnabi was celebrated on Wednesday across many towns such as Mogadishu, Garowe, Las Anod, Galkayo, and across many regions. It was a public holiday as well, and President Hassan Mohamud congratulated the Muslims on the occasion of Mawlid and termed it as a “day worth celebrating and honoring.” He further encouraged people to implement the teachings of the Prophet and his noble virtues.
The event is marked by Muslims reciting the Quran, delivering eulogies, and performing animal sacrifices. They also share food with the less fortunate, seeking to emulate the virtues of the Prophet, particularly his boundless generosity and his concern for the impoverished within the community.
Even though the celebration is mostly marked by Sufi adherents and many Muslims dispute its origin, it’s still seen by some as a unifying factor among the Muslim population as it brings the community together in the celebration.
Additionally, all Muslims agree on the virtue of honoring and respecting the Prophet while emulating his exemplary traits of nobleness, such as his kindness towards the poor and the orphans, his emphasis on forgiveness, and unity among Muslims.
Muslims also attend religious gatherings and listen to sermons about the life and teachings of the Prophet Muhammad.
Mawlid is a special day for Somalis, and it is a time to reflect on the life and teachings of the Prophet Muhammad (P.B.U.H). It is also a time to come together as a community and to celebrate the shared values of Islam and Somali culture.
