Muslims Holiday: Top 5 things you need to know about Eid-ul-Mawlud

The Herald Newspaper as parts of its vision to educate members of the public all over the world has garnered some facts  about Eid-ul-Mawlud  holiday in Nigeria and beyond.

Below are the top five things you need to know about  Eid-ul-Mawlud

 1.  Eid-ul-Mawlud marks the birthday of Prophet Muhammed

Muslims observe the Prophet Muhammed’s (also known as Mohammed or Muhammad) birthday on the 12th day of the Islamic month of Rabi’ al-awwal, while Shi’a Muslims mark it on the 17th of this month. Muhammed is believed to be the last prophet.

2. Prophet Muhammed  was born in Mecca, now in Saudi Arabia

Muhammed was born in Mecca, now in Saudi Arabia, in the year 570 of the Gregorian calendar. The precise date of his birth is unclear. However, Sunni Muslims observe Muhammed’s birthday on the 12th day of the Islamic month of Rabi’ al-awwal, while Shi’a Muslims mark it on the 17th day of this month. The 17th day of Rabi’ al-awwal commemorates the birth of the sixth Shi’a iman, Ja’far al-Sadiq.

3. Eid-ul-Mawlud is not a public holiday in many countries

Eid-ul-Mawlud is a public holiday in many Islamic countries but not in Australia, Canada, the United Kingdom and the United States. Many schools, stores, businesses and organizations are open. Islamic schools, stores, businesses and organizations may be closed for part of or all of the day. Public transit systems usually operate to their regular schedule.

4. Some people see the prophet’s birthday as an event worthy of praise

Some people see the prophet’s birthday as an event worthy of praise. Others view the celebration of birthdays as contradictory to Islamic law.  Both sides cite the Hadith (narrations originating from the words and deeds of the Prophet Muhammed) and events from Muhammed’s life to support their views.

5. Many Muslims also do not participate in celebrations on this day

Many Muslims also do not participate in celebrations on this day. Instead, they may mark the occasion by spending more time to read the Koran. Muhammed is said to have been born on a Monday and some scholars see fasting during the hours of daylight on Mondays as another way to celebrate his birth.