
Today we will talk about a holy festival. This is Eid Milad-Un-Nabi. Eid Milad-un-nabi is the celebration day for Muslims. It is also known as Mawlid or Mawlid al-Nabi al-Sharif. In some places, it is also known as Nabi Day. Mainly it observes the birth date of Prophet Muhammad (saw).
As we know the 12th Rabi’ al-awwal is the date of birth of Prophet Muhammad but in some countries, it celebrates according to the English calendar. For Muslim society, it is a remarkable day. This day celebrate with religious sentiments. Do you know the proper history of Eid Milad-Un-Nabi and the prayer ways on this day? If you want to know then read this article.

There is some debate on the celebration day. The Sunni group of people observes this day on 12th Rabi’ al-awwal. On the other site, the Shi’a group of people observes this day on 17th Rabi’ al-awwal. This day was declared at first in 1588 as a public holiday by the Ottomans. In some countries, it celebrates on 29th August as Nabi day. On the other site, Saudi Arabia and Qatar who are officially known as Wahabi/Salafi don’t celebrate this day. In these two countries, there is no holiday in this regard. Mainly the Sunni group of people observes this day with great enthusiasm.
EID MILAD-UN-NABI MEANING:
Eid E Milad-un-nabi has a great meaning. As we know that Nabi means a messenger of Allah (SWT), Eid means Festive and the Milad means Birth. Accumulate this word we get Eid E Milad-un-nabi means the festival or celebration of the birth of Prophet Mohammed.the word Milad is derivative from the word “viladut”. The word “viladut” means birth. In Arabic language milad indicates the time and the place of birth of ones.

In according to Shariah, Milad is the event of the celebration of the birth date of any person. After all this meaning of Milad, eid e Milad-un –nabi derives the celebration of the birthday of Prophet Muhammad (SM) It should be remarked that celebrating the birthday of any person is not allowed in Islamic shari’ah. In this regard in some countries, this day is not celebrating by the Muslim group of people. But in most of the countries, this day celebrates with great joy, devotion, and respect. It is observed to remember the lifestyle of the Prophet Muhammad (SM). To show Him respect from the whole Muslim nation.

People attribute their praises towards Prophet Muhammad (SM). On this day their make presents of Durood-O-Salam which is claimed as the gift of Prophet Muhammad (SM). But there is a thought that Milad is not an occasion to celebrate for only one night, it is a celebration to remember the ideals and virtues of this person. It is a celebration to tribute the person for his/her well deeds. It is also known as Mawlid. Mawlid’s meaning is the same as eid Milad’s meaning. Both of the word meaning is the celebration of the birth of Prophet Muhammad (SM). But there is no eid Milad meaning in English. The holy prophet Muhammad never celebrates this day on his Lifespan. And He always prohibited his S:a::a:bah to celebrate this occasion.

There was much deliberation on this fact. But the regions or a group of people who celebrate this occasion has some attachment to this event. They just observe this day to recall the prophet’s birthday. They are organizing some Milad, Mahfil, and prayers in this regard. The prosperous people arrange some programs to feed the underprivileged people.

So it must have to say the people who celebrate this day don’t make any pandemonium programs on this day. All male and female people make the best preparation on this day. The female persons make their prayers on this day. But specifically, there is no instruction for any kind of prayers in this regard. One can pray for him on any day, but pray in this regard is not allowed.
According to the Quran Sharif and any other holy books, there is no reference to observe this day. But it must say that this is a blessing for the universe that on this day Allah sent a messenger to the universe. Prophet Muhammad is the blessing for the whole of humanity. This day is observed as the public gathering where the religious leaders make several speeches on the life and ideal of Prophet Muhammad. The main purpose to celebrate this day is to notify the young people about the Prophet’s lifestyle and spreads His ideas on them. The most important part of the observance of this day to notify the people of the universe about His character, ideals and on His teachings. He always serves for Islam.
EID MILAD- UN- NABI 2023:
Eid Milad-Un-Nabi is the festival of the celebration of the birthday of Prophet Muhammad (SM). In Muslim culture, it is celebrated on the third month according to the Islamic calendar. The third month of the Islamic calendar is Rabi-Ul-Awwal. But there is some misconception on the birth date of Prophet Muhammad (SM). The Shia group of people celebrates this date on 12th Rabi-Ul-Awwal.

Meanwhile, the Sunni group of people celebrates this day on 17th Rabi-Ul-Awwal. In the Gregorian calendar, this date varied. As the date of any events is calculated according to the moon, so every year this date varies. If we got a look at the previous dates of Milad-un-nabi we can see that every year this date has been changed. Every time it comes forward a minimum for 9-12 days. The date is mainly calculated by combining lunar eclipse. It is a day to memorize the birth of Prophet Muhammad (SM).
Eid Milad- Un- Nabi 2023 date in Bangladesh is approximately 9th October, Sunday. It begins from the evening of 8th October, Saturday and this event will end on 9th October, Sunday in the evening. Eid Milad- Un- Nabi 2023 date in India is the same as Bangladesh. India’s time is just half an hour in advance from Bangladesh.
Normally we see that these types of events celebrated on the same date in the previous year or next year. But this festival normally celebrated according to the lunar eclipse. For example, if you got a look at the eid Milad-un- Nabi 2021 date, it was on 19 October, Tuesday. It begins on the evening of 18 October, Monday and ends till 19 October, Tuesday. It will almost come forward for 10 days from this year.
It is also a gazetted public holiday for most of the countries. Except for Saudi Arabia and Qatar, all the Muslim countries celebrate this occasion. As the people of Saudi Arabia and Qatar are Wahabi/Salafi they don’t observe this occasion. So there is no Milad un Nabi holiday in Saudi Arabia.
Year | Weekday | Date |
2010 | Saturday | 27-Feb |
2011 | Wednesday | 16-Feb |
2012 | Sunday | 5-Feb |
2013 | Friday | 25-Jan |
2014 | Tuesday | 14-Jan |
2015 | Sunday | 4-Jan |
2016 | Tuesday | 13-Dec |
2017 | Saturday | 2-Dec |
2018 | Wednesday | 21-Nov |
2019 | Sunday | 10-Nov |
2020 | Friday | 29-Oct |
2021 | Tuesday | 19-Oct |
2022 | Sunday | 9-Oct |
MAWLID/ MAWLID AL NABI CELEBRATION:
Mawlid Celebration or Prophet Muhammad Birthday Celebration or Mawlid Al-Nabi Celebration is organized in numerous ways in every country. All of the Muslim countries celebrate this day in their own way. The common activities which are arranged on this day are:
- Prayer by the Muslims of the whole night.
- Night long prayers and meetings to commemorate the life of Prophet Muhammad (SM).
- Get ready festive banner.
- Arrange jamboree for the procession
- Bunting on the banners in at home and mosque and other institutions.
- Also, fly the flag as a symbol of Mawlid Al-Nabi Celebration.
- Make a Gathering to listen or recite the life story of Nabi Karim (SM).
- Arrange an exhibition where features photos of mosques especially in the holy cities like Mecca and Madina in Saudi Arabia.
Here is the all common programmed which is organized almost in all areas on this day. People wear a green dress or tie a green on the head this is the common Mawlid Al-Nabi traditions for all of the counties. As it is known by different names in different countries the celebration style is also different for each of the countries. For example, if we talk about the Eid Milad un Nabi in Saudi Arabia, we will see they don’t make any arrangement on this day.
People of this country are mostly Wahabi/Salafi, who believes that there is no occasion in this regard. But they arrange for gathering to commemorate the life history of Prophet Muhammad (SM). This gathering is known as seerat-un-Nabi also called jalsa.
They oriented it by the Muslims or non-Muslim peoples. Both of the people are allowed in this program. As it is totally forbidden for the Muslim group of people to celebrate the program like birthday, so they don’t observe this occasion like others. According to all this word, it can say that the Milad celebration in Saudi Arabia is very simple from others.
Prophet Muhammad Birthday Celebration in Pakistan is much splendid than others. They make stunning preparation on this day. They begin their day with a 31 gun salute issued on their capital city which is Islamabad. In other cities, they start the day with 21 gun salute. After this, they hoisted their flag on every official institution.
They also make a special green flag which is remarked as the symbol of Eid Milad un Nabi. The green color is the representation of Islam and paradise. People tie this flag on their heads and get away from home to make a procession.

They also arrange night long prayers and meetings to commemorate the life story, ideals, and super revelation of Prophet Muhammad (SM). They also arrange for communal meals for deprived peoples in the mosques and other institutions. They also make arrangements to distribute clothes as reliefs.
Almost all Muslim countries celebrate this day. Not only had the Muslim countries also had the other countries that have an enormous number of Muslim population celebrated this day. India, the United Kingdom, Nigeria, Sri Lanka, France, Germany, Italy, Russia, and Canada are those countries. In India, the Muslim group of people celebrates this day to commemorate the Prophet Muhammad’s (SM) birthday. It is known as Mawlid, Mawlid al-Nabi, Milad un Nabi, the birth date of Prophet Muhammad (SM), Nabi day. It is a gazetted public holiday in India. On this day all the offices, institutions are closed.
Mawlid al-Nabi celebration is famous in India. From the very beginning of the morning, they start with prayers and recite the poems which are on Prophet Muhammad’s (SM) life. The Hazratbal Shrine which is situated in the state of Jammu and Kashmir in India displayed the relics of Prophet Muhammad (SM) after the Morning Prayer. They also arrange for parades, procession, marches after the prayers. They decorate the whole city along with the institution. On the mosques, the religious leaders arrange for Milad, mahfil in this regard.
Mawlid al-Nabi which is normally known as Milad un Nabi in Bangladesh also celebrates in a carnival manner. Eid Milad un Nabi celebration in Bangladesh is held during the month of November to February. There arranged many Milad, mahfil to commemorate the ideals of prophets Muhammad (SM). This milad or Islamic gatherings get arranged by the local people of an area or community. In school and colleges or in other institutions arrange an annual Milad, mahfil on this regard, where they recite the ideals of Prophet Muhammad (SM).

MILAD UN NABI HISTORY:
There is no specification about who started mawlid or Milad un Nabi or mawlid al b-nabi. But it is mainly supervised by the Sufi orders. The meaning of Eid Milad un Nabi is the celebration of the birth date of Prophet Muhammad (SM). According to Muslim scholars, the birth of Prophet Muhammad (SM) is a great evolution for the Muslim community of the world. He is considering as the messenger of Allah. He was born in 12th rabi -ul -awwal, 570 CE (Year of the Elephant) in Mecca an Arabian city in present days which is known as Saudi Arabia. He died on 8 June 632 CE (aged c. 62) in Medina City of present Saudi Arabia. That’s why Saudi Arab is considering the holy place for the world’s Muslims.
The name of His father is Abdallah ibn Abd al-Muttalib and the name of His mother Aminah bint Wahb. Before 6 months of His birth, His father died. Prophet Muhammad was born in The Banu Hashim Tribe in present Saudi Arabia. This tribe is of the Quraish dynasty which is located at Mecca city in present Saudi Arabia. According to the scholars’ prophet Muhammad (SM) was born in 12th rabi-ul-awal or 29th August, 570 CE. But there is much disagreement with this birth date of Prophet Muhammad (SM).
There is no strong evidence to make this date actual. So the actual date is not possible. At the time of his birth, people don’t know how to archive this type of data and prophet Muhammad (SM) also not made any comment for Himself in this regard. So according to scholars in every region or country people celebrate this date as His birth date. Montgomery Watt, one of the renowned historian mentioned 570 as the year of his birth in his book. Like him, other scholars also mentioned about this date. That’s why everyone celebrates this day on this date. But it is not sure who started to celebrate Mawlid.
There was the myth that before the birth of Prophet Muhammad (SM) the situation of present Saudi Arabia was so much anarchical. People were fought with each other for any single issue. People were submerged into the darkness of ignorance and illiteracy by their nature and character. At that time they were involved with Idolatry, alcoholism, and many other anarchic activities. At that time they were buried their daughter child lively. Then that time there was no injustice of justice and injustice.
There was no difference between truth and false. The supremacy of powerful’s was the law. Torture, lawlessness, adultery, theft, robbery, murder and bloodshed were the common scenario at that time. The society was divided into many small tribes. There was no bonding between these tribes. They always busy to conflict with each other tribes. There were no organized or systematic governmental rules or any leader to lead them. They have no goal in human life besides the biological needs or the enjoyment of luxury. Fights, quarrels, and bloodshed were their everyday events. They had no unity, brotherhood, or any sentiment between the tribes.
The scholars named this era “ayyam jaheliate”. This word derived from two words “ayyam” and “jaheliate”. The meaning of the first word “ayyam” is day or opposite of night. Here the word means the age of ayyam. The other word” jaheliate” means ignorance, brutality, prejudice, or darkness etc. Therefore the meaning of the word “ayyam jaheliate” is the dark era or superstitious era.
According to the scholars The Almighty Allah sent Him at this time to guide the ignorance nation. He is considering as the messenger of Allah. He is the founder of Islam. This is the main theme of celebrating Milad-un-nabi worldwide.

IS CELEBRATING MAWLID/ Eid Milad-Un-Nabi ALLOWED IN ISLAM:
There are many misconceptions and misunderstand on the issue of celebrating Mawlid Or Eid Milad-Un-Nabi. This misconception is called Bida’h in Arabic culture. Here I represent some evidence according to the Holy Quran Sharif and to the renowned scholars.
ACCORDING TO QURAN
In the Quran, Allah Almighty says;
“The peace is on Him the day when he was born and the day when he will die and the day when he will be raised alive.” (Kanzul Iman the translation of Holy Quran, Sura Al-Maryam, Verse 15)
Allah Almighty also says:
“And the same peace on me the day I was born and the day I will die and the day I would be raised alive.”
(Kanzul Iman the translation of Holy Quran, Sura Al Maryam, Verse 33).
Allah Almighty says:
“And remind them of the days of Allah.”
(Kanzul Iman the translation of Holy Quran, Sura Ibrahim, Verse5).
Allah Almighty says:
“And remember when your Lord proclaimed, if you will be great full then I shall give you more and if you’re thankless then my treatment is severe.”
(Kanzul Iman the translation of Holy Quran, Sura Ibrahim, and Verse 7).
Allah Almighty says:
“Then remember the bounties of Allah and wander not in the earth spreading mischief.”
(Kanzul Iman the translation of Holy Quran, Sura Araf, Verse 74).
In other word Allah Almighty says:
“And publicize well the favor of your lord”
(Kanzul Iman the translation of Holy Quran, Sura Al Duha, Verse 11).
Allah Almighty orders us:
“Say you only Allah’s grace and his mercy, on it, therefore, let them rejoice. That is better than all their wealth.”
As Allah Almighty says:
“And we sent not you but mercy for all worlds.”
(Kanzul Iman the translation of Holy Quran, Sura Al Ambiyaa, Verse 107).
Allah Almighty says:
“Oh, you who I believe send upon Him blessing and salute Him fully well in abundance. (Kanzul Iman the translation of Holy Quran, Sura Al Ahzab, Verse 56).
Allah Almighty says:
“And all that we narrate to you of the tidings of the messengers is for the purpose of strengthening your heart therewith.” (Kanzul Iman the translation of Holy Quran, Sura Hood, Verse 121).
ACCORDING TO HADITH (NARRATIONS OF THE HOLY PROPHET (ALLAH’S GRACE AND PEACE BE UPON HIM)
The Prophet of Allah (Allah’s Grace and Peace be upon him) himself stated his own birth from the very beginning He says: “I had been transferred, continuously, from purified offspring to purified wombs. I had been given birth by lawful marriage, not by adultery. When Allah Almighty sent Adam Alaihis Salam on earth so He put me in his spine and then transferred in Nuh Alaihis salam in his boat, and then in Ibrahim Alaihis salam Allah Almighty transferred me continuously from noble offspring to the purified wombs up to that He brought me in my parents who never committed adultery.”
(Tafseer Ruhul Bayan, Vol. 3, Page 54)
“The one who rejoices on the birthday of the Holy Prophet would not be severely punished and it is hoped that a Muslim who celebrate the Milad un Nabi (Allah’s Grace and Peace be upon him), will not be punished in hell. Imam Bukhari Rahmatullah Alaih narrates that Abu Lahab would be punished lightly in the hell on Monday. Because he rejoiced and freed his handmaid indicating by his finger when the Prophet of Allah Almighty (Allah’s Grace and Peace be upon him) took birth. So as a reward of happiness on Milad un Nabi (Allah’s Grace and Peace be upon him) he would be given water by his finger. (Saheehul Bukhari Vol. 2, Page 764)
The Holy Prophet Muhammad (Allah’s Grace and Peace be upon him) celebrated his own Milad by having fast. Imam Wali ud din writes this narration with reference to the Saheeh Muslim. When the Prophet of Allah (Allah’s Grace and Peace be upon him) was asked about the fast of Monday. He (Allah’s Grace and Peace be upon him) said:
“I took birth and the Quran was revealed upon me in this day.”
(Mishkat Sharif, Page 179).
ACCORDING TO MUSLIM UMMAH AND SCHOLARS (ULEMA)
Imam Al-Hafiz Al-Suyuti in his famous book “Al-Hawii Lil-Fatawii” allocated a special chapter on that topic and named it “The Excellence of Objective in Celebrating the Mawlid” where he said: The question under consideration is what the verdict of the Shari’ah on celebrating the Holy Birthday of the Noble Prophet (Allah’s Grace & Peace be upon Him) during the month of Rabi-ul-Awwal. From the point of view of Shari’ah is this a praiseworthy action or a blameworthy one? And do those who arrange such celebration Receive blessings or not? He said:
“The reply to this question is that in my view the Milad Shareef (Celebration of the Birthday of the Noble Prophet Allah’s Grace & Peace be upon Him) is, in fact, such an occasion of happiness on which people assemble and recite the Holy Qu’ran to the extent that is easy. Then they relate the prophecies concerning the appearance of the Noble Prophet (Allah’s Grace & Peace be upon Him) that have been transmitted in Ahadith and Author, and the miraculous events and signs that took place on his birth. Then food is set before them and according to their desire, they partake thereof to satisfaction. This festival of celebrating the birthday of the Noble Prophet (Allah’s Grace & Peace be upon Him) is a Bid’ah Hasanah (good innovation) and those arranging it will get blessing since in such a celebration is found the expression of joy and happiness at the greatness and eminence of the Noble Prophet (Allah’s Grace & Peace be upon Him) and his birth”.
Imam Al-Hafiz Al-Qastalani, who gave commentary on Sahih Bukhari, said: “May Allah Almighty shower his Mercy upon a person who takes the days of the month of Rabi-ul-Awwal, in which the Noble Prophet (Allah’s Grace & Peace be upon Him) was born, as days of feast and celebration for doing so is the best cure for the heart of an ailing person.”
Al-Hafiz Ibn Hajar was asked, the same reference of Imam Suyuti, about Milad Shareef. His reply was:
“Milad Shareef is, in fact, and innovation, which was not transmitted from any pious predecessor in the first three centuries. Nevertheless, both acts of virtue, as well as acts of abomination, are found in it (i.e. Sometimes acts of virtue are found therein and sometimes acts of abomination). If in the Milad Shareef only acts of virtue are done and acts of abomination are abstained from, then the Milad Shareef is a Bid’ah Hasanah (good innovation), otherwise not.”
He then added “
“To do any virtuous act and to observe it annually as means of recollection for any special day on which Allah Almighty has bestowed any favor or removed any calamity is a form of showing gratitude to Allah Almighty. Gratitude to Allah Almighty is expressed through different kinds of Ibaadah (worship) -prostration and standing in prayer, charity and recitation of the Holy Qu’ran. And what is a greater favor from Allah Almighty can there be than the appearance of the Prophet of Mercy (Allah’s Grace & Peace be upon Him) on this day (i.e. 12th of Rabbi-ul-Awwal)?” Some people do not limit it and celebrate the Milad Shareef on any day of Rabi-ul-Awwal. Nay, some people have extended it even more and increased the period to the whole year. According to the latter, the Milad Shareef can be celebrated on any day of the year. The objective here is the same, i.e. to rejoice at and celebrate the Holy Birth of the Noble Prophet (Allah’s Grace & Peace be upon Him).
Imam Al-Hafiz Al-Iraqi wrote a book and called it “The Pure Spring on the Sublime Birth”.
Imam Shams ul-Din bin Naseer Al-Dimashqi, said in his book: “The Spring for the Thirsty One on the Birth of the Rightly Guided” about the story of Abu Lahab that he will receive a light punishment every Monday for expressing joy at the birth of the Noble Prophet (Allah’s Grace & Peace be upon him) on that day. The Imam said the following verse of poetry, the translation is: If such Kafir was denounced in the (Qur’an) and perished are his hands, and in the Flames is his eternal abode It is narrated that every Monday.
Imam Al-Hafiz Ibn Al-Jawzi said in the description of Milad: “Peace and Tranquility takes over during that year and a good glad tiding to obtain your wish and inspiration”.
Imam Abu-Shamah, The Sheikh of Al Hafiz Al Nawawi, said:
“The best of the innovations of our times is what is carried out on the day of corresponding to the birthday of our Beloved Prophet (Allah’s Grace & Peace be upon Him), where people give out donations, practice what is right, express their joy and happiness, in doing so is surely a sign of love and admiration for the Prophet (Allah’s Grace & Peace be upon him)”.
I think these pieces of evidence are strong enough to understand the concept of celebrating Mawlid is allowed or not allowed in Islam.
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