Id-e-Milad 2023: Eid-e–Milad un Nabi, also known as Mawlid, Milad un Nabi, or Mawlid al-Nabi al-Sharif, is a celebration honouring the beloved Prophet Muhammad’s birth. Muhammad was born in Saudi Arabia in 570 CE, according to a number of historical writings. On the 12th day of the third month of the Islamic calendar, or Rabi’ al-Awwal, Shia academics of the Muslim community observe this day.
On the other hand, Muhammad’s birthday is commemorated by Sunni academics on the seventeenth day of the same month. Milad-un-Nabi will start on the evening of September 27 and end on the evening of September 28 in 2023 (dates subject to change based on moon position).
Id-e-Milad 2023 Date
The public holiday has been set for September 29, 2023, even though Id Milad un Nabi will be observed in the UAE on September 26 and 27.
History and significance
The Prophet Muhammad’s death was first commemorated on this date, the 12th day of Rabi al-Awwal, and it wasn’t until the 13th century that Muslims as a whole started honouring EId-e-Milad as his birthday. This practise has persisted ever since. Many scholars concur that Muhammad’s birth and death occurred on the same day in the Islamic calendar. Although a sizable portion of Muslims still view this day as unlucky, numerous Muslims over the world commemorate it with the utmost fervour and energy.
Earlier, only a small group of people would celebrate Eid-e-Milad in exclusive private sessions. To commemorate the event, these folks used to congregate at the Mawlid home. However, as time went on, more people began to arrive at the Mawlid home to commemorate and celebrate Muhammad’s birth anniversary. The festival eventually began to be observed on a larger scale and developed into one of the most important Muslim holidays.
Id-e-Milad 2023 Celebrations in India
On Milad-un-Nabi, the Islamic Prophet Muhammad’s birthday, congregational prayers are held at mosques during which a preacher recite sermons from Muhammad’s life and actions. Families commemorate the noble deeds of Prophet Muhammad while cooking and serving Seviyan (vermicelli in sweetened milk).
Locations around India where Milad un-Nabi/Id-e-Milad celebrations can be observed
The Asafi Mosque in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh
Eid Milad un Nabi is enthusiastically observed in Uttar Pradesh. Mosques and homes are adorned with bright lights and banners. In celebration of the Prophet’s life and teachings, special processions and rallies are held, at which followers assemble to perform prayers, sing songs, and read passages from the Quran. Additionally, as a sign of compassion and unity, sweets and other traditional delicacies are prepared and given to friends, relatives, and the less fortunate.
The Asafi Mosque, also known as Bara Imambara, is one of Uttar Pradesh’s most important mosques, especially in the city of Lucknow. It is a famous holy place and a work of art that Nawab Asaf-ud-Daula constructed in the 18th century. For Milad un-Nabi celebrations, the Bara Imambara is a key location, drawing a sizable crowd of followers who come together to offer their prayers and take part in the festivities.
Kolkata’s Nakhoda Mosque in West Bengal
The Eid Milad un Nabi celebrations in West Bengal traditionally start with special prayers and sermons at mosques and shrines. Large crowds of followers congregate to hear religious scholars recount the Prophet’s life and teachings. To mark the occasion, people frequently adorn their homes and streets with bright lights and flags. Additionally, in celebration of the Prophet’s message of generosity and compassion, Milad un-Nabi encourages charitable giving and other deeds of kindness.
The Nakhoda Mosque, which is situated in the centre of Kolkata, is one of the significant mosques in West Bengal where Milad un-Nabi is commemorated. The Nakhoda Mosque is an important historical landmark in addition to being a place of worship. It becomes the centre of the festivities during Milad un-Nabi, attracting tens of thousands of worshippers who gather to offer prayers and take part in the festivities. People who go will have a wonderful and spiritually enlightening experience thanks to the mosque’s stunning surroundings and unique artwork.
Imarat Shariah Mosque Patna, Bihar
Milad un-Nabi is commemorated in Bihar, as well as many other regions of India and the Islamic world, with tremendous fervour and devotion. At mosques throughout the state, special prayers and discourses usually mark the beginning of the festivities. Large crowds of believers assemble to hear religious authorities discuss the life and teachings of Prophet Muhammad, highlighting his significance as a symbol of peace, compassion, and unity.
The Imarat Shariah mosque in Patna is one of the most significant mosques in Bihar where Milad un-Nabi is commemorated. In addition to being a place of prayer, this historic mosque has an important role to play in fostering religious harmony and understanding among the various populations in the area. Milad un-Nabi is a time when Muslims gather to celebrate the birth of the Prophet Muhammad and to meditate on his message of peace and brotherhood. The mosque is magnificently decorated, and there is a strong sense of spirituality and community in the air. The celebrations in Bihar frequently include processions, charitable activities, and communal feasts as well, which build the ties between neighbours and people of faith.
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Id-e-Milad: How Do Shias and Sunnis Celebrate It?
Both Sunni and Shia Muslims observe this occasion, although due to variances in religious practises and customs, there may be some disparities in how they do so.
Sunnis
• Recitation of nasheeds: Sunni Muslims frequently recite religious poetry and nasheeds (Islamic songs) that honour the Prophet Muhammad during Eid-e-Milad celebrations.
• Mosque Decorations: Green, which is regarded as the colour of Islam, can be used to adorn homes and mosques with lights and banners or flags.
• Charitable deeds and acts of kindness: Many Sunnis take use of the occasion to perform charitable deeds, feeding the needy and aiding the less fortunate.
• Islamic Lectures: In mosques or community centres, special sermons and lectures on the life and teachings of the Prophet Muhammad may be presented.
• Food and desserts: To celebrate happy occasions, families and communities frequently gather to share special meals and desserts.
Shias
• Religious Gatherings: Shia Muslims frequently assemble in mosques or private homes to discuss the life and teachings of the Prophet Muhammad and his Ahlul Bayt, or family, in order to practise their religion.
• Recitation of Eulogies: Eulogies, sometimes referred to as Marsiya or Noha, are performed to emphasise the suffering and martyrdom of the Ahlul Bayt, particularly Imam Hussein.
• Candle Processions: In some Shia communities, torch- or candle-borne candle processions are held.
• Acts of Charity and Kindness: Shia Muslims participate in charitable and nice deeds on this day much like Sunni Muslims do.
• Special Prayers: Salat al-Mawlid, or special prayers, are frequently recited.
It’s crucial to remember that distinct Sunni and Shia communities, as well as other geographical areas and cultural groups, may celebrate Eid-e-Milad in quite diverse ways. In addition, some Muslims, independent of sect, decide not to observe Eid-e-Milad as a religious holiday because the Prophet’s birthday is not mentioned in the Quran or Hadith. They see this as a bid’ah (innovation) in Islam.
FAQs
What is the celebration of Eid Milad un Nabi?
A Muslim celebration called Eid-e-Milad, sometimes referred to as Mawlid al-Nabi, honours the birth of the Prophet Muhammad. Prayers, recitations, and community meetings are used to mark the occasion.
Is Id e Milad 2023 a government holiday?
Yes, Eid-ul-Milad is a gazetted holiday in India, which implies that during this festival, banks, post offices, and government buildings are closed.
How is Id Milad un Nabi celebrated?
Muslims commemorate the birth of Prophet Muhammad on Eid-e-Milad, also referred to as Mawlid al-Nabi, with prayers, recitations of his life story, and charitable deeds. To mark the occasion, celebratory gatherings, processions, and special dinners are frequent.
How long ago did Milad begin?
Milad, which commemorates the birth of the Prophet Muhammad, is traditionally observed on the 12th day of Rabi’ al-awwal, the third month of the Islamic lunar calendar. The Gregorian calendar has an annual variation in the precise date.
Who originally observed Eid e Milad?
The Fatimid Caliphate introduced Milad celebrations for the first time in the tenth century, marking the birth of the Islamic prophet Muhammad.
Is Milad a Shia or a Sunni?
Both Sunni and Shia Muslims observe Milad, also known as Mawlid, to commemorate the birth of the Prophet Muhammad, though the specific rituals and practises may differ between the two sects.
