Historic Moment For Mawlid Celebrations

Zafar Bangash

Given the Muslims’ focus on immediate, more pressing concerns—the genocidal war on Gaza, the potential for a broader regional conflict breaking out in West Asia etc—it is safe to say that most Muslims would not have thought of an historic moment upon us. Exactly a year from now (September 2025 CE), it will be the 1500th birth anniversary of the noble Messenger (pbuh).

It is an historic occasion that must be celebrated in a befitting manner. True, Muslims in different parts of the world celebrate the Mawlid (called Miladun Nabi by Muslims in the Indo-Pakistan subcontinent) every year, these are generally low-key local affairs. The standard celebration comprises short speeches and recital of some nasheeds followed by food.

The 1500th birth anniversary of the Prophet (pbuh) needs to be celebrated in a grand manner. After all, such occasions do not occur every year. His birthday and life must be celebrated because he was sent as a “mercy to all the worlds” (21:107). He was the recipient of the Qur’an as well as its first teacher and mufassir. While the Qur’an is not a biography of the Prophet (pbuh), there are beautiful ayats that shed light on his great personality and character in the divine Writ.

Committed Muslims are familiar with the beautiful ayats in such Surahs as al-Ahzab, Muhammad, Al-Fath, Al-Hujarat, Al-Qalam, Ad-Duha and a host of others that highlight the lofty character of the noble messenger (pbuh). He is also a model for all of us to emulate (33:21).

This places an obligation upon us all to study his lofty personality in its multifaceted dimensions. What this means is that Muslims have to move beyond the mundane aspects of tahara and najasa that he taught us and understand the great transformation he brought about in society.

So, how should the Prophet’s 1500th birthday be celebrated? Beyond local celebrations, it requires Muslim governments to get involved. While not all governments would be interested in such celebrations because these will shine light on their un-Islamic conduct, we are confident there are enough Muslim governments that have love and respect for the noble messenger (pbuh).

We, at the Institute of Contemporary Islamic Thought (ICIT) will, insha’Allah do everything in our capacity to contribute, at the intellectual level, to this grand celebration. This will include doing research into the Seerah of the Prophet (pbuh) and publishing books. Additionally, audio-visual material needs to be prepared to highlight the many dimensions of his great personality.

We believe that such celebrations must include Qur’an recital by well-known Qaris from around the world. There are many great qaris all over the world who can move people to tears with their melodious recitation. Muslims need to be connected with the Qur’an as well as the Prophetic Seerah.

Exhibition of books on the Seerah should also form part of such celebrations to familiarize people—Muslims and non-Muslims—with the vast body of literature available. Exhibition of artefacts—the Prophet’s dress, equipment (swords and shields) as well as the hundreds of letters and treaties that he sent or signed should also form part of such an exhibition. There are some original letters still preserved in different parts of the world. The Topkapi Museum in Istanbul is a great resource for such material.

The Turkish government knows that these artefacts are not its exclusive preserve. Turkey is merely a custodian for what are a common heritage of the entire Muslim Ummah. These must be made available for Muslims worldwide to display and share as a source of inspiration for Muslims as well as non-Muslims.

We have to state with great sadness that given its past performance, we do not repose much hope in the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) to do anything meaningful. It may surprise us and for once, it may do something worthwhile. If so, that would be greatly appreciated.

There is much greater expectation from Majma at-Taqrib in Tehran that organizes annual gatherings of Muslim scholars from around the world on the occasion of the Prophet’s birthday. To accommodate the different dates—the Sunnis celebrate mawlid on 12 Rabi al-Awwal while the Shi‘is on the 17th—the celebrations are held inclusive of the two dates. This is how it should be. It shows sincerity and maturity on the part of the ulama and officials of the Islamic Republic of Iran.

During Majma’s celebrations, scholars discuss the many aspects of the Prophet’s Seerah. With state resources and a determination to make next year’s annual gathering an historic occasion, Majma at-Taqrib should begin to plan for such celebrations from now. These do not have to be held for a week. Given the significance of the event, it could last for an entire month or even longer.

If organized properly, it would be an immense contribution to creating greater awareness about the Prophet’s (pbuh) Seerah as well as bringing Muslims onto a common platform. It is essential that Muslims unite during these troubled times and derive appropriate lessons from the Prophet’s Seerah to chart a way out of their present predicament.

Will Muslims rise to the occasion? We sincerely hope so. Regardless of how many governments get involved or do not get involved, Muslim organizations and sincere individuals must not lose this great opportunity that will not present itself for another 100 years. Hardly anyone alive today will be around in another 100 years. That alone should act as an incentive for Muslims to make a great effort to make next year the century of Mawlid celebrations.

Sirah