The Birthday of Prophet Muhammad (Peace be Upon Him) Feb 15, 2011

MANILA, Philippines – Tuesday is Mawlid an-Nabi. It is the day when the millions of Muslims of more than 54 countries around the world celebrate the Birth Anniversary of the Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him). Mawlid an-Nabi is a standard Arabic term which means “The Birth of the Prophet.”

Considered as the founder of Islam and regarded by Muslims as a messenger and prophet of God (Allah in Arabic), the Prophet Muhammad was the last law-bearer in a series of Islamic prophets and was therefore the last prophet of Islam. Born in 570 in Mecca, he was orphaned at an early age and lived a difficult life. He retreated to a cave in the surrounding mountains for meditation and reflection. It was here, at age 40, in the month of Ramadan, where he received his first revelation from God. Three years after this event, he started preaching these revelations, proclaiming that “God is One,” that complete “surrender” to Him is the only way acceptable to God.

He initially gained few followers and was met with hostility by some Meccan tribes. To escape persecution, Muhammad and his followers migrated to Medina in the year 622. This event, the Hijra, marks the beginning of the Islamic calendar known as the Hijra Calendar. In Medina, he united the conflicting tribes, and after eight years conquered Mecca. In 632, a few months after returning to Medina from his Farewell pilgrimage, Muhammad fell ill and died. By the time of his death, most of the Arabian Peninsula had converted to Islam; and he had united the tribes of Arabia into a single Muslim religious polity.

On Tuesday, Muslim religious leaders and scholars gather in mosques and relate the life of the Prophet. The stories of his birth, childhood, youth, and adult life; his teachings, sufferings, and forgiveness, his fortitude in the face of opposition, his bravery, and wisdom, and his final triumph over the hearts of the Muslims are narrated in detail. Salutations and songs in his praise are recited. In some countries, streets, mosques, and buildings are decorated with colorful bunting and pennants and well illuminated at night. Affluent Muslims generously donate to charity. Feasts are arranged and food is served to guests and the poor.

Here in the Philippines, Mawlid an-Nabi is a holiday for the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) and other Muslim provinces, pursuant to Presidential Decree 1083 and Civil Service Commission Resolution No. 81-1277. We greet our Muslim brothers and sisters in the marking of the Prophet Muhammad’s 1441st Birth Anniversary this year. We take this occasion to have a better understanding of Islam and establish harmony, unity, and peace with our Muslim brethren. May this event help promote peace among the major religions of the nation.