What is Mawlid? Facts, Meaning & Significance

Mawlid, or Milad, is the annual observance of Prophet Muhammad’s (ﷺ) birthday. The 12th of Rabi ul Awal is celebrated as Mawlid all over the Muslim world by many Muslims. The day of Mawlid is an official holiday in many Muslim countries. In Pakistan, the expected date of Mawlid is either September 4 or 5, 2025. In this article, we will answer the question, “What is Mawlid?”, and explore the religious and cultural significance of Mawlid, its origins, and its importance.

The Meaning of Mawlid:

The word Mawlid means ‘birth’. Mawlid, or Milad u Nabi, refers to the annual celebration of the Prophet Muhammad’s (ﷺ) birthday. Celebrating Mawlid is part of the cultural practices in many Muslim countries, where the day is celebrated with festivities. 

Many Muslims arrange conferences, Mawlid gatherings, and Na’at competitions to praise Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) and discuss the teachings of Islam.

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Significance of Mawlid:

Mawlid is a significant event that allows Muslims to exhibit their love and appreciation for the Prophet (ﷺ). Holding the Prophet (ﷺ) dear is a fundamental expectation and requirement of Islam. According to the Hadith:

“Narrated `Abdullah bin Hisham: We were with the Prophet (ﷺ) and he was holding the hand of `Umar bin Al-Khattab. `Umar said to Him, “O Allah’s Messenger (ﷺ)! You are dearer to me than everything except my own self.” The Prophet (ﷺ) said, “No, by Him in Whose Hand my soul is, (you will not have complete faith) till I am dearer to you than your own self.” Then `Umar said to him, “However, now, by Allah, you are dearer to me than my own self.” The Prophet (ﷺ) said, “Now, O `Umar, (now you are a believer).” (Sahih al-Bukhari, 6632)

In another Hadith, it is clearly stated that we cannot complete our faith without having love and admiration for the Prophet (ﷺ):

The Prophet (ﷺ) said “None of you will have faith till he loves me more than his father, his children and all mankind.” (Sahih al-Bukhari, 15)

While answering the question “What is Mawlid?”, we can discuss how it is observed and celebrated in different Muslim countries.

During Mawlid, believers praise the Prophet (ﷺ). Intellectuals speak about the great teachings of Islam, while poets recite poetry to pay tribute. According to some Hadith, the Prophet (ﷺ) appreciated Hassan ibn Thabit, who wrote beautiful poetry to praise the Prophet (ﷺ).

“Allah’s Messenger (Allah bless him and give him peace) used to set up a pulpit in the mosque for Hassan ibn Thabit. He would stand upright upon it, paying tribute to Allah’s Messenger (Allah bless him and give him peace)’ or: ‘defending Allah’s Messenger (Allah bless him and give him peace).’ He would say (Allah bless him and give him peace): “Allah (Exalted is He) supports Hassan with the Spirit of Holiness, when he defends or pays tribute to Allah’s Messenger (Allah bless him and give him peace)!’” (Ash-Shama’il Al-Muhammadiyah 249, 250)

The Prophet (ﷺ) also prayed for Hassan ibn Thabit according to a Hadith:

“By Allah! Tell me the truth whether you heard the Prophet (ﷺ) saying, ‘O Hassan! Reply on behalf of Allah’s Messenger (ﷺ). O Allah! Help him with the Holy Spirit.” Abu Huraira said, “Yes . “ Sahih al-Bukhari, 453)

Hence, admiring the Prophet (ﷺ) and adhering to His teaching is fundamentally essential to Muslims. The Quran clearly states that:

“He who obeys the Messenger has obeyed Allah ; but those who turn away – We have not sent you over them as a guardian.” (Surat An-Nisā’ )

So reciting Quran and Na’ats during Mawlid is a befitting practice, because it offers many spiritual rewards and enables a deeper connection with Allah (SWT) and the Prophet (ﷺ).

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Observing the True Spirit of Mawlid :

Mawlid provides an opportunity for many Muslims to understand the life and teachings of the Prophet (ﷺ). Believers are expected to follow the principles of Islam throughout their lives. Every day, they must strive to learn about the life of the Prophet (ﷺ) and follow His teachings with discipline and rigor. The best way of observing Mawlid is to adopt the Sunnahs of the Prophet (ﷺ). While many Muslims adorn and light up their homes, shops, and streets to commemorate the birth of the Prophet (ﷺ), we must do more to adopt the way of Islam as prescribed by the Prophet (ﷺ). Mawlid is an excellent day for resolving to adopt the Sunnah of the Prophet (ﷺ) and to align our lives with the teachings of the Quran and Hadith.

Tolerance and kindness defined the character of the Prophet (ﷺ). The Quran tells us that:

“So by mercy from Allah , [O Muhammad], you were lenient with them. And if you had been rude [in speech] and harsh in heart, they would have disbanded from about you. So pardon them and ask forgiveness for them and consult them in the matter. And when you have decided, then rely upon Allah . Indeed, Allah loves those who rely [upon Him].” (Surat ‘Āli `Imrān, 3:159)

Sunnahs to Follow

We must endeavor to adopt all Sunnahs, but adopting kindness and making it a way of life is one of the most essential aspects of Muslim life. All believers must follow the Prophet (ﷺ) and adopt kindness, tolerance, and leniency in their everyday lives. The Prophet (ﷺ) forgave his worst enemies and taught His followers to adopt kindness as a way of life.

“’A’isha, the wife of Allah’s Apostle (ﷺ), reported that Allah’s Messenger (ﷺ) said: ‘A’isha, verily Allah is kind and He loves kindness and confers upon kindness which he does not confer upon severity and does not confer upon anything else besides it (kindness). (Sahih Muslim, 2593)

The Prophet (ﷺ) was also very compassionate. While many Muslims donate charity, and especially food, on the day of Mawlid, we must make it a regular practice to help the needy. Giving charity is one of Islam’s fundamental teachings.

The Prophet (ﷺ) said, “Feed the hungry, visit the sick, and set free the captives.” (Sahih al-Bukhari, 5649)

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How to Make the Miwlad Day Special

While we must visit our sick relatives, neighbors, and acquaintances to inquire about their health and welfare, we must also assist needy patients.

The Prophet (ﷺ) said: “You see the believers as regards their being merciful among themselves and showing love among themselves and being kind, resembling one body, so that, if any part of the body is not well then the whole body shares the sleeplessness (insomnia) and fever with it.” (Sahih al-Bukhari, 6011)

This Miwlad, alleviate suffering and pain by donating to Transparent Hands. Since our inception in 2014, we have provided medical and surgical assistance to more than 260,000 needy Pakistani patients. We also arrange regular free medical camps in low-income areas, making quality healthcare accessible. Our medical camps offer free check-ups, medications, diagnostic services, and preventive healthcare sessions.

Making donations to Transparent Hands is easy and safe. We keep donors informed about the progress of the patients they support. We are also particular about following the Sharia guidelines. Our learned Sharia consultant guides us every step of the way to ensure that our operations are aligned with the teachings of the Prophet (ﷺ).

Conclusion:

In this article, we answered the question “What is Mawlid?” and discuss its significance in both religious and cultural contexts. Believers must keep introspecting and adopt Islam as a complete way of life. Charity is one of the central tenets of Islam.

Donate your Zakat, Sadaqah, and other donations to assist needy patients through Transparent Hands.

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