The Islamic holiday of Id-e-Milad, often called Eid-e-Milad-Un-Nabi 2024: History, Meaning and Significance, celebrates the day of the Prophet Muhammad’s birth. It will be commemorated in India on September 16, 2024, this year, demonstrating Muslims’ profound regard for the teachings and contributions the Prophet made to humankind. Scholars from both Sunni and Shia schools commemorate the holiday, which falls on the 12th day of Rabi’s al-awwal, the third month in the Islamic lunar calendar. Milad-un-Nabi in India will take place in 2024 from September 15 to September 16.
History of Eid-e-Milad-Un-Nabi
- For Muslims throughout the world, Eid Milad-un-Nabi in 2024 will be a momentous occasion as they consider the Prophet Muhammad’s teachings in light of current issues.
- Id-e-Milad is celebrated with a big assembly when poets and intellectuals read poetry and passages honouring the Prophet, a custom that dates back to the early years of Islam.
- The teachings of the Prophet Muhammad, which emphasise harmony, compassion, and social justice, are especially pertinent now because they offer direction and hope during turbulent and unpredictable times.
- Beginning in Egypt, Eid-e-Milad became more and more popular in the eleventh century. The Prophet is said to have been born in 570 CE on the twelfth day of Rabi’ al-awwal, although the Muslim community did not start commemorating EId-e-Milad as his birthday until the 13th century.
- Muhammad’s birth and death are thought to have occurred on the same day in the Islamic calendar by many scholars.
- Initially, only a small group of individuals observed Eid-e-Milad in private sessions at the Mawlid home. However, as time went on, more people visited the house to commemorate and celebrate Muhammad’s birth anniversary. Consequently, the celebration has grown to be one of the biggest Islamic holidays observed globally.
Significance of Eid-e-Milad-Un-Nabi
- In the Islamic world, Eid-e-Milad is a big occasion, especially for Sufi and Barelvi groups. Scholars from the Salafi and Wahhabi schools of thought, however, contend that it is a religious invention because there is no reliable evidence that the Prophet Muhammad or his successors observed his birthday.
- They contend that only the celebrations of Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha are permitted in Islamic culture.
- Prophet Muhammad is revered as the final prophet of the Almighty Allah and is known for his kindness, intelligence, and integrity. Regardless of geographic limitations, Muslims attach enormous value to every day that is connected to their existence.
- Muslims honour the Prophet (PBUH) on his birthday as a way to honour and remember his teachings. In the Islamic world, Eid Milad is a significant holiday celebrated with family, friends, and prayers.
- Muslims celebrate the Prophet with a variety of events, including religious assemblies, Quranic recitals, and extra prayers in mosques.
Observance of Eid Milad-un-Nabi in India
- Egypt’s Islamic festival, Eid-e-Milad, has changed throughout the years. Originally, celebrations included public feasts, speeches, prayers, and passages from the Quran. The celebrations grew to include feasts, gatherings, torchlight parades, and animal sacrifices as a result of the Sufi influence.
- Muslims celebrate Eid-e-Milad today by exchanging greetings, praying, and donning new clothes. They assemble at mosques or dargahs, worship in the morning, conduct parades, and narrate tales about the life and teachings of the Prophet.
- Evening prayers to heaven, donations to the underprivileged, and communal feasts are also crucial. In certain Indian states, Eid-un-Nabi, also called Eid-e-Milad, is observed as a public holiday, enabling the Muslim population to engage in religious and cultural celebrations.
- In mosques, where the life and teachings of Prophet Muhammad are proclaimed, the day starts with special prayers. A large number of Muslims take part in processions as well, singing hymns and honouring the Prophet.
- While Eid Milad-un-Nabi customs differ from place to place, most involve bright processions, unique prayers, almsgiving and volunteer work, as well as decorations for houses, mosques, and public spaces.
Conclusion
Eid-e-Milad-Un-Nabi 2024 is an Islamic festival observed by academics from Sunni and Shia schools that honour the prophet Muhammad’s birth. It all started in Egypt and consists of extra prayers at mosques, religious gatherings, and Quranic recitals. It is a public holiday in India, where it is used to promote social fairness, harmony, and compassion while providing guidance and hope amid tumultuous times.
