Milad-un-Nabi is the birth anniversary of Prophet Muhammad. It is also known as Eid-e-Milad or Mawlid. Milad-un-Nabi and Eid-e-Milad are the same festival names. Milad un-Nabi is an Arabic word; Milad means "birth," and an-Nabi means "the Prophet." Together, it means "Birth of the Prophet." Eid-e-Milad is also an Arabic word; Milad (birth) with Eid means celebration or festival. According to many Islamic traditions, Prophet Muhammad was born on 12 Rabi' al-Awwal around 570 CE in Mecca. Public celebrations of Milad un-Nabi started during the Fatimid dynasty in Egypt in the 10th or 11th century.
When is Milad-un-Nabi and Eid-e-Milad in 2026?
Milad un-Nabi follows the Islamic Hijri calendar. It is based on the moon. That is why the date changes every year. Many Muslim-majority countries observe Milad un-Nabi as a public holiday. Sunni and Shia Muslims celebrate Milad on different dates. Sunnis observe it on 12 Rabi' al-Awwal. Many Shia Muslims observe it on 17 Rabi' al-Awwal.
What is the importance of Milad un-Nabi?
Eid Milad-un-Nabi is celebrated to remember the birth and life of Prophet Muhammad. Muslims remind the teachings of the Prophet, expressing love, and gratitude. Milad un-Nabi is celebrated by mainstream Sunni and Shia Muslims worldwide. Milad gatherings are held to celebrate the birth of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). A Seerat conference is an event where people discuss his life and teachings. Naats are poems or songs that praise Prophet Muhammad. They are recited during Milad gatherings.
As we know. Milad un-Nabi marks the birthday of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). Muslims celebrate this day with joy and gratitude. They thanks Allah for sending His final Messenger as a guide for humanity. Before the Prophet's birth, many people lived in the period of Jahiliyyah (ignorance), when injustice and harmful practices were common.
Prophet Muhammad's father passed away before he was born. His mother died when he was still young. He was raised by his uncle, Abu Talib, who cared for him. As he grew up, the Prophet. People trusted him with their belongings because of his honesty and strong character.
Prophet Muhammad was born in the month of Rabi' al-Awwal. Milad un-Nabi reminds Muslims to follow his example of honesty, kindness, mercy, and good character. Milad-un-Nabi is also a time to thank Allah for sending the Prophet as a mercy and guidance for all humanity.
How is Milad un-Nabi Celebrated?
Many Muslims gather in mosques or homes for prayers and read the Quran. Imams tell the people about the kind acts, life, and good values of Prophet Muhammad. Many people recite Naats or poems praising the Prophet Muhammad. Many Muslims take part in festive street parades. They also decorate mosques and homes with lights. People prepare meals, share sweets, and donate food or money to the poor. Relatives and friends get together to eat, pray, and exchange greetings. People greet each other by saying "Milad un-Nabi Mubarak" or "Eid-e-Milad Mubarak."
What foods are prepared for Eid-e-Milad?
The dishes prepared vary by country and local traditions. Traditional foods for Eid-e-Milad include both sweet and savory dishes. Sheer Khurma is a creamy dessert made with milk, vermicelli, dates, and dry fruits. Zarda is another sweet yellow rice with sugar, cardamom, and nuts. Meethi Sevaiyan is sweet vermicelli cooked with milk or sugar. Kheer and Malida are sweet dishes made on this occasion.
Is celebrating Eid-e-Milad allowed in Islam?
Muslim scholars have different views on Eid-e-Milad because Milad un-Nabi is not mentioned in the Quran. Some allow the celebration. Others do not because they believe it was not practiced by the Prophet or his earliest followers. Both follow their understanding of Islam. Sunni scholars have different opinions. Some support Milad. Others oppose it. Most Shia Muslims celebrate Milad. It is an important festival occasion for them.
This day is celebrated to remember the Prophet's character, kindness, and morals. This festival highlights core values like charity, forgiveness, and community unity.