Mawlid al-Nabi 2025: The Prophet's Birthday

Recitation of the Prophet's Life (Seerah)

Communities hold gatherings where the life of the Prophet ﷺ is recounted — his birth, character, teachings, and mission. Scholars deliver lectures on the Prophetic example. Special Mawlid programmes are broadcast on television and radio in many Muslim-majority countries.

Nasheed and Qasida

Devotional poetry and songs in praise of the Prophet — known as Na'at (Urdu/Persian tradition), Qasida, or Mawlid texts — are recited in mosques and homes. The most famous is the Burdah by Imam al-Busiri, recited widely across the Muslim world from Morocco to Indonesia.

Charitable Acts

Many Muslims mark the occasion by giving charity (sadaqah), feeding the poor, or preparing communal meals. In Morocco and West Africa, special sweets and foods are prepared and shared with neighbours. The Prophet's ﷺ example of generosity makes charity a fitting way to honour his birthday.

Shia Observance (17 Rabi al-Awwal)

Shia Muslims traditionally celebrate Mawlid on 17 Rabi al-Awwal — the birth date in Shia tradition, which also coincides with the birthday of the sixth Imam, Ja'far al-Sadiq. The period between 12 and 17 Rabi al-Awwal is known as Ayyam al-Baida (Days of Radiance) in Shia tradition.

Is celebrating Mawlid al-Nabi permissible in Islam?

The permissibility of Mawlid is a longstanding scholarly discussion. Proponents argue it is a praiseworthy expression of love for the Prophet ﷺ — that expressing joy at his birth is a meritorious act, and that gatherings to learn about his life (Seerah) are unambiguously beneficial. They note scholars from the classical period encouraged Mawlid gatherings. Those who consider it an innovation (bid'ah) argue that the Prophet ﷺ and his companions did not hold such celebrations, and that religious devotion should follow established practice. Both positions are held by respected scholars; the debate reflects genuine diversity within Sunni Islam.

How is Mawlid al-Nabi celebrated in different Muslim countries?

Mawlid celebrations vary widely by culture. In Egypt, streets are festooned with lights and sweets (particularly halawet el-moulid) are distributed to children. In Morocco, special meals are prepared and charitable giving intensifies. In Pakistan and South Asia, mosques and homes are lit, and milad gatherings (majalis) are held where na'at (devotional poetry) is recited. In West Africa and Senegal, enormous Mawlid processions draw hundreds of thousands of Sufi followers. In Turkey, Mawlid is a public holiday (Kutlu Doğum Haftası — Blessed Birth Week), with government-sponsored programmes on the Prophet's life.