Milad-un-Nabi, also known as Eid-e-Milad or Mawlid, is an Islamic holiday that commemorates the birth of the Prophet Muhammad. The word "Mawlid" means birth in English. The holiday is celebrated during Rabi al-Awwal, the third month in the Islamic calendar, and is observed on different days by the Shia and Sunni sects. The Sunni scholars have chosen the 12th Rabi ul-awwal to celebrate Eid Milad-un-Nabi, while some Shia scholars regard the 17th Rabi al-awwal as the accepted date.
The history of Eid Milad-un-Nabi is deeply intertwined with the life and teachings of Prophet Muhammad. He was born in the year 570 CE in Mecca, Saudi Arabia. His teachings, practices, and the Quran form the cornerstone of Islamic belief. Eid Milad-un-Nabi gained popularity in the 8th century when Al-Khayzuran converted the Prophets home into a place of prayer. In the 11th century, prominent clans in Egypt began celebrating Mawlid or Nabid with prayers and readings from the Holy Quran. Initially, this holiday was reserved for Shia Muslims, the governing clan of the region, and was not open to the general public. In subsequent centuries, other nations also adopted the practice of commemorating Eid-e-Milad. Over time, Sunni Muslims also began observing this day.
Milad-un-Nabi is commemorated by remembering the teachings of the Prophet, giving charity to the poor, and reflecting on his birth, life, and virtues. It serves as a time of reflection on the life and teachings of the Prophet. The festival is widely observed in many countries, including Sri Lanka, the United Kingdom, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Russia, and Germany. In most Muslim-majority countries, the festival is recognized as a national holiday.