Maulud / Mawlid al-Nabi – is the celebration of the birth of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).
In Nigeria it is officially called Eid-ul-Maulud.
The Federal Government declares it a public holiday every year so Muslims can mark the day.
What it means in Islam
The day is observed on the 12th of Rabi’ al-Awwal, the third month of the Islamic calendar.
That is the date traditionally accepted by most Sunni scholars as the birthday of the Prophet Muhammad, born in Mecca around 570 CE.
The significance is not that the day itself is one of the two main Eids – Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha – but that it is a time to remember and honor:
The birth of the Prophet: Muslims believe Muhammad is the final messenger of Allah, sent as a mercy to mankind. His birth is seen as the beginning of the final revelation.
His life and teachings: The day is used to reflect on his character – known as Seerah – his compassion, honesty, justice, and his teachings in the Qur’an and Sunnah.
Renewal of faith: It is a reminder for Muslims to follow his example more closely in daily life.
How it is celebrated
There is no single prescribed ritual in the Qur’an for Maulud, but across Nigeria and much of the Muslim world, it is marked with:
Special prayers and recitation of the Qur’an
Lectures and gatherings about the life of the Prophet
Singing of praises and poems – Qasida
Acts of charity, feeding people, and visiting family
Public processions in some states Different views
Most Sunni communities in Nigeria, especially Sufi traditions, celebrate it widely.
Some scholars, particularly from Salafi perspectives, do not celebrate it, arguing that it was not practiced by the Prophet himself or his immediate companions and is therefore considered an innovation – bid’ah.
They would instead honor the Prophet by following his teachings every day, rather than on one specific date.
In essence, for those who observe it, Maulud is a day of love, gratitude, and reflection on the Prophet Muhammad’s message of Islam.
– Benjamin Ibrahim writes from Lokoja, Kogi state.
+2348069596250
