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About Mawlid

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About Mawlid

Mawlid, also called Milad-un-Nabi or Mawlid an-Nabi, marks the birth of the Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him. Most Sunni Muslims mark it on 12 Rabi al-Awwal, the third month of the Islamic calendar, and many Shia Muslims on 17 Rabi al-Awwal.

It is a day to remember his life and character: his honesty, mercy, patience and care for the poor, orphans and neighbours. People gather to read the Quran, send salawat (prayers of peace on the Prophet), recite naat and poems of praise, and listen to talks about his life.

Streets and mosques are lit up in Pakistan, India, Bangladesh, Egypt, Morocco, Malaysia, Indonesia and many other places, and families share sweet food with neighbours and those in need. In Turkey the night is kept as Mevlid Kandili with prayers at home and in mosques.

Not every Muslim celebrates Mawlid. Some scholars and communities hold that it was not a practice of the early Muslims and keep the day like any other, so it is kind to wish gently and only those who mark it.

  • 12 Rabi al-Awwal for many Sunnis
  • 17 Rabi al-Awwal for many Shia Muslims
  • Also called Eid Milad-un-Nabi

Where it began

Mawlid means birth. The Prophet is remembered as born in Mecca in the Year of the Elephant, around 570 CE, and many Muslims keep the 12th of Rabi al-Awwal as the day.

Public celebrations are recorded from around the 12th century, and the day grew into a time of poetry and gatherings in many lands. Some Muslims choose not to celebrate it, and different views are respected within the faith.

A mosque lit up for the Prophet's birthday

How it grew over time

  1. About 570 CE

    The Prophet is born in Mecca.

  2. 12th and 13th centuries

    Public Mawlid gatherings with poems and feasts are recorded in Egypt and Iraq.

  3. Later centuries

    Poems of praise such as the Burda are recited at Mawlid gatherings in many regions.

  4. Today

    The day is a public holiday in many countries, including India.

How it is celebrated in different places

  • India and Pakistan

    Mosques and streets are lit, and gatherings recite naat poems in praise of the Prophet.

  • Egypt

    Sweet shops sell special Mawlid sweets and sugar dolls.

  • Indonesia and Malaysia

    Communities hold processions and readings, often with decorated egg displays in Java.

  • Morocco and North Africa

    Sufi groups sing and families share meals.

Mawlid moments

Streets are decked with lights for Milad-un-Nabi
Coloured lights fill the lanes on Mawlid night
A gathering to hear about the Prophet's life

Mawlid today

Those who keep the day gather to hear about the Prophet's life and character, recite poems and prayers, feed the poor and share sweets with neighbours.

How people celebrate Mawlid

  • Sending salawat on the Prophet
  • Reading the Quran and the Sirah
  • Naat and poems of praise
  • Lighting homes and mosques
  • Sharing sweet food with neighbours
  • Charity for the poor
  • Mevlid Kandili prayers in Turkey

How to wish well

  • Some Muslims do not celebrate Mawlid. Wish friends you know mark the day, and do not press anyone who does not.
  • Mawlid Mubarak or Eid Milad-un-Nabi Mubarak are the usual words. In Malaysia say Salam Maulidur Rasul, in Turkey Kandiliniz mübarek olsun.
  • When you write the Prophet's name, many people add peace be upon him (PBUH) or the Arabic salla Allahu alayhi wa sallam.
  • Keep the tone gentle and devotional. Jokes and party words do not suit this day.
  • A line about his kindness, honesty or mercy makes a wish feel sincere.

Questions about Mawlid

When is Mawlid 2027?

Mawlid, 12 Rabi al-Awwal 1449, is expected around mid August 2027. The exact day depends on the moon sighting in each country.

What is Milad-un-Nabi?

Milad-un-Nabi means the birth of the Prophet. It is the day many Muslims remember the birth and life of the Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him.

What do you say on Mawlid?

Mawlid Mubarak or Eid Milad-un-Nabi Mubarak, meaning a blessed Mawlid. In Arabic people often say kull am wa antum bikhair, may you be well every year.

Do all Muslims celebrate Mawlid?

No. Many Muslims celebrate it with prayers and gatherings, while some communities and scholars do not observe it. Both views are held with sincerity.

Why do Sunni and Shia Muslims mark different dates?

Most Sunni traditions give the birth date as 12 Rabi al-Awwal and many Shia traditions as 17 Rabi al-Awwal. The days in between are often called the Week of Unity.

What is Mevlid Kandili?

In Turkey the night before the Prophet's birthday is kept as Mevlid Kandili, one of the holy nights, with prayers, the Mevlid poem and sweets shared with family.

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