Milad-un-Nabi, also known as Barawafat or Mawlid is observed as the birthday of Prophet Muhammad by the Muslims across the globe. It is an ancient Muslim festival probably originating during the reign of Muzaffar ad-Din Gokbori (1154-1233), who was a general of Sultan Saladin.
It is the most important festival for the followers of the Muslim sect and is observed with absolute religiosity. However, the actual dates may vary due to different beliefs between the Shia and Sunni sects. This article deals with the rituals, history, time, date, and month of Barawafat.
This post discusses when Barawafat or Milad-un-Nabi is celebrated and what is its date in 2020; the history of Milad-un-Nabi and the festival’s place of origin; Milad-un-Nabi rituals, significance, etc.
Table of Contents
When is Milad-un-Nabi 2020?
The festival of Milad-un-Nabi is observed as per the Islamic calendar, in the month of Rabi-al-awwal, which is the third month. However, the opinion of Shia and Sunni Muslims over the exact birth date of Prophet Muhammad differs.
Sunnis believe that Prophet was born on the twelfth day of Rabi-al-awwal while the Shias believe that he was born on the seventeenth of the same month.
Milad-un-Nabi in India will begin from the evening of Thursday, October 29 to the evening of Friday, October 30.
Milad-un-Nabi History
The origin of Milad un Nabi dates back to 1100-1200 during the period of Abbasid Caliphate in Baghdad. Abbasid is the third caliphate succeeding Prophet Muhammad.
Ancient rituals included animal sacrifices and street processions along with the recitation of the Holy Quran. The festival was also introduced to subdue the popularity of Christian festivals such as Christmas and others. The Muslim ruler of the particular place, where Milad-un-Nabi was celebrated; played a significant role in the festivities.
Religious scholars participated in large numbers in the festival and the distribution of sweets among the poor was also common.
Milad-un-Nabi Rituals
Community prayers in mosques are an important part of any Muslim festival. People gather in the mosques in large numbers to pray to Allah while the mosque imam recites sermons on the life and teachings of Prophet Muhammad.
Even today, large processions and decoration of mosques and houses are a common part of the celebrations. Countries including India, with a significant Muslim population, observe it as a holiday.
In the house people prepare local delicacies like ‘sawaiyan’, kheer and others.
Milad-un-Nabi Significance
Prophet Muhammad is the founder of Islam and his birthday is of special significance to Muslims around the world. It is in fact the most important festival for the Muslims.
It reflects the Islamic philosophy and represents the culture and beliefs of Islam religion. Besides, it also does the job of uniting the widely scattered Muslim Diaspora across the globe.