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Prophet Mohamed's Birthday, known as Mawlid al-Nabi, is a significant religious occasion in Egypt and across the Muslim world. This day commemorates the birth of the Prophet Muhammad, who was born in Mecca on the 12th day of Rabi' al-awwal, the third month in the Islamic calendar. The exact year of his birth is believed to be 570 CE.
The observance of Mawlid al-Nabi can be traced back to the early days of Islam when some of the Prophet's companions celebrated his birthday. However, it became more formally recognized as an annual event in the 11th century when the Fatimids, who ruled Egypt at that time, began to officially celebrate it.
In Egypt, Mawlid al-Nabi is a blend of religious reverence and festive celebration. The following are some traditions associated with this day:
Religious Gatherings: Many Egyptians attend special sermons and prayer meetings in mosques where scholars recount stories from the life of Prophet Muhammad.
Charity: It is common for people to engage in charitable acts such as donating food or money to those in need to honor Muhammad's teachings about compassion and giving.
Public Celebrations: Streets are often decorated with lights and banners, and public celebrations with music (nasheeds), storytelling, and Sufi performances take place.
Dolls and Sweets: A unique Egyptian tradition involves making and buying colorful dolls (Arouset El-Moulid) for children and sweets called "Halawet El-Moulid," which are widely distributed during this time.
On this day:
Families gather for special meals.
Parents buy dolls and sweets for children.
People exchange greetings and wishes.
Some may visit shrines or historical mosques associated with Islamic figures.
Overall, while Mawlid al-Nabi has varying degrees of observance among different Islamic schools of thought, in Egypt it remains a time for both solemn reflection on the Prophet’s message and joyous communal festivities.
