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Mawlid al-Nabi, the birthday of the Islamic prophet Muhammad, is a significant religious holiday celebrated in Libya and many other Muslim-majority countries. In Libya, it is known as المولد النبوي الشريف (al-Mawlid al-Nabawi al-Sharif) and is observed on the 12th day of Rabi' al-awwal, the third month in the Islamic calendar. The exact date varies yearly on the Gregorian calendar due to the lunar nature of the Islamic calendar.
The tradition of commemorating Muhammad's birthday can be traced back to early Islamic history, although it was not widely celebrated until the 11th century when the Fatimids established it as an official holiday. Despite varying opinions on its observance within Islam, Mawlid has become a time for Muslims to express their love and reverence for their prophet.
In Libya, Mawlid is marked with various traditions that reflect both religious devotion and cultural practices:
Religious Gatherings: People attend special sermons and prayers at mosques where stories about Muhammad's life and teachings are shared.
Sufi Chants: Some Libyans participate in dhikr sessions, where Sufi groups chant hymns and praises of the prophet.
Charitable Acts: It is common to engage in acts of charity by distributing food, particularly to those in need.
Public Celebrations: Festivals and street processions can be seen across Libyan cities with people singing nasheeds (religious hymns) and waving green flags symbolizing Islam.
Feasts: Families gather for meals, often featuring traditional Libyan dishes such as couscous, bazeen, or sweets like maqrout.
On this day, Libyans reflect on Muhammad's message of peace and compassion. Many spend extra time with family or visit friends. Children might receive new clothes or small gifts. It is a day blended with spiritual reflection and social activities aimed at strengthening communal bonds within Libyan society. Public institutions are typically closed as The Prophet's Birthday is considered a national holiday in Libya.
