I believe that every one should pay due respect to all sorts of religions and to the people who believe in those faiths. Lately, I have been going to various places for business purposes. But, if I still find time for a
leisure trip, I make it to a point that I visit famous landmarks. In one instance, I happen to visit Bahrain in Asia. On the same day, the people are constantly reminding me to bow my head and pray to Muhammad. Politely, I inquired on the occasion. Only then did I learn that it is the birthday celebration of the Prophet.
The occasion is called Mawlid. The term simply means birthday. But, since it is the birth of Muhammad, the festivity is called Mawlidu n-Nabiy. For some our beloved Muslim brothers, the day is the most revered among any other birth dates of saints. The elders told me that the festivity has been celebrated for eight hundred years now. On the other hand, not all
other Asian countries acknowledge the holy day. The reason behind this is that majority of Muslims believe that the actual idea for commemorating Mawlid rooted from Egypt where people observe the holy days of saints.
All in all, Mawlid is among the happiest celebrations I have seen. On this day, just with any other festivities, people gather together and prepare the most delectable dishes that they reserve for the
annual occasion. The festivity is also the time for family reunions. It felt like Christmas. Later in the afternoon, prayers in honor of the prophet are heard all over the town.
