Members of South Auckland Muslim Association and people from the wider community gathered on November 17, to mark Eid-e-Milad, which is also known as Milad an-Nabi and Mawlid an-Nabi. The word “Mawlid” in colloquial Arabic means to give birth or bear a child.

This day, dedicated to the Prophet and the dogmas of Islam, commemorates the birth of Prophet Muhammad, who was born in Mecca on the twelfth day of Rabee-ul-Awwal in 570 CE. But, Eid-e-Milad is a day to celebrate as well as to mourn because it is also the death anniversary of the Prophet.

It is celebrated in the month of Rabi’ al-awwal, which is the third month in the Islamic calendar. While the Shias celebrate it on the 17th of the month, the Sunnis celebrate on the festival on 12th of the month, according to the Islamic calendar.

-TIN Bureau