Mawlid Al-Nabi, meaning Birth of the Prophet, is the observance of the birthday of the Islamic Prophet Muhammad. Mawlid Al-Nabi is celebrated in Rabi’ al-awwal, the third month in the Islamic calendar. In 2017, Mawlid Al-Nabi will be celebrated on 1 December, in almost all Islamic countries and other countries that have a significant Muslim population.

Celebration of Mawlid Al-Nabi is often different between each country, but the main significance is to show the love for the Prophet Muhammad. Most common activities will include large street processions, decorating houses and mosques, and distribution of charities and food. The life of the Prophet Muhammad will also be narrated in stories and poems for children.

In Morocco, Muslim people will celebrate Mawlid Al-Nabi by creating gigantic wax candle decorations. Fans will also be crafted, a tradition to commemorate the belief of some people that the day of the Prophet Muhammad’s birth was extraordinarily windy. Morocco Muslim people will also visit holy shrines to ask for blessings. Traditional sweets, cakes and cookies will be served, especially Tanjia, a delicacy unique to Marrakech. New clothing will be purchased for children, and the adults will spend some of their time at local mosques to recite poems and prayers, especially those on the Prophet Muhammad. In the afternoon, Morocco Muslim families will head to parks and conclude the celebration with a picnic.

If you do not celebrate Mawlid Al-Nabi, but know someone who celebrates it, you could still share the spirit by distributing food to the poor or donating to charities. Or if you are in Morocco, you could help craft the renowned gigantic wax candle. Who knows, maybe you could join the street procession to display your glorious wax candle, and afterwards taste the delicious Tanjia!

What about you? Tell us your favorite Mawlid Al-Nabi activity, or share your most memorable Mawlid Al-Nabi celebration. Need ideas on how to celebrate Mawlid Al-Nabi? Adorageek has the perfect solution for you! Just head to the Mawlid Al-Nabi Activity Page and see it for yourself!