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 2018, Mawlid Al-Nabi will be celebrated on 20 November, 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 Birmingham, UK, Mawlid Al-Nabi is celebrated with a huge procession by thousands of Muslims from across the country. The procession will start at the mosque in Victoria Road and will end at Aston Park. It also includes a horse-drawn carriage and the waving of bright banners and flags, and is the largest Mawlid Al-Nabi celebration in Europe.

If you do not celebrate Mawlid Al-Nabi, you could still share the spirit by distributing food to the poor or donating to charities.

What about you? Tell us your favorite Mawlid Al-Nabi activity, or share your most memorable Mawlid Al-Nabi celebration.