Muslims celebrate Eid Milad today
Mangalore Today News Network
Mangalore Feb 27: Milad-un Nabi or Maulid (Mawlid), which is both the birth and death anniversary of Prophet Mohammad, is celebrated, across the coastal districts of Dakshina Kannada and Udupi districts on Saturday 27.
Prophet Muhammad was born Arabia in the city of Mecca on the 12th day of Rabi-ul-Awwal, which was Monday the 20th day of April, 571 A.C. The occasion is celebrated by remembering the favors bestowed on the ummah (community), the first is the revelation of the Holy Quran with its instructions, the second, the institution of an Everliving Guide who would advise the mu’mins (believers) according to the needs of the time. This is why Ismailis are called Ibn’ul Waqt (children of the time) as they are guided by the Imam of the time, Noor Mowlana Shah Karim Al Hussayni Hazar Imam (salwaat), His Highness the Aga Khan. He is the 49th Imam descended from the Holy Prophet’s daughter, Fatima and Hazrat Ali . For Shia Muslims, this occasion is of even more import and full of symbolism as this was also his death anniversary and, therefore, it endorses the Hablillah (Rope of Imamat) wherein Prophet Muhammad had chosen Hazrat Ali as his successor at Gadhir-e Khumm. Prophet Muhammad’s birthday coincided with his physical passing as was ordained by God. Hazrat Ali took over the spiritual reins from him and this chain has continued to the present. In every jomma (period of Imamat) the previous Imam appoints the following Imam and even though the previous Imam passes away physically, which could be a day of mourning, the ummah rejoices at the installation of the new Imam as the Covenant (promise of the Light of Allah) continues.
Prophet Muhammad lived among his people and taught them about the belief in one God, ethics in everyday life and the importance of education in leading an exemplary life. In this regard, some of his famous sayings are "Seek knowledge even unto China", "acquire knowledge, for he who acquires it performs an act of piety; he who speaks of knowledge, praises God: he who seeks it, adores God." He also declared: "The ink of the scholar is more precious than the blood of the martyr."
On this occasion public meetings are held in the mosques where religious leaders and scholars made speeches on different aspects of the life of Prophet Mohammd in city.
Special duff processions were held in various parts of Mangalore, on Saturday to mark Eid Milad. Hundreds of children sang songs and made their way through city streets praising the mercy of Allah and thanking for the gift of Prophet Mohammad to humankind. Even in and around Udupi, special processions were held in which children sand songs and salutations with religious fervour and devotion.