Eid Milad un-Nabi in Pakistan
Eid Milad-un-Nabi, also known as the Prophet Muhammad’s birthday, is a public holiday in Pakistan. Sunni Muslims observe Milad-un-Nabi on 12 Rabi-ul-Awwal (third month of the Islamic calendar) while Shia Muslims observe it on 17 Rabi-ul-Awwal, coinciding with the birthdate of their sixth Imam Jafar-al-Sadiq.
History
The oldest Mawlid text is claimed to be from the 12th century and most likely is of Persian origin.However The first mention ever made of the mawlid celebrations in any historical work comes in the writings of Jamāl al-Dīn Ibn al-Ma'mūn, who died 587 AH/1192 CE. His father was the Grand Vizier for the Fatimid Caliph al-Amir (ruled 494-524 AH/1101-1130 CE).Mawā'īẓ al-i'tibār fī khiṭaṭ Miṣr wa-l-amṣār
The earliest observation of the Prophet's birth as a holy day was arranged privately somewhere in the late twelfth century. The only difference from before was that there was an increased number of visitors to the Mawlid house that was open for the whole day specifically for this celebration. This particular event took place on Monday, Rabi'i, which is commonly known as the third month of the Islamic calendar that is associated with the beginning of Spring This celebration was introduced into the city Sabta by Abu 'l'Abbas al-Azafi as a way of counteracting Christian festivals and to strengthen Muslim identity. The mawlid was not the only celebration that was sponsored by the Fatimids. Al-Maqrīzi, in his Khiṭaṭ
Al-Maqrīzi writes in his Khiṭaṭ
The Fatimid Caliphs had, throughout the year, a number of festivals and celebrations. These were: New Year's Eve, Beginning of the year celebrations,. The Day of 'Āshūrā', The birthday of the Prophet salla Allahu alayhi wa sallam, The birthday of 'Alī, The birthday of al-Ḥasan, The birthday of al-Husayn, The birthday of Fāṭima al-Zahrā', The birthday of the current Caliph, The first day of Rajab, The fifteenth day of Rajab, The first day of Sha'bān, The fifteenth day of Sha'bān The festival of Ramaḍān,. the first day of Ramaḍān, The middle of Ramaḍān,. The end of Ramaḍān, The Night of the Khatm, The Day of 'Īd al-Fitr, The Day of 'Īd of Sacrifice, The Day of 'Īd al-Ghadīr, The 'Cloth of Winter', The 'Cloth of Summer', The Day of the 'Conquest of the Peninsula', The Day of Nawrūz [Persian festival], The Day of Veneration [Christian],Christmas [Christian], Lent [Christian]
The early celebrations included elements of Sufic influence, with animal sacrifices and torchlight processions along with public sermons and a feast. The celebrations occurred during the day, in contrast to modern day observances, with the ruler playing a key role in the ceremonies. Emphasis was given to the Ahl al-Bayt with presentation of sermons and recitations of the Qur'an. The event also featured the award of gifts to officials in order to bolster support for the ruling caliph. Particularly in early Cairo, this holy day was celebrated by the court and the ruling class, not the common people.
Related Posts:
