Mawlid an-Nabi, observed on the 12th of Rabi’ al-Awwal, commemorates the birth of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) in Makkah in the Year of the Elephant (approximately 570 CE). The date itself is traditional rather than definitive; classical scholarship records several proposed dates within Rabi’ al-Awwal, with the 12th becoming the most widely accepted in later centuries.

The Qur’an praises the Prophet (peace be upon him) in many places, including: “And We have not sent you, [O Muhammad], except as a mercy to the worlds.” (Surah al-Anbiya 21:107). His birth is part of the larger mercy spoken of in that verse.

Observance of Mawlid varies widely across the Muslim world. In many Sunni traditions, the day is marked with gatherings of salutations upon the Prophet (peace be upon him), recitations of his biography (sira), poetry such as the Burdah of al-Busiri, and acts of charity. The Prophet (peace be upon him) himself fasted on Mondays, in part because it was the day of his birth, as reported in Sahih Muslim.

Other Sunni scholars, particularly within the Salafi and Wahhabi schools, regard formal celebration of Mawlid as a later innovation (bid’ah) without explicit precedent from the Prophet (peace be upon him) or the early generations. Their objection is to the form of celebration, not to honoring the Prophet (peace be upon him), which is a religious obligation upon every Muslim.

Whatever the local practice, the day is best observed by sending salutations upon the Prophet (peace be upon him), studying his life, and renewing one’s commitment to follow his Sunnah, as the Qur’an commands: “Indeed, Allah and His angels send blessings upon the Prophet. O you who have believed, ask [Allah to confer] blessing upon him and ask [Allah to grant him] peace.” (Surah al-Ahzab 33:56).