Mawlid (Birth of the Prophet) Date in the current year: September 16, 2024

The name of the observance is derived from the Arabic root word meaning to bear a child, give birth, descendant. In contemporary usage, Mawlid refers to the celebration of the birthday of the Islamic prophet Muhammad.

Traditionally, the celebration of Mawlid has been approved by the majority of the Sunni and Shia scholars. However, the Wahhabis oppose the observance. By and large, most Islamic scholars are in favor of Mawlid. Observing the birthday of Muhammad is considered a praiseworthy event.

Mawlid is widely celebrated in Arabian countries and in other countries with a significant Muslim population though it is not an official public holiday in most Arabian countries. Muslims usually celebrate Mawlid by decorating their homes and mosques and participating in street processions. It is customary to celebrate this holiday in a carnival manner.

Mawlid (known in Urdu as Eid Milad-un-Nabi) is a public holiday in Pakistan. It is celebrated with processions and a 31-gun salute in Islamabad. During the holiday, the national flag of Pakistan is hoisted on all public buildings.