The Mawlid al-Nabi commemoration has been a tradition for Moslems on the 12th of every Rabi’ al-Awwal in the Hijri Calendar as a form of respect and an expression of love towards Prophet Muhammad Shallallahu ‘Alaihi Wa Sallam. The day of celebration is associated with the day Prophet Muhammad Shallallahu ‘Alaihi Wa Sallam was born, which is on Monday, the 12th of Rabi’ al-Awwal.
In the “Al Khutath” book by Al Maqrizy, it is written that the Mawlid al-Nabi commemoration first started in the 4th Hijri century by the Fathimiyyun Dynasty in Egypt. At the beginning of Egypt’s conquering year, al Muizz Lidinillah, the first king of the Fathimiyyun Dynasty in the year 362 H held six birthdays, one of which is the Mawlid al-Nabi commemoration. This commemoration was briefly erased when Al Afdhal governed in the year 487 H. But after Al Afdhal died, Mawlid al-Nabi was celebrated again by King Al Amir Liahkamillah on Rabi’ Al-Awwal, and eventually, by the entire world.
Meanwhile, the call to commemorate Mawlid al-Nabi in Indonesia was spread by the Wali Songo and the Islamic leaders who studied Islam in the Middle East. They used this as a media to spread the teachings of Islam to the people, which is why the Mawlid al-Nabi celebration is still common even today in various places, each with different traditions.
It is hoped that this commemoration can be a momentum for Moslems to increase acts of worship and to integrate Nabi Muhammad Shallallahu ‘Alaihi Wa Sallam’s nature and morality. Also, it is hoped that those acts of worship can be implemented in our daily lives. Happy Mawlid al-Nabi! (Ed)