By Okon Ekpenyong

As an outsider observing the celebration of Milad Al-Nabi, honoring the birth of Islam leader, Prophet Mohammud was a beacon filled with hope and inspiration for everyone, particularly young people. No matter how far away from home, you must take your faith, culture, and heritage with you to remain obedient. 

Hundreds of Muslim Americans gathered in Dublin on October 1st to honor the Prophet Mohammad’s birth and to remember his teachings. There was also a lecture about the importance of the Milad al-Nabi and its significance in Islam.

Typically, the celebration of the birth of Prophet Muhammad falls on the 12th day of Rabi’ al-awwal in the Islamic calendar, which is the third month.

Imran Malik, an interfaith leader and devout Muslim, joined other Muslim brothers from the Indian, Pakistani, Sri Lankan, and Bangladeshi communities to organize the event that touched the hearts and minds of attendees.

During the evening’s proceedings, the audience listened to the recitation of the Holy Quran by the speakers. Their rendition of the sacred verses was incredibly serene and filled the backyard of a private home in Dublin with spiritual tranquility, setting the tone for the rest of the event.

The speakers urge members to walk by faith and prioritize unity to strengthen their path and how it will help them to face challenges and remain righteous members of society.

The gathering is also an opportunity for the attendees to show their appreciation and respect for the Prophet and the teachings of Islam. The attendees also shared stories, ate traditional foods, and listened to speeches about the importance of faith in their lives. It was a joyous occasion that united the community and celebrated the city’s diversity.

Celebrating the Prophet’s birthday involves special prayers, gatherings, and feasts. Almost all Islamic nations commemorate the event, including community members from India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh residing in Central Ohio who gathered in Dublin to honor Prophet Mohammud.

During the celebration, people may exchange gifts and greetings, recite poetry, and listen to lectures about the Prophet’s life. Traditional foods, decorations, and music also accompany the festivities.

The dates for the celebration differ from country to country. For instance, India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh celebrate the festival on September 28, 2023. 

Iman Malik is an inter-faith leader passionate about bringing together people of different faiths and backgrounds to create a more peaceful and united society. He works to build bridges between different religious and cultural communities, encouraging them to learn from each other and find common ground. Malik is also a strong advocate for interfaith dialogue and understanding and was one of the speakers at the event. 

In addition to Malik, Soofe, a Somali-American, and Trotter, a Christian spiritual leader, spoke at the occasion. Abdikhayr Soofe, the New American Initiative Coordinator for the city of Columbus, who is a Muslim himself, stressed the importance of Milad Al-Nabi in bringing together the Muslim community regardless of their varied backgrounds and origins from various regions, including East Africa. In his remarks, he emphasized how the celebration acts as a unifying force that helps to bridge cultural differences and foster community harmony.

Dr. Ben Trotter, a retired Adjunct Professor and devout Christian, believes that the beauty of this celebration extends beyond religious boundaries. He sees it as an opportunity to showcase the unwavering commitment that individuals share with their higher power. However, he also emphasizes the importance of balancing faith with action, as faith without work offers no hope.

Muslim men and women do not pray together because it is seen as not in line with Islamic teachings. Islamic teachings state that men and women should have modest behavior and dress around each other and that it is inappropriate for men and women to be in close physical proximity. Therefore, Muslim men and women usually pray separately. More than 250 community members attended the event. 

“Leaders within the community collaborate to find a suitable date for the celebration, but typically, the celebration falls between September 26-27. Immigrant families start introducing their children born overseas to the rich cultural tradition and celebration surrounding the birth of Prophet Mohammed and the true significance of Milad Al-Nabi,” said a community advocate. 

This special occasion holds great importance in the hearts of Muslims worldwide and serves as an opportunity to reflect on the life and teachings of the Prophet. Through participation in this celebration, children can deepen their understanding and appreciation of their heritage and the values it embodies.

And so, having this gathering further strengthens how Muslim communities of different backgrounds promote unity, education, and cultural understanding among themselves. The members remain committed to building stronger bonds among believers, leading to a more robust and promising spiritual journey in the future.

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