Mawlid

Also: milad, mevlid

Mawlid is the observance of the birth of the Prophet Muhammad, in the third month of the Islamic calendar. It is celebrated with recitations of poems in his praise, processions, lights, gatherings and meals for the poor, especially in Egypt, Turkey, Morocco, Pakistan, India and West Africa. In Egypt, sugar dolls and sweets of halawet el-mawlid are sold, and in Turkey it is marked by the evening mevlit prayer. Views vary, and some Muslims do not observe it, while others hold it as an expression of love. The festival has been kept for many centuries, and the way of celebrating it varies from country to country.

Region: Middle East

See also

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