A view of Erbil Citadel, photo: 964media
Part of 'Erbil’s identity'
Erbil prepares for largest-ever Mawlid commemoration
ERBIL — The Erbil Endowment Directorate held its first meeting on Wednesday to prepare for the upcoming commemoration of the birth of Prophet Muhammad. Nabaz Ismail, head of the Endowment Directorate, told 964media that this year’s event will be “the largest commemoration ever.”
Prophet Muhammad, the founder of Islam, was born in Mecca, present-day Saudi Arabia, in 570 CE. Muslims around the world commemorate his birth on the 12th day of Rabi’ al-Awwal, known as “Mawlid al-Nabi,” or simply “Mawlid,” meaning “the birth of the Prophet.”
The event is scheduled for mid-September, aligning with the Islamic month of Rabi’ al-Awwal. Planned activities include events at the Erbil Citadel, Shar Park, and several streets in the city center.
Ismail emphasized that the Mawlid celebrations are part of Erbil’s identity. The program will feature various religious activities, including the distribution of sweets in the city center, religious hymns, and speeches. The Ministry of Endowments and the Union of Islamic Scholars are coordinating plans to ensure the celebration focuses on religious observance. The tradition of commemorating the Prophet’s birth in Erbil dates back centuries.
The celebration of Mawlid typically involves reciting poetry and stories about the Prophet’s life, singing religious songs (nasheeds), holding public gatherings, and distributing food and sweets. While practices vary across the Muslim world, Mawlid is generally seen as an opportunity to honor the Prophet’s legacy and reflect on his teachings and character.
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