Celebrations mark Prophet’s birthday at Mosul’s Al-Nuri Mosque for first time since ISIS destruction

MOSUL — The Great Mosque of Al-Nuri in Mosul hosted celebrations for the Prophet Muhammad’s birthday on Wednesday night, the first such event since ISIS militants blew up the historic mosque in 2017.

Nineveh Governor Abdulqader Al-Dakhil joined local dignitaries, religious leaders, and large crowds of residents for the Mawlid observance. Traditional chanting groups performed with drums, reciting praises of the Prophet as attendees joined in.

Sheikh Ali Mohammed Fouad, imam and preacher of Al-Awali Mosque, told 964media: “We celebrate this great occasion because it renews our love for the Prophet and strengthens bonds of affection and brotherhood within the community.”

Families came dressed for the occasion, bringing children to share in the festivities. “We are happy for the reopening of Al-Nuri Mosque. We dressed our children in their finest clothes and came out to celebrate. The atmosphere is joyful and the decorations are beautiful,” said one attendee, Umm Rayan.

Another participant, Amer Mohammed Ahmed, said: “We are celebrating at the Great Mosque of Al-Nuri. This is a blessed and great day. We dressed our children nicely, perfumed them, and distributed treats. It is one of the best days.”

The mosque, originally built in the 12th century, was a spiritual and cultural landmark of Mosul before its destruction. Its reconstruction was inaugurated earlier this week by Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani as part of UNESCO’s “Revive the Spirit of Mosul” initiative.