Crowds mark Prophet Mohammed’s birthday at Sulaymaniyah’s Grand Mosque

SULAYMANIYAH — Residents across cities and towns in the Kurdistan Region marked the Prophet Mohammed’s birthday on Thursday with parades and mass gatherings outside mosques.

In Sulaymaniyah, large crowds gathered at the city’s Grand Mosque for prayers and recitations. One participant told 964media that locals have been organizing such events for years on this day to honor the Prophet.

“We try to send a message to people to follow the teachings of the Prophet. We practice what the Prophet instructed us. The Prophet taught us not to speak badly of others,” he said.

Another participant offered prayers for Muslims and residents of the region, saying, “We congratulate all Muslims and wish for peace and tranquility.”

The Grand Mosque also prepared food for thousands of attendees. Haji Iqbal, who oversees the mosque’s kitchen, told 964media that one ton of meat, 350 kilograms of rice, and 100 kilograms of beans were cooked and distributed to those present.

He added that the mosque continues to serve the poor and visitors, especially on such occasions.