Kasnazani Sufi order marks Prophet’s birthday in Salah al-Din

SALAH AL-DIN — The Kasnazani Qadiri-Husseini Sufi order held a large gathering Saturday in the Albou Faraj area of Duluiya to celebrate the birth of the Prophet Muhammad, drawing religious leaders, tribal elders, and attendees from across Iraq.

Organizers said the event brought together scholars, academics, intellectuals, and delegations from Karbala, Basra, Erbil, and other cities.

Sheikh Khalifa Mohammed Daham, who oversaw the celebration, told 964media: “We extend our congratulations to the Islamic nation and to our teacher and sheikh, Sheikh Shamsuddin Mohammed Nehru al-Kasnazani al-Qadiri al-Husseini, head of the order worldwide, for holding this central celebration in Salah al-Din Governorate. We thank him for inviting people from all over the world to commemorate this blessed occasion, to foster unity, and to build bridges of love.”

Mahmoud Abu Aja, preacher of the Grand Mosque in Tikrit, described the day as a symbol of shared devotion. “Salah al-Din is celebrating this blessed birth from its south to its north,” he said. “We witnessed a large and joyful presence, expressing love and reverence for the Prophet and affirming his role as a model for all, regardless of differing schools of thought.”

The Prophet Muhammad’s birthday falls on the 12th of Rabiʽ al-Awwal, though commemorations often continue throughout the month.

Khamis Mhares al-Azzawi, secretary-general of the International Center for the Quran and Quranic Studies, said the Kasnazani order brought together people “from across Iraq to promote unity, compassion, and love through this celebration.”