Being a Muslim majority nation, many Malaysians celebrate Prophet Muhammad's Birthday that can also be referred to as “Mawlid” or “Maulidur Rasul”. In 2019, it will be celebrated on November 9th.
| Date | Day | Holiday | States |
|---|---|---|---|
| 9 Nov | Saturday | Prophet Muhammad's Birthday | National |
Prophet Muhammad is believed by all Muslims to be the last prophet or God’s Messenger to mankind, making him a significant figure in Islam. Muslims believe that Prophet Muhammad was sent by God to continue with the same revelations proclaimed by earlier Jewish and Christian prophets, eventually completing the word of God first to the Arabs before spreading to all humankind. According to the Islamic calendar, Prophet Muhammad’s birthday falls on 12 Rabiulawal in 570 AD.
The earliest account of Prophet Muhammad’s Birthday celebration started in the Middle East in what began as a tribute, 400 years after his death. Fast forward to modern day, and the celebration includes a procession or parade where followers recite praise for Prophet Muhammad from passages in the Quran. There are contrasting perspectives in the worldwide Islamic community about the need to celebrate Prophet Muhammad’s Birthday, but most nations including Malaysia to commemorate the event.
In Malaysia, Prophet Muhammad's Birthday is celebrated nationwide with various programmes such as religious lectures and recitals from the Quran. Muslims do this to revel the love one has for Prophet Muhammad.
Proceedings begin with a standard order of events starting with dawn prayer service that usually consists of prayers, Quran readings and recitals by Muslims in mosques all over the country. Mosques are all cleaned and decorated accordingly for Prophet Muhammad's Birthday celebration.
A ceremony is held at various locations. For the national-level celebration, the venue is at Putrajaya International Convention Centre (PICC) where dignitaries officiate with a speech, followed by readings, more recitals, a lecture, and distinguished awards presented to individuals for their achievements as well as community service. Official state-level celebrations are organised with a similar flow.
The peak of Prophet Muhammad's Birthday celebration is the procession where participants go through a set of routes through town accompanied by music and banners. Free food is distributed to revellers at the end of the procession.
