THE PROPHET MUHAMMAD’S BIRTHDAY / MILAD UN NABI (12th Rabi’ul-Awwal)
27th September 2025
Muslim (Sunni)
Observed by Sunni Muslims on 12th Rabi’ Al-Awwal, and by the majority of Shi‘a Muslims five days later on 17th Rabi’ Al-Awwal (though Nizari Ismaili (Shi‘a) Muslims, who are followers of the Aga Khan, celebrate this on the same date as Sunnis, whereas Dawoodi Bohra Ismailis celebrate at the same time as other Shi‘a).
The day is widely celebrated within the Muslim world as in the UK to mark the birth of the Prophet, and is a public holiday in a number of Muslim countries. In the sub-continent of India and certain Arab countries like Egypt, the celebration starts with readings from the Qur’an, followed by discussion of the birth, life and message of the Prophet, and poetry and songs in his praise. There are also lectures and storytelling. The most important part of Eid Milad-un-Nabi is focusing upon the character of the Prophet, his bravery and wisdom, his teachings, sufferings, and how he forgave even his most bitter enemies.
In many cities of the Muslim world the day is marked with processions and flag waving under a huge decoration of lights. Those Muslims who celebrate this festival do so joyfully. Muslim parents tell stories of the Prophet’s life to their children. Some Muslims donate to charity. Families gather together, feasts are arranged and food is served to invited guests and to the poor.
There are only restricted festivities on Milad un-Nabi because the same day also marks the anniversary of the death of the Prophet. In the UK Muslims often celebrate at the mosque, but some refuse to observe the Prophet’s birthday, claiming that celebrating birthdays or death anniversaries is a non-Islamic innovation, never celebrated by the Prophet, but introduced more than 600 years after his death. Tradition is not clear as to the date of the Prophet’s birth.