THE commemoration of the birth of Prophet Muhammad by Muslims across the world is an opportunity to reflect on the life, teachings and enduring example of the Messenger of Allah. As Nigerian Muslims join their counterparts in marking the Mawlid, the occasion should go beyond ceremonies and gatherings to ask a more important question: what should the celebration produce in the lives of believers?
MAWLID has been the subject of scholarly debate, with many Sunni scholars permitting or encouraging gatherings devoted to remembering the Prophet, studying his Seerah, reciting the Qur’an, sending salutations upon him and helping the needy. Others have objected to the practice on the grounds that it was not formally observed by the Prophet or his Companions. Such differences should be treated with respect rather than allowed to become another source of division among Muslims.
FOR those who commemorate Mawlid, however, the occasion should never be reduced to a cultural festival or annual ritual. It is understandable that believers would use the occasion to renew their gratitude to Allah and deepen their attachment to the man whose life remains the supreme human example for Muslims.
THE real value of Mawlid should be measured by what it teaches and produces. If a gathering inspires Muslims to study the Prophet’s character, practise his teachings, feed the poor, strengthen family bonds and become more conscious of their responsibilities to Allah and society, then the commemoration has served a meaningful purpose. It would, however, be contradictory to praise the Prophet publicly while disregarding his teachings in private.
THIS is particularly important for young Muslims, who are increasingly exposed to competing moral influences through social media and popular culture. Mawlid programmes should, therefore, become platforms for teaching the younger generation not merely how much they should love the Prophet, but how that love should influence their conduct. His example of honesty, patience, justice, compassion and service remains highly relevant to a society facing corruption, violence, intolerance and declining public morality.
AT the same time, Muslims must resist the temptation to turn the question of Mawlid into a sectarian battlefield. Those who observe it should not mock Muslims who do not, while those who reject it should not treat every participant as misguided. The existence of a longstanding scholarly disagreement should encourage humility and mutual respect, particularly when the fundamental objective remains the preservation of faith and unity within the Muslim community.
THERE is also a responsibility on those who organise Mawlid programmes to ensure that the celebrations remain consistent with Islamic values. The occasion should be characterised by learning, charity, moderation and spiritual renewal rather than extravagance, indecent behaviour, hostility or practices that contradict Islamic teachings. If the celebration is an expression of love for the Prophet, its conduct must reflect the values he taught.
FOR Nigeria, the message of Mawlid should extend beyond religious gatherings into public life. Love for the Prophet must be demonstrated through honesty in business, justice in leadership, compassion towards the vulnerable, respect for neighbours and commitment to the welfare of society. A religious commemoration that encourages such virtues can make a meaningful contribution to rebuilding a country where integrity, accountability and human dignity matter.
ULTIMATELY, the greatest tribute Muslims can pay to Prophet Muhammad is not merely to remember the day of his birth, but to keep his teachings alive throughout the year. Let the recitation of his Seerah lead to its practice, let praise of the Prophet lead to imitation of his character, and let the joy of Mawlid lead to greater gratitude, charity and unity. That would be a commemoration worthy of the Prophet.