City’s Muslim community ready to celebrate Muhammad’s birthday
Calgary Muslims are joining fellow believers across Canada in a series of special events that will culminate in the celebration of the Prophet Muhammad’s birthday on Tuesday.
The prophet, who is believed to have revealed God’s word to Muslims through the words of the Qur’an, was born on the 12th day of the month of Rabi ul Awal around the year 570, as marked by the Gregorian calendar. His parents died while he was very young, leaving Muhammad to be raised by his uncle.
He began to preach when he was about 40 years old and later, he and his 10,000 followers would take control of Mecca. By the time Muhammad died from an illness in 632, he had united Arabia into a single Muslim entity.
His birthday officially falls this year on Nov. 20 but as a new day in the Islamic calendar begins at sunset, the celebration actually starts on the previous Monday evening and continues through into Tuesday.
The Islamic Supreme Council of Canada (ISCC) has been holding various programs since the start of the month of Rabi ul Awal, which will culminate on the 12th day.
Dr. Atthar Mahmood, vice-president of ISCC and president of Muslims Against Terrorism, said the prophet’s birthday is a major milestone in the Islamic year.
“He is the cornerstone of the faith. Last year we didn’t have enough room in the mosque in Calgary, with well over 1,000 people there that night,” he said.
“During this time, scholars come every night to the mosque and people listen and learn about what Prophet Muhammad did with his enemies, what he did with his neighbours. He always cared for people and was loving towards them, including his non-Muslim neighbours,” added Mahmood.
All programs are under the supervision of professor Imam Syed Soharwardy, the founder of ISCC and Muslims Against Terrorism.
Soharwardy will be the keynote speaker at the largest Calgary celebration marking the birthday, which will take place at the Green Dome Mosque at 4616 80 Ave. N.E. on Monday evening at 7:30 p.m.
The previous day, on Sunday afternoon, there is also an event marking the occasion; this one is in the south of the city, starting at 1 p.m. at the Cardel Rec Centre, 333 Shawville Blvd. S.E.
Parking is free at both venues and complimentary food will be served. He added everyone is welcome to attend either service regardless of his or her faith.
The ISCC and its affiliate mosques across Canada have requested Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, along with all provincial and territorial premiers, to recognize the birthday — called Eid Milad un Nabi — officially in parliament and the legislatures.
“This recognition is important for Canadian Muslims. It is an important day of joy and celebration across the Muslim world,” said Mahmood.
Eid Milad un Nabi provides an opportunity to learn about the true message of Islam, which is based upon the sanctity of life, sacrifices, charity, forgiveness and brotherhood or sisterhood among all human beings, he said.
“I would like to give a message to everyone, especially to Muslim youths,” he said. “We want to live in this world with peace and harmony, with no injustice and no harm to any human being, regardless of what faith or culture he or she practices. Therefore I humbly propose that we have only one option — to live our lives according to the teaching of Allah’s most beloved prophet, Muhammad.”