In Commemoration of the Birth of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) by AICP.

In an annual show of solidarity, social harmony and multiculturalism, a breathtaking celebration was organized and hosted by the Association of Islamic Charitable Projects (AICP) to mark the annual Multicultural Milad-un-Nabiyy event to commemorate the honourable occasion of the birth of the most beloved, Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him). The AICP was honoured to commemorate the birth of the best of all creations, the mercy to mankind, Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), and thanks Allah ta^ala for making us amongst the followers of the best of all the Prophets. The celebration was held on Sunday the 10th of November, 2019 coinciding with the 14th of Rabi^ul Awwal, at the Bell Performing Arts Centre in Surrey. It was marked by the presence of distinguished Canadian figures sitting side by side next to politicians and dignitaries before a crowd of over 1300 attendees. This year, the prestigious guest list included ministers, MP’s and MLA’s from British Columbia, Harry Bains Minister of Labour, Sukh Dhaliwal MP for Surrey Newton, Ken Hardie MP for Surrey Fleetwood and Port Kells, Garry Begg MLA for Surrey Guildford, Tamara Jansen MP for Cloverdale/ Langley, Rachna Singh MLA for Surrey Green Timbers. National elites included the presence of his Eminence, AICP Vancouver’s Shaykh AbdulRahman Suleiman, community leaders, businesspeople, sponsors and Imams from diverse backgrounds across the Lower Mainland. Encompassing the slogan “Muhammad, peace be upon him – in following you, we succeed”, the annual event amplified the message that Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) undisputedly brought guidance and justice to the world. It was a pleasure to hear from Harry Bains, Minister of Labour who represented the Premier of British Columbia, John Horgan. He relayed the message from the Premier who said: “Thanks to the Association of Islamic Charitable Projects for their charitable efforts throughout the year in the City of Surrey.” Following the speech, the main event officially began and unveiled one surprise after another. A sensational speech by His Eminence Shaykh ^AbdulRahman Suleiman – the Shaykh for AICP Vancouver – who once again drew everyone’s attention to his powerful and rousing address in Arabic. He set the scene concisely and highlighted the theme of this year’s Mawlid celebration in the true Arabian style of speech. In his address, he welcomed attendees, and affirmed the purpose and permissibility of celebrating the birth of Prophet Muhammad. He stressed the importance of following the true and authentic teachings of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). Muslims must adhere to this Authentic creed of Ahlus-Sunnah wal Jama^ah, clearing Allah from resembling His creations, and to love our Grand Prophet as he deserves. The Mawlid onlookers were treated to a glorious Qur’anic recitation that was followed by a captivating speech by the AICP director in BC, Mr. Mazen Turk, in English, addressing the crowd’s roaring cheers with words urging Muslims to adhere to the fundamentals of this tolerant Religion commanded by Allah; while passionately warning against exploitation, misguidance and extremist ideologies in the name of religion. Adorned in white and green, the Islamic Choir Group eloquently delivered a number of heart-warming performances in praise of Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) in Arabic and English. The stage soon became engulfed with melodic and tuneful stage performances that sent the crowd to a high level of jubilation. Al-Hidayah School and The Islamic Education School (TIES) performance was immensely remarkable as well. It began with an impassioned speech from one of its well-respected graduating students. Adorned with vibrant and colourful traditional attire and with smiles etched on their faces, the children knew exactly how to capture our hearts with their words of praise for the Prophet in English and Arabic. We cannot go past the glorious moment when the stage became alit with the jewelled box which contained a trace of the Prophet’s hair peace be upon him. A grand convoy of imams and shaykhs from different cultural groups accompanied the trace of the Prophet peace be upon him that engulfed over 1300 spectators with absolute astonishment, and gathered them to seek tabarruk (blessing) from the hair of the Greatest Prophet sallallahu ^alayhi wa sallam that was brought especially for Miladun-Nabiyy celebration.. The event ended with a distribution of complimentary dinners by the AICP. The Association of Islamic Charitable Projects extends their appreciation to the Bell Performing Arts Centre teams, the guests and volunteers, all of whom contributed to the success of the Multicultural Milad-unNabiyy Celebration of 2019. We ask Allah to grant us peace and prosperity in the return of this blessed occasion next year.