The Nigerian government has declared 1 December a public holiday in celebration of this year’s Eid el-Maulud.
In a statement signed by Engr Abubakar Magaji, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Interior, Nigerians should spend the day praying for peace and progress of the country.
“The Federal Government has declared Friday 1 December 2017 as Public Holiday to mark the Eid el-Maulud celebration,” the statement read.
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“The Honourable Minister of Interior, Lt Gen. (rtd) Abdulrahman Bello Dambazzau, who made the declaration on behalf of the Federal Government enjoined all Muslims faithful and Nigerians to use the Eid el-Maulud celebration to pray for peace, progress and unity of the nation.
The statement added that, “He further urged all Nigerians to support President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration towards building the nation.”
Dambazzau then wished all Nigerians a happy Eid el-Maulud celebration.
History of the Holiday
The Prophet Mohammed was born in Mecca, in what is now Saudi Arabia in the Georgian calendar year of 570.
The actual day of his birth is unclear which is why Shiá and Sunni Muslims celebrate on different days.
Maulud refers to birth and is used to describe the Prophet’s birth.
Traditions and Celebrations
Many believe that the Prophet’s birthday is worth of praise while others believe that celebration of birthdays is against Islamic law.
In most cities, id el Maulud is celebrated with large street parades with homes and mosques decorated in honour of the Prophet.
In fact, entire cities are often decorated with sweets and candies handed out during the celebration. Many people donate food and other items to charity while others listen to children reading poems about the Prophet.
For those who do not believe in celebration, more time is spent reading the Koran while others see fasting during the daylight hours of Monday, which is said to be the day of the week Mohammed was born on, as a way to honour him.
Many sing devotional songs in order to open a divine channel into the world of the Prophet.
