Canada’s Calgary Muslims Ready to Celebrate Holy Prophet's Birthday
The 17th day of the month of Rabi al-Awwal in the lunar Hijri calendar is believed by Shia Muslims to mark the birth anniversary of Prophet Mohammad (PBUH), while Sunni Muslims regard the 12th day of the month as the birthday of the last prophet.
The Islamic Supreme Council of Canada (ISCC) has been holding various programs since the start of the month of Rabi ul Awal.
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 and one that is very popular with believers.
“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 neighbors. He always cared for people and was loving towards them, including his non-Muslim neighbors. Humanity had to be respected, that was his goal,” added Mahmood.
All programs are under the supervision of professor Imam Syed Soharwardy, who is the founder of ISCC and Muslims Against Terrorism, both of which organizations were started in Calgary.
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.
“We are holding the event in the south on the Sunday in case some people are unable to attend on the Monday evening because of work reasons. This is a major time for people to be given the opportunity to show their love of the prophet,” said Mahmood.
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.
He added that 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.
“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.”
Source: The Calgary Herald
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