Sri Lanka Marks Milad-un-Nabi with National Celebration in Negombo

Muslims across Sri Lanka are observing Milad-un-Nabi today (25), marking the birth of Prophet Muhammad and reflecting on his life, teachings and message of peace.

The 42nd National Milad-un-Nabi celebration is scheduled to take place at 3.00 p.m. at Al-Hilal College in Periyamulla, Negombo, under the patronage of President Anura Kumara Dissanayake.

A series of religious, educational and community programmes have been organised alongside the national event, with emphasis on the values associated with the Prophet Muhammad’s life and teachings.

Milad-un-Nabi, also known as Mawlid or Mawlid al-Nabi, is an observance commemorating the birth of Prophet Muhammad, whom Muslims regard as the final prophet in Islam. He was born in Makkah, Saudi Arabia, in the 6th century CE, during Rabi' al-Awwal, the third month of the Islamic lunar calendar.

The observance developed into a formal public religious tradition centuries after the Prophet’s lifetime, with practices varying among Muslim communities. These may include religious gatherings, sermons, prayers, recitations, poetry, discussions on the Prophet’s life and charitable activities.

The occasion provides Muslims with an opportunity to reflect on qualities associated with the Prophet, including compassion, honesty, patience, justice, generosity, forgiveness and concern for others.

In Sri Lanka, Milad-un-Nabi has been observed by the Muslim community for generations and has become an important religious and community occasion. Programmes are held at mosques, schools and community institutions across the country.

The observance also carries a wider social significance in Sri Lanka’s multi-religious and multi-ethnic society, with national and community celebrations often highlighting peaceful coexistence, mutual respect and understanding.

This year’s national celebration in Negombo is expected to bring together religious leaders, government representatives and community members to commemorate the occasion and reflect on messages of peace, compassion, unity, tolerance and service to humanity.