Prophet Muhammad's birthday

Background

Prophet Muhammad’s birthday is considered an important and auspicious day amongst Muslims. Muslims commemorate this day, which is also known as Maulidur Rasul or Maulud Nabi, by sending their blessings to Prophet Muhammad with recitations of praises and blessings (marhaban). Talks are held in mosques in conjunction with the occasion, and Muslim organisations commemorate the life history of the prophet’s exemplary good character.¹

Background
In Islam, Prophet Muhammad was the last prophet and final messenger of God. He was born on 12 Rabiulawal (29 August 570 CE), the third month of the Muslim calendar. The prophet died on his 63rd birthday.²

Celebrations
The prophet’s birthday celebrations were first observed in the 12th century, often followed by a month of festivities.³ In Singapore, the celebrations used to involve large-scale parades.⁴ Today, it is more subdued, although march-pasts were still held as recently as 1993 and 1998.⁵

Scholarship
The Prophet Muhammad’s Birthday Memorial Scholarship Fund Board, also known as the Lembaga Biasiswa Kenangan Maulud, was set up in Singapore in 1965.⁶ The fund provides financial assistance to needy students to help them achieve academic excellence.⁷ This idea was proposed in 1963 by the late Syed Ali Redha Alsagoff, a well-known businessman.⁸ Many students have benefited from the assistance provided by LBKM.⁹



Authors
Suchitthra Vasu & Edian Azrah



References
1. Shaik Kadir, “Quran Readings, Songs to Mark Prophet Birthday,” Straits Times, 22 July 1997, 8. (From NewspaperSG)
2. Shaik Kadir, “Quran Readings.”
3. Sadab Kitata Kaaya, “Muslims Want Prophet Muhammad’s Birthday Declared Public Holiday,” All Africa, 13 January 2013 (From Factiva via NLB’s eResources website); Shaik Kadir, “Quran Readings, Songs to Mark Prophet Birthday.”
4. Yaakub Rashid, “Mattar Leads Faithful in Parade,” New Nation, 22 February 1981, 2. (From NewspaperSG)
5. “March Past at Tampines Stadium,” Straits Times, 3 July 1998, 49. (From NewspaperSG)
6. “About Us.” Lembaga Biasiswa Kenangan Maulud, accessed on 3 October 2016.
7. Lembaga Biasiswa Kenangan Maulud, “About Us.” 
8. Lembaga Biasiswa Kenangan Maulud, “About Us.” 
9. Lembaga Biasiswa Kenangan Maulud, “About Us.” 



The information in this article is valid as at 18 January2018 and correct as far as we are able to ascertain from our sources. It is not intended to be an exhaustive or complete history of the subject. Please contact the Library for further reading materials on the topic.