By Krishna Dua 
Tomorrow Holiday , A Day of Peace and Devotion: Milad-un-Nabi on September 5, 2025
As India prepares for a day of rest and reverence, the nation’s calendar marks a significant religious and cultural observance. Tomorrow, Friday, September 5, 2025, will be a public holiday across the country in commemoration of Milad-un-Nabi, the birth anniversary of Prophet Muhammad. This day holds profound spiritual significance for Muslims worldwide, serving as a time for devotion, reflection, and community celebration. It is a day to honor the life, teachings, and legacy of a man whose message of peace, compassion, and unity has shaped the lives of billions for over 1,400 years.
Milad-un-Nabi falls on the 12th day of Rabi’ al-awwal, the third month of the Islamic lunar calendar. While the date varies each year on the Gregorian calendar, its spiritual weight remains constant. The observance is not just a commemoration of a historical event; it is a renewal of faith, a reaffirmation of the core values of Islam, and a collective moment of gratitude for the guidance the Prophet provided. Across India, from the bustling streets of Old Delhi to the serene villages of Kerala, Muslims will celebrate with a mix of public and private ceremonies, all centered on remembering the Prophet’s life and teachings.
The Historical and Religious Significance
To understand the essence of Milad-un-Nabi, one must delve into the life of Prophet Muhammad. Born in Mecca in 570 CE, his birth is regarded as a divine blessing that brought the message of Islam to humanity. The Prophet’s early life was marked by hardship and a quest for spiritual truth. At the age of 40, he received the first of a series of revelations from God through the Angel Gabriel, which continued for 23 years and were compiled to form the Holy Quran, the central religious text of Islam. His teachings laid the foundation for a complete way of life, encompassing justice, equality, compassion, and a direct relationship with God.
Milad-un-Nabi is a celebration of this divine mercy. For many Muslims, it is a time to express their love and devotion to the Prophet by recounting stories of his life, his exemplary character, and his unwavering commitment to his mission. The occasion serves as a poignant reminder of the struggles he faced and the ultimate triumph of his message. The Prophet’s life is seen as a perfect example of human conduct, and his teachings are believed to be a guide for navigating the complexities of life with dignity and grace.
While the celebration of the Prophet’s birthday is widely observed, it is worth noting that there is a theological debate surrounding it. A small section of the Islamic community, particularly certain conservative sects, believes that celebrating Milad-un-Nabi is an innovation (bid‘ah) and was not practiced by the early generations of Muslims. However, the vast majority of Muslims, including the Barelvi and Sufi traditions prevalent in India and South Asia, view the celebration as a permissible and spiritually rewarding act of expressing gratitude and love for the Prophet. This difference of opinion does not diminish the festive and reverent atmosphere of the day; it simply highlights the diverse interpretations within a global faith.
Celebrations and Customs: A Kaleidoscope of Devotion
The ways in which Milad-un-Nabi is celebrated are as diverse as the communities that observe it. The festivities are a beautiful blend of public displays of devotion and intimate family gatherings.
Public Celebrations: A prominent feature of Milad-un-Nabi in India is the large-scale procession, or juloos, which takes place in major cities. These processions are a sight to behold, with thousands of followers marching through the streets, chanting hymns and prayers in praise of the Prophet. The participants carry banners and flags, and the air is filled with a collective energy of faith and love. These processions are not just a show of strength; they are a public declaration of reverence and a way to share the joy of the occasion with the broader community.
In many cities, local community organizations set up stages for public gatherings where scholars deliver sermons on the Prophet’s life (seerah). These sermons, often lasting for hours, delve into various aspects of his character—his humility, his justice, his compassion for the poor, and his forgiveness. These gatherings, known as maulid or milad meetings, are a cornerstone of the celebration, providing a platform for spiritual enlightenment and communal bonding.
Charity and Community Feasts: A key tenet of Milad-un-Nabi is the emphasis on charity and generosity. In the spirit of the Prophet’s teachings, who was a great advocate for the poor and the downtrodden, communities organize free food distribution, or langars, for all, regardless of faith. Special meals, including delicacies like biryani and sheer khurma, are prepared and shared with neighbors, friends, and the less fortunate. This act of giving is central to the celebration, reinforcing the values of compassion and social responsibility.
Private and Family Rituals: In homes, the atmosphere is one of piety and festivity. Families gather to read from the Holy Quran and recite devotional poems and hymns (naats) in praise of the Prophet. Homes are often decorated with lights and candles, symbolizing the light that the Prophet brought to the world. A common ritual is to share stories about the Prophet’s life with children, ensuring that the younger generation understands the importance of his teachings. The day is also a time for a collective spiritual cleanse, with many Muslims taking time for personal prayer and meditation.
Milad-un-Nabi in the Indian Context
In India, Milad-un-Nabi holds a special place in the nation’s multicultural fabric. As a gazetted holiday, it is a day recognized and celebrated by the government, allowing people of all faiths to partake in the festive atmosphere or simply use the day for rest. The large-scale public processions in cities like Mumbai, Delhi, Lucknow, and Hyderabad are particularly notable for their peaceful and organized nature, with local authorities often making special arrangements for traffic management and security to ensure a smooth flow of events.
The celebration also highlights the syncretic and pluralistic nature of Indian society. It is not uncommon for people from different faiths to extend greetings to their Muslim friends and neighbors, reflecting a spirit of mutual respect and communal harmony. This cross-cultural exchange reinforces the idea that while Milad-un-Nabi is a deeply personal and spiritual occasion for Muslims, its universal message of peace and kindness resonates with everyone.
The Universal Message of Peace and Justice
Beyond the rituals and festivities, the core message of Milad-un-Nabi is a timeless call to live a life of peace, justice, and compassion. The Prophet’s life was a testament to these values. He taught his followers to treat all people with dignity and respect, regardless of their race, religion, or social status. His final sermon, delivered on Mount Arafat, is a powerful and eloquent summary of these principles, calling for the protection of human rights, the abolition of racial discrimination, and the establishment of a just and equitable society.
In a world grappling with conflict and division, the Prophet’s teachings are more relevant than ever. His emphasis on forgiveness over revenge, reconciliation over animosity, and empathy over hatred provides a powerful framework for building a more harmonious world. Milad-un-Nabi is a day for Muslims to not only reflect on these teachings but to actively embody them in their daily lives. It is a day to renew their commitment to social justice, to help the needy, and to work towards a world where all of humanity can coexist in peace.
Milad-un-Nabi 2025: A Day of Reflection and Hope
As the nation prepares for the holiday tomorrow, the atmosphere is one of quiet anticipation and spiritual introspection. For many, it is a much-needed break from the hustle and bustle of daily life, a chance to reconnect with their faith and their community. The air will be filled with the sounds of prayers and hymns, and the streets will come alive with the joy of shared meals and communal gatherings.
The holiday serves as a powerful reminder that while we may live in a world of constant change, the timeless values of love, peace, and justice continue to be our guiding light. Milad-un-Nabi is a day of hope, a celebration of the enduring legacy of a man whose life continues to inspire millions to strive for a better, more compassionate world. It is a day for all of us to reflect on the power of faith and the importance of a life lived with purpose