Mawlid al-Nabi

The Prophet's birthday is also known as Mawlid or Mawlid al-Nabi, and it honors Prophet Muhammad's birth anniversary. The celebration of this day is fraught with controversy in Afghanistan because it commemorates both the Prophet's birthday and the anniversary of his death.

While some Muslims in this country mark the day with street parades, processions, donations, charity, and communal gatherings, others consider birthday celebrations to violate Islamic law. They instead recite verses from the Holy Quran and, in certain circumstances, fast on this day. Both sides, however, use Hadith narrations to push their beliefs.

Date: The 12th day of the month Rabi al-Awal in the Islamic calendar.