By Rehan Ansari, TwoCircles.net,
Mumbai: Mumbai Muslims are in celebration mood on the eve of Milad-un Nabi – the birthday of Prophet Muhammad. This year, they are celebrating the event with more lights while new technologies are adding to their enthusiasm and jubilation.
It started well in advance, in fact from the 1st Rabiul Awwal – the third month of Islamic calendar on whose 12th day was born the Prophet in 571 AD in Mecca – with torrent lights and flags on the streets and windows. Text messages started flowing from the first day of this month.
“Happy Eid-e-Milad and get ready for the big day (the day when processions take place in every part of Mumbai). May Allah help us spread the message of Islam, peace and salvation for humanity,” read one SMS.
Altaf Ansari who bought new pair of Kurta Pyjama, traditional Muslim dress in Indian subcontinent said, “It’s the time when our beloved Prophet Muhammad PBUH, the benefactor of humanity was born. This should be told to the world.” He is preparing a truck with tableau of Ka’aba with field lights on it. The tableau will participate in a Milad procession that will start from the Khilafat House on Sunday.
Schools have issued circular to inform the students about the Prophet Muhammad PBUH. Fatima Allana, General Secretary of Anjuman Khairul Islam group of Schools said in a circular, “it’s the time when young students should be informed about the Prophet and his teachings about education, knowledge, social service and good character.”
Siddique Qureishi in his 70’s said “Education is empowering our young ones but their characters are on the decline.” He added, “Our youth must be taught and guided to work for the community and to sacrifice for the human kind the way our great Prophet did.”