COLOMBO: The Department of Muslim Relgious and Cultural Affairs has made extensive arrangements to conduct the Prophet Muhammed’s Birthday Celebrations, Meelad Un Nabi,in a grand manner on Tuesday. October 19.
Sri Lanka government has declared Tuesday as a public and mercantile holiday to mark the occasion,
Acting director of the The Department of Muslim Relgious and Cultural Affairs, Anver Ali told Colombo Times that on Tuesday, October 19, the celebrations will be flagged off with a tree planting ceremony at the Maradana Mosque grounds.
Justice Minister Ali Sabry is slated to plant the tree in the morning at 8.30
The Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa will be attending the celebrations organized at the Temple Trees at 4.30 pm on the same day.
The Ministry of Health has instructed the mosque authorities to hold the recital of Meelad Un Nabi celebrations with a maximum of 50 worshippers.
In a special message from the All Ceylon Jamiyyathul Ulama on the Birth of Prophet Muhammad, its president Mufti M.I.M. Rizwe and its secretary Ash Shaikh M. Arkam Nooramith said : “ The month of Rabeeunil Awwal is the most significant month in the Islamic history. This is because humanity has been blessed in this month by the birth of our most beloved Final Prophet of Allah Muhammad (ﷺ).
While we commemorate the noble legacy of our beloved Messenger of Allah, Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) whom we love and honor more than ourselves, let us strive to live in accordance to his teachings on the values of humanity, love, kindness, affection, coexistence and working towards the wellbeing of the people. May Almighty Allah bless and reward those who conduct discourses and other programs to raise awareness on the noble characteristics and virtues of our most beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) among the community, in accordance to the Islamic teachings and abiding by the related health guidelines.
At this moment a large number of people have been affected due to Covid-19 pandemic. We kindly urge everyone to extend support in all possible means to the needy, regardless of race or religion. We also request all to pray that the trials of Covid-19 pandemic is eliminated from this world and the people’s lives are restored to normalcy and enriched with goodness.
We sincerely wish and pray, that our motherland is blessed with peace, harmony and prosperity.”
In a message on the occasion, M. Thaufiq Zubyr, president of Colombo Grand Mosque said “To Muslims around the world, the Birth of our dear Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) is a day of joy and celebration.
Our Prophet’s Birthday is honored with recital of praises (Moulid) at Mosques and homes. Illuminating of mosques and places has been a traditional way of celebration. Sharing of meals and sweets among all is another gesture from the community.
The joy of his birth serves us as a reminder to give thanks to our beloved.He was sent unto us as a savior and a mercy from God to all Nations.
We Wish all a Happy Meelad and a spirit of unity in celebrating the birth of Our beloved Prophet. (peace be upon him)”
A Poetry session will be held under the chairmanship of Najmul Hussain with a team of 12 poets who will recite their own works at the session on the same day.
