On Thursday, was the 12th of Rabi’ul Awwal. It is the day that many (though not all) scholars say was the day the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) was born.
Prophet Adam was once told by God, if it was not for him (Muhammad), I would not have created you.
Those who appreciate the meaning of this, would see why his birthday is such a huge deal.
Weeks prior to this day, people here had started planning and talking about it. In gatherings, poetry recited would be regarding this theme, looking forward to the coming of Rabi’ul Awwal.
It’s a celebration.
While there’s an insane amount of Mawlids taking place in Tareem this month, the point is not the Mawlid but the celebration of him (pbuh).
So for those elsewhere around the world, if the people you’re around are not digging the Mawlid you want to get them in on, then just do one on your own and organize a something else where they’d be happy about – directly or indirectly such as decorating your front door, putting up lights, giving out gifts, host a dinner, etc.
This is a photo of a courtyard next to a fairly large mosque on the 12th of Rabi’ul Awwal with the streets merrily decorated.
The mosque volunteers and local residents had organized to rent swings and slides from a park and put together a string of games and quizzes for anyone that comes – meaning kids. 🙂