Mawlid is an annual Islamic holiday that celebrates the life of the prophet Muhammad. The holiday is also known as Mawlid al-Nabi, Milad, or Eid Milad un-Nabi. Muslims commemorate Muhammad's life during the Islamic calendar's 12th day of the third month.
In the early days of Islam, followers of Muhammad met to honor their leader, and over time Mawlid became an annual event. The holiday reflects on the life and teachings of Muhammad. As Christians have conversations with their Muslim friends, being informed about Mawlid and Muhammad can help direct their friends toward the gospel truth.
Mawlid
Muslims believe Muhammad received visions and divine revelations from their god, Allah. His teachings and works are the foundation of Islam and the source for their holy book, the Quran. According to Islamic belief, Muhammad had many interactions with the angel Gabriel and prayed with the prophets Moses, Abraham, and Jesus before ascending into paradise and meeting Allah. After the ascension, Muhammad returned to Earth and continued spreading the Islamic faith. Mawlid is a holiday set aside to celebrate the birthday of Muhammad, as Muslims recognize him as the father and founder of Islam.
During Mawlid, Muslims decorate their homes, mosques, and streets to celebrate the life of Muhammad. Mosques have lectures about Muhammad's teachings, and special meals are planned. In the Middle East, free pastries and eastern sweets are offered in the streets. Conferences and programs are organized where people can learn, debate, and celebrate the life of Muhammad. While not all Muslim communities celebrate Mawlid, many countries in the Middle East and North Africa recognize Mawlid as a public holiday.
Gospel Opportunity
As your Muslim friends celebrate Mawlid, they may be surprised to hear that Jesus is in the teachings of Muhammad. While Islam and Christianity have similarities—both monotheistic faiths with some overlapping historical events—their belief in who Christ is differs drastically. In Islam, Christ is only a prophet, while in Christianity, Christ is God and the key to salvation. Muhammad taught that God has no partners, therefore in Islam, Jesus was not God's Son. Additionally, in Muhammad's teachings, Muslims earn their salvation by working through the five pillars of Islam, and in this, they can escape eternal punishment. In Christianity, Jesus Christ is the only Savior.
As Jesus Christ says, “‘I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me (John 14:6).’”
As your Muslim friends study and review the teachings of Muhammad during Mawlid, they may come across the name of Jesus. When they do, encourage them to take a closer look at the person of Jesus. In Jesus, we can know the character of God, and there is no striving for salvation. Challenge your friends to see the depth of Jesus by reading the Gospels and listening to how He describes Himself.
Jesus said, “‘I am the gate; whoever enters through me will be saved … ( John 10:9).’”
Finally, pray that your Muslim friends will see Jesus as more than a prophet. As they celebrate the life of Muhammad, ask that their eyes open to see Jesus Christ as the one and only Savior.