Kathmandu, August 26
The 1,501st birth anniversary of Prophet Muhammad, the final prophet of Islam, is being observed today with various programmes across the country.
Known as the messenger of Islam, Prophet Muhammad was born in Mecca, Saudi Arabia, and later moved to Medina. The Islamic Hijri calendar began 53 years after his birth, and the current year is 1448 in the Hijri calendar.
Mecca and Medina are considered among the holiest places in Islam. According to Islamic belief, the Quran was revealed to Prophet Muhammad while he was delivering his teachings. Following the revelation of the Quran, Mecca and Medina gradually became the principal pilgrimage centres of Islam.
Muslims traditionally seek to undertake the Hajj pilgrimage to Mecca at least once in their lifetime if they are able to do so. The birth anniversary of Prophet Muhammad is observed to commemorate his teachings and contribution to Islam.
Various programmes, including rallies and gatherings, are being organised to mark the occasion. Special programmes are being held at the Nepali Jame Mosque, Kashmiri Jame Mosque and other locations.
The government has declared a public holiday today for the Muslim community on the occasion of Prophet Muhammad’s birth anniversary.
The Ministry of Home Affairs announced the holiday through a notice issued on Tuesday.
