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Barah Wafat

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Barawafat or Eid Milad an-Nabi marks the birth of Prophet Mohammad. In some Arabic regions the day is also termed as Mawlid, meaning ‘the birth’. The birth day of Prophet coincides with the day of his demise. Barawafat is named after the twelve days of his illness after which he left the world. According to muslim calendar, the day falls on twelfth day of the month of Rabi-al-Awwal. The celebration is mainly celebrated by Shia sect of the community.

The twelve days commensurate with introspection, prayers, and charity to poor. Religious leaders hold public preaching and recital of holy Quran in mosques. Believes and teaching of the Prophet are remembered. In some shrines hymns called marsiya are sung as a way to mourn. Scholars and Poets recite Qasida al-Burda Sharif, the famous poem by 13th century Arabic Sufi Busiri.

The day is marked as a public holiday in India. The holy relic, ‘hairs’ of the Prophet are displayed at Hazratbal shrine. The shrine is located on the outskirts of Srinagar, in India. Thousands of people attend the 'Shab-khawani' or night-long prayers held at the shrine.

In Lucknow, the state capital of Uttar Pradesh in India, the day is marked by Madh-e-Sahaba procession taken out by Shunnis. Youths and children enchant devotional songs form the cavalcade. The demonstration exhibits portrays of mosques of the holy cities of Mecca and Medina. In some regions of India the twelve day ceremony is known as ‘Sandal Rite’. A sandal horse like representation is kept near symbolic foot prints of Mohammad. The horse represents the horse on which the prophet rode to heaven. These two things are kept in a well decorated and scented house.

Interestingly, the festival of Barawafat is celebrated only in Indian sub continent and some parts of Egypt. As Mohammad never said or encouraged any of his followers to celebrate his birthday.