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Mohammed,
the Prophet of Islam, was born on the 20th April, 571 AD.
Muslims all over the world celebrate the birth of the Prophet
in various ways. In Kerala the practice of large scale celebration
of the Prophet's birthday is of recent origin. Reading what
is commonly known as the 'Maulod' which is a short biography
of the Prophet written both in verse and prose in the Arabic
language has been the common ritual of the day. Of late in
Kerala, there has developed another practice connected with
the Miladi Sherif. Night lectures are organised during the
first twelve days of the month when Muslim Ulemas through
their discourses enlighten the people on the various aspects
of the life of the Prophet. Thus through the celebrations
connected with the Miladi Sherif, the Muslim masses get an
opportunity to be enlightened on the life and teachings of
the Prophet.
The
celebration of the Miladi Sherif in certain parts of the
State, for instance Ponnani, is marked by busy activity
connected with large scale feeding of the poor. Here in
the Muslim Centre, one finds that the town is active during
the whole night busily engaged in the charitable work of
supplying food to the poor.
Recently
Miladi Sherif celebration has assumed greater importance
in Kerala. On this occasion colourful processions are taken
out through the towns reciting Thakbir. These processions
finally converge on some central place where public meetings
are held These public gatherings are addressed by well-known
speakers who deals with the various aspects of the Prophet's
life. Such meetings are often attended largely by non-Muslims
also.
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