Notice: The International Qur’anic Open University is proud to announce that the United Muslim Christian Forum’s Annual Eid Milaad parade will be held again this year in Binghamton, NY on March 14, 2010.

Large numbers of Muslims commemorate the birth anniversary of the Holy Last Messenger, Muhammad (peace be upon him), which falls on 12 Rabi-ul-Awwal of the Islamic lunar calendar. This date is important to Muslims because the birth of the Holy Last Messenger Muhammad (peace be upon him) is regarded as a great blessing for the whole of humanity.

This is, in part, because the Holy Last Messenger (peace be upon him) is the chief of all the messengers sent on earth and it is to him that the Holy Qur’an was revealed; although the characteristics and qualities and accomplishments would take volumes to enumerate, and even still one would never know the extent of the greatness of the Beloved of Allah.

The event itself, termed Eid Milad al-Nabi, is marked by public gatherings of Muslims. At these meetings poems and speeches are recited by high and low on the life of the Holy Last Messenger (peace be upon him) and the thousands of reasons he is honored, praised and loved by God and man.

Accounts are related about the different aspects of the blessed life, birth, childhood, youth and adulthood; and children are educated about his teachings, sufferings, and how he forgave even his most bitter enemies. Upon this day, the world is informed about true bravery, wisdom, eloquent preaching and final triumph of good over evil.
Salutations and songs in his praise are also recited. In most countries, streets and mosques are decorated and illuminated at night.

In a spirit of thanksgiving for the birth of the most noble personage, Muslims gather families together, hold feasts and serve food to guests and to the poor to gain the good pleasure of the Beloved of Allah, about whom the Most High says: “Assuredly, there has come to you a Messenger from among yourselves heavy upon him is your suffering, ardently desirous of your welfare; to Muslims (he is) most kind and merciful” 9:128

Below is the commentary of this noble ayat from Tafsir Noorul Irfaan:
“Some generous people call to give, others come and give, like the well and the clouds. The Holy Last Messenger, Muhammad (peace be upon him) is the benefactor who comes and gives, as understood from “has come.”

The Holy Last Messenger, Muhammad (peace be upon him), is present in the heart of every believer as is understood from plural prefix “yourselves.”
[...] The connection of the Holy Last Messenger, Muhammad (peace be upon him), with his followers is like that of the soul with the body which is fully aware of every hardship experienced by it, as is understood from ‘yourselves’. It is for this reason the next part ...states ‘heavy upon him.”

The Holy Last Messenger, Muhammad (peace be upon him), is the personification of greatness and exquisiteness... His nativity or becoming visible to all has ceased but his august presence has not ended.

Muslims celebrate this festival out of pure joy. Millions of salaams be upon him!