Welcome to our Mawlid in the City page!
We started this project in 2012 to raise awareness about the true message of Islam as a way to communicate with the local and wider community. The initiative coincides with the birth of our Beloved Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) who was sent as a Mercy for Mankind.
In celebrating the birth of our Beloved Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), groups of volunteers across the world distribute roses, chocolates and our iconic and symbolic card as a gesture of gratitude. To date, over 100,000 cards have been distributed in all continents of the world.
What is Islam?
Islam is the second largest religion in the world with over a billion followers. There are around three million Muslims in Britain, which makes up five percent of the population.
The word ‘Islam’ is an Arabic word which takes on the meaning of ‘submission’. This refers to submitting oneself completely to the will of God.
Followers of Islam are called Muslims. The fundamental belief of Muslims can be found in the testimony of faith:
“There is no deity except Allah, Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) is the Messenger of Allah.”
Islam encourages Muslims to be peaceful, kind, tolerant, fair, just, patient, compassionate and loving in their dealings. There is great emphasis placed on the rectification of personal character in the life of a Muslim so that no individual is dealt with ill feelings or harshly.
This can be seen in the saying of the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him), “O mankind, spread peace and feed people…”
What do Muslims do?
Muslims are prescribed five daily prayers at various times throughout the day. The prayers are a way through which they are able to supplicate and converse intimately with God, leaving aside the worries of the world and focusing on spiritual growth.
Aswell as the five daily prayers, Muslims are also encouraged to spend their money in charity and give to the less fortunate. It is a way of thanking God for the wealth that they have been given and promoting community cohesion and looking after one another.
They are also required to fast for the Islamic month of Ramadhan. Fasting involves abstaining from any eating or drinking from just before dawn until sunset for 30 days. The month is seen as a significant time to draw closer to God with many Muslims reading the Holy Book, the Qur’an and reading special prayers. It is believed that the Muslim Holy Book, the Qur’an was also revealed in this month thus making it more special. The end of the month is marked with a celebration known as Eid ul Fitr, in which the Muslims come together in their families and social circles, wearing their best clothes and sharing food with one another, thanking God for the blessings He has given them.
Another duty of Muslims is to make pilgrimage to the sacred land of Makkah and Madinah if they are able to afford it. The pilgrimage marks a series of rituals that the Prophet Muhammad undertook many years ago relating to the time of the Prophet Abraham. The sacred pilgrimage, known as Hajj, is also seen as a once in a lifetime journey.
Have you met one of our volunteers today?
Do you have a question or comment? Please get in contact with us below and we will endeavour to reply to you!