Muslims in Nigeria are marking Mawlid al-Nabiy, the annual observance commemorating the birth of Prophet Muhammad. This year, August 25, 2026, corresponds to 12 Rabi’ al-Awwal 1448 AH, following the Sultan of Sokoto’s confirmation that Rabi’ al-Awwal began on August 14 after the sighting of the new moon.
The federal government has also declared today a public holiday for the observance.
Here are 10 things to know about the occasion:
1. It is called Mawlid al-Nabiy
Mawlid al-Nabiy, also known as Mawlid or Eid al-Mawlid, commemorates the birth of Prophet Muhammad (PBU) , the central figure of Islam.
2. It is observed in Rabi’ al-Awwal.
Mawlid is traditionally observed during Rabi’ al-Awwal, the third month of the Islamic lunar calendar. In Nigeria, the Sultan declared August 14, 2026, as the first day of Rabi’ al-Awwal 1448 AH.
3. Today’s observance falls on August 25.
With Rabi’ al-Awwal beginning on August 14 in Nigeria, August 25 corresponds to 12 Rabi’ al-Awwal 1448 AH. This date is widely associated with Mawlid observances.
4. The exact date of his birth is debated
Although 12 Rabi’ al-Awwal is one of the most widely recognised dates for the Prophet’s birth, Islamic scholarship contains differing views on the precise day. There is broader agreement that he was born on a Monday in Rabi’ al-Awwal, but the exact date remains disputed.
5. Prophet Muhammad was born in Makkah
Islamic historical sources place the Prophet’s birth in Makkah, in the Arabian Peninsula, around 570–571 CE, in what is traditionally known as the Year of the Elephant.
6. Muslims observe Mawlid in different ways.
There is no single way that all Muslims mark Mawlid. In communities that observe it, activities can include Qur’an recitation, religious lectures, prayers, poetry, storytelling and gatherings focused on the Prophet’s life and teachings.
7. Not all Muslims celebrate it
Mawlid is a subject of religious disagreement among Muslims. Some communities consider commemorating the Prophet’s birth permissible and meaningful, while others do not observe it because they believe the Prophet or his earliest followers did not practise such a celebration.
8. The celebration developed after the Prophet’s lifetime
Organised Mawlid celebrations emerged centuries after Prophet Muhammad’s death in 632 CE. The practice subsequently developed in different Muslim societies and took on varying cultural forms.
9. Charity and community activities are common in some places
In communities that observe Mawlid, the occasion may include charitable activities, sharing food and supporting people in need. These practices vary with local customs and traditions.
10. Its lunar calendar changes every year
The Islamic calendar is lunar, so Rabi’ al-Awwal shifts through the Gregorian calendar each year. This means Mawlid falls on a different date each year. In 2026, Nigeria’s observance falls on Tuesday, August 25.
As Muslims across Nigeria mark Mawlid, the occasion offers an opportunity to reflect on Prophet Muhammad’s life, teachings and legacy, while recognising that practices surrounding the observance differ among Muslim communities.
Hafsoh Isiaq is a graduate of Linguistics. An avid writer committed to creative, high-quality research and news reportage. She has considerable experience in writing and reporting across a variety of platforms including print and online.
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