Mawlid Celebrations in Africa

As celebrations marking the birth of Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) continue across the globe, African countries display a variety of traditions in commemorating him.

Rwanda

Kigali, the capital of Rwanda, has prominently been involved in numerous Maulid celebrations especially in its particular areas occupied by Muslims such as Bilyogo and Nyamirambo, where Muslims flocked to the mosques to take part in the rituals. Muslims struggled through the heat in some parts of the city to get a better grasp of  Prophet Muhammad's message. The scene on the streets was very colorful, as children dressed mostly in Islamic regalia cheered, with some of them, mostly under 10, squeezing in the crowds just to make sure they were part of the wider audience welcoming the birth of Muhammad-the seal of all prophets. As other parts of the world had a string of jubilations/prayers, the Muslim leadership here was part of the international crowd of worshipers in neighbouring Uganda that was playing host to many African leaders, including the Libyan leader Colonel Muammar Gadaffi.

Ethiopia

This year's Mawlid was celebrated in Ethiopia also in a festive mood. On the day, after praying and listening to the imam (religious leader) preach, Ethiopian Muslims sacrificed animals and distributed part of the meat to the poor. The Muslims observed the day with their Christian neighbors. Many Muslims invited their Christian neighbors to their homes where they had traditional Ethiopian food and drinks together. "We are celebrating the day with Christian neighbors as we are doing like other holidays. We are happy to celebrate this year's Millennium Maulid," commented Fetya Hassen, an Ethiopian Muslim, who was celebrating the day with her Christian neighbors.

Tanzania

Tanzania joined in the celebrations for Prophet Muhammad's birth. Though no carnivals were organized, charity and food were distributed, and stories about the life of Muhammad were narrated with recitation of poetry mostly by youths and children on the night preceding the Day.

Morerover, Muslim scholars and poets recited a book narrating the life and times of the holy Prophet as compiled by popular Muslim cleric, Imam Jaffar.