The Birthday of Prophet Muhammad and Imam Sadegh is a highly respected public holiday in Iran. Often falling on the 17th day of the Islamic month of Rabi al-Awwal, the holiday commemorates the birth of Muhammad, the founder of Islam, and Imam Sadegh, the sixth Shia Imam. The significance of this day in Iran is enormous, owing to the predominant Shia Muslim population for whom Prophet Muhammad and Imam Sadegh hold an esteemed place in their faith.
The festivities on this day are manifold. Iranian cities are beautifully illuminated, mosques are decorated, and gatherings are held where stories about the Prophet Muhammad and Imam Sadegh are narrated. Spiritual music and poetry events, referred to as Milad, are common, with hymns being sung in praise of these influential figures. It is a celebration filled with reverence and devotion.
Charitable activities are also a key feature of this day. Iranians engage in altruistic acts such as distributing food and supplies to the needy. Children, in particular, are made part of these activities, instilling in them values of compassion and benevolence from an early age. While the holiday is primarily religious, it also acts as a reminder of the deep, humanistic teachings of Prophet Muhammad and Imam Sadegh.