In Djibouti, Prophet Muhammad's Birthday, also known as Mawlid al-Nabi, is a significant public holiday. This annual Islamic holiday commemorates the birthday of the Prophet Muhammad, who is highly revered as the founder of Islam. Depending on the sighting of the moon, the date fluctuates within the Islamic calendar but it usually falls on the 12th day of Rabi' al-awwal, the third month of the lunar-based Islamic calendar.
On this day, mosques in Djibouti host special prayer services, processions, and meals to celebrate the Prophet's life and teachings. Public buildings and homes are often decorated with colorful lights and banners, creating an atmosphere of joy and reverence. It is also common for religious lectures and recitations of the Quran, the holy book of Islam, to take place, and stories about the Prophet's life and his teachings are shared amongst families and communities.
Although Prophet Muhammad's Birthday is a time of celebration, it is also a time for reflection, prayer, and charity. It is a day when Muslims in Djibouti express their deep respect for Muhammad and reflect on his teachings. This deeply spiritual holiday forms an important part of Djibouti's Islamic cultural heritage, highlighting the impact that Islam has had on the nation's history, social structure, and values.