Muslim march to mark Prophet Muhammad's birthday

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Ghulam Shazad

Mawlid An-Nabi, that is the Prophet Muhammad's birthday, is marked by Muslims by lighting candles and distributing sweets to friends and family. Many also take part in a march and decorate their homes and mosques. In Rochdale, a procession is being organised by the Rochdale Council of Mosques.

Speaking to Islam Online, Ghulam Rasul Shahzad, who has helped organise the parade, said: "We want to celebrate the arrival of the Prophet and how he brought Islam and peace to the world and gave us all guidance. Whilst some Muslims mark Mawlid An-Nabi privately with meetings, talks, and prayers in the mosques, we do the procession to celebrate it more publicly."

After they arrive at the mosque, the congregations say a prayer and then disperse. The majority of those celebrating the event in Rochdale are from the Sunni sect, the Barelvi, who are also deeply influenced by Sufism. Barelvi followers generally originate from Pakistan and India. The procession, which is growing in popularity every year, has been taking place for the last ten years.

"The procession is very peaceful and starts at one mosque and ends at another," explains Mr Shahzad. "People are respectful and chant names of Allah and send their respects to the Prophet Muhammad. This is also a way to show our gratitude that Allah sent the last Messenger, Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) for mankind."