Prophet's Birthday in United States

Eid Milad ul-Nabi (Mawlid, Milad-un-Nabi) celebrates the Prophet Muhammad's life. It falls on the 12th or 17th day of the Islamic month of Rabi' al-awwal. Some Muslims in the United States mark this occasion by fasting or holding communal meals, special prayers or outdoor celebrations.

Eid Milad ul-Nabi celebrations are held in mosques or conference centers in some parts of the USA.

©iStockphoto.com/Edward Shaw

What do people do?

Islamic educational institutions in the United States often hold lectures or classes on Muhammed's (or Mohammad's) life and how Muslims can live an honorable life. They may also invite non-Muslims to communal meals and lectures or discussions on Islam. These events usually aim to increase the understanding of Islam in the non-Muslim community, rather than to convert people to Islam.

Some communities hold open-air celebrations or parades. People attending the parades may carry green banners and men and boys wear green clothing or headgear. Girls often wear pink and white clothes. A communal meal may be held or birthday cake may be distributed at the end of the celebrations. The food is often also shared with non-Muslims.

Public life

Eid Milad ul-Nabi is not a federal public holiday in the United States. However, some Muslim businesses and organizations may be closed for part or all of the day or offer a reduced level of service. Parades or outdoor celebrations may cause some local disruption to traffic.

About Prophet's Birthday in other countries

Prophet's Birthday Observances

Other holidays in January 2013 in United States

• New Year's Day ―Tuesday, January 1, 2013
• Epiphany ―Sunday, January 6, 2013
• Orthodox Christmas Day ―Monday, January 7, 2013
• International Programmers' Day ―Monday, January 7, 2013
• Stephen Foster Memorial Day ―Sunday, January 13, 2013
• Orthodox New Year ―Monday, January 14, 2013
• Lee Jackson Day ―Friday, January 18, 2013
• Robert E Lee's Birthday ―Saturday, January 19, 2013
• Confederate Memorial Day ―Saturday, January 19, 2013
• Inauguration Day ―Sunday, January 20, 2013
• Idaho Human Rights Day ―Monday, January 21, 2013
• Robert E Lee's Birthday ―Monday, January 21, 2013
• Civil Rights Day ―Monday, January 21, 2013
• Martin Luther King Day ―Monday, January 21, 2013
• Tu B'Shevat (Arbor Day) ―Saturday, January 26, 2013
• e-Day ―Sunday, January 27, 2013
• International Day of Commemoration in Memory of the Victims of the Holocaust ―Sunday, January 27, 2013
• Kansas Day ―Tuesday, January 29, 2013