Milad un Nabi (Mawlid) in Australia

Eid Milad ul-Nabi (Mawlid, Milad) falls on the 12th or 17th day of the Islamic month of Rabi' al-awwal. Some Muslims in Australia celebrate the Prophet Muhammad's birth and life on this date with lectures and conferences on Islam and current events in the Islamic world.

Is Milad un Nabi (Mawlid) a Public Holiday?

Although Milad un Nabi (Mawlid) is not a public holiday, businesses and schools may be closed because it falls on the same date as Hari Maulad Nabi in 2023, which is a public holiday in Cocos and Keeling Islands.

What Do People Do?

Many Muslims in Australia may fast during daylight hours on Eid Milad ul-Nabi. They may also attend special prayer meetings or lectures on Muhammad's life or on Islam's spiritual aspects. Some Muslim groups also hold classes for children on Muhammad's life or a communal meal or celebration.

The rooms used during the Prophet Muhammad’s birthday celebrations are often modestly decorated with banners, flowers or balloons. Other groups hold lectures to inform people about Islam, Mohammed's life and current events in the Muslim world. Stalls selling Islamic books are seen at many events.

Public Life

Eid Milad ul-Nabi is not a federal public holiday in Australia.

About Milad un Nabi (Mawlid) in Other Countries

Note: Regional customs or Moon sightings may cause a variation of the date for Islamic holidays, which begin at sundown the day before the date specified for the holiday. The Islamic calendar is lunar and the days begin at sunset, so there may be one-day error depending on when the Crescent Moon is first seen.

While we diligently research and update our holiday dates, some of the information in the table above may be preliminary. If you find an error, please let us know.