Milad un Nabi (Mawlid) in Canada

Many Muslims in Canada celebrate the Prophet Muhammad's birth and life or mourn his death on Eid Milad ul-Nabi (Mawlid, Milad-un-Nabi). The date occurs during the Islamic month of Rabi' al-awwal. Some Muslims mark this occasion by fasting or with parades, special prayers or conferences.

Is Milad un Nabi (Mawlid) a Public Holiday?

Milad un Nabi (Mawlid) is not a public holiday. Businesses have normal opening hours.

What Do People Do?

Many Muslims in Canada may mark Eid Milad ul-Nabi by fasting during daylight hours or saying special prayers. Some communities organize parades, lectures or readings of poems on Muhammad's life and work.

Many people believe that it is important to tell the story of Muhammad's life to children. Children often play an important part in the celebrations. Many mosques organize Eid Milad ul-Nabi celebrations that include sermons, prayers and a communal meal. The rooms used during the celebrations may be decorated with banners or modest flower arrangements.

Public Life

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

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.