On September 15, 2024, Erbil celebrated the birthday of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) with great enthusiasm, as the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) urged city officials to organize festivities and decorate the city. Prime Minister of Kurdistan Region Masrour Barzani attended the celebrations, extending his warmest wishes to Muslims worldwide. The event, organized by the Ministry of Endowments, featured religious ceremonies, charitable acts, and public displays of unity, compassion, and peace—values that the Prophet Muhammad embodied.

Erbil’s Festivities: A Celebration of Unity and Faith

Erbil, the capital of the Kurdistan Region of Iraq, was bustling with activities on September 15, 2024, as Muslims across the region gathered to celebrate the birthday of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). The Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG), under the leadership of Prime Minister Masrour Barzani, had earlier called on city officials to ensure that Erbil was appropriately decorated to honor the Prophet’s birthday, also known as Mawlid al-Nabi.

The KRG announced that the Prophet’s birthday would be celebrated across all cities and towns in the region, and the Prime Minister personally attended the festivities in Erbil. The event marked the second celebration of the Prophet’s birthday this year, organized by the Ministry of Endowments and Religious Affairs.

Prime Minister Barzani conveyed his heartfelt congratulations to Muslims in Kurdistan, Iraq, and around the globe. “I offer my warmest congratulations to all Muslims on the occasion of the birth of Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him. May this celebration inspire unity, compassion, and the peaceful values of Islam,” Barzani said. He emphasized that the Prophet’s teachings of tolerance, kindness, and peace should be a guide for all people, regardless of faith or background.

Religious Ceremonies and Charitable Acts

Erbil’s annual Mawlid celebrations have always been lively, featuring religious ceremonies, prayers, and cultural performances. On this special day, the city’s historic citadel was beautifully adorned, creating a spiritual ambiance. People gathered for prayers, sang traditional hymns, and played the Kurdish Daf, a cherished musical instrument in both religious and cultural events.

Special religious ceremonies were held throughout the day, with citizens gathering to reflect on the Prophet’s teachings. The streets were filled with joy as traders, shopkeepers, and families distributed sweets to passersby to mark the occasion. It is a common tradition in Erbil to give out sweets during the Prophet’s birthday as a symbol of sharing blessings.

In addition to the religious and festive activities, charitable acts were a key part of the celebration. The Kurdistan Blood Donors Association (KBDA) announced a special blood donation campaign to coincide with Mawlid. The KBDA’s Erbil General Headquarters prepared over 100 volunteers for the campaign, with a focus on donors with rare blood types to meet the needs of the city’s blood transfusion centers. This initiative has become an annual tradition, with the association regularly launching campaigns during major Islamic holidays to emphasize the values of charity and helping others.

Abdulqahar Ali, Secretary of the KBDA, told Ava News, “On this day, we encourage people to donate blood to support our hospitals and clinics. It’s an act of giving back to our community and embodying the spirit of the Prophet’s teachings on compassion.”

Historical Significance of Mawlid in Erbil

The celebration of Mawlid al-Nabi has deep historical roots in Erbil, dating back to the 12th century when Sultan Muzaffar al-Din Gökböri, the ruler of Erbil, established an annual tradition of marking the Prophet’s birthday. Under his reign, the city became renowned for its grand celebrations, drawing people from across the region to participate in the joyous occasion. To this day, Erbil honors that legacy with its annual gatherings near the citadel, the heart of the city’s rich history.

The city’s connection to Mawlid has been preserved for centuries, as generations of Muslims continue to uphold the tradition. Many families in Erbil observe the day by offering free services to the community. Barbers provide free haircuts, taxis and buses offer complimentary rides, and meals, sweets, and juices are distributed to all. The streets and neighborhoods are filled with festive decorations, including flags and banners, reflecting the celebratory spirit of the day.

Prominent political figures also joined in the celebrations, including Shalaw Kosrat Rasul, a senior member of the Kurdistan Patriotic Union (PUK) politburo, who extended his congratulations to Muslims worldwide. “I hope this holiday will become the foundation of peace and coexistence among us, fostering a culture of respect and fulfilling our moral and religious responsibilities,” he said.

Community Spirit and Unity

Erbil’s Mawlid celebrations exemplify the community’s strong spirit of unity and coexistence. Muslims from various backgrounds come together to celebrate the Prophet’s life and teachings. The celebration transcends religious rituals and emphasizes the importance of values such as compassion, charity, and tolerance.

In addition to the local celebrations, similar events took place across the Kurdistan Region, with cities like Sulaymaniyah, Dohuk, and Halabja holding their own festivities. The Ministry of Endowments and Religious Affairs coordinated these efforts, ensuring that every city and town had an opportunity to participate in this sacred event.

In conclusion, the Mawlid celebrations in Erbil were not only a time of joy but also a moment for the community to reflect on the Prophet’s enduring legacy. Through acts of kindness, charity, and unity, the people of the Kurdistan Region honored the teachings of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), continuing a tradition that has been preserved for centuries. As the festivities came to a close, the city’s residents were reminded of the Prophet’s timeless message of peace and goodwill for all humanity.