April 25, 2006

Mawlid in London

After the cartoon controversy, like predicted, Islam is even more on the menu so to speak. Swedish television acknowledged the Mawlid (birth) of the Prophet by showing the movie "The Message" (Al risala) and dedicating the whole evening to Islam.

The Islamic month Rabi-ul-Awwal (closest thing to April), is when the Prophet pbuh was said to have been born. Across the Muslim world it is customary to somehow acknowledge that day by either increasing in worship or singing spiritual songs dedicated to the Prophet Mohammad, either privately or collectively.

Mahabba Unlimited is organizing, I believe, it's second Mawlid in honour of the Prophet in London on the 30th of April, at the Wembley Conference Centre. Tickets can be purchased online.

13 comments:

Samawel said...

Hmm... 'Ve never been to a Mawlid before... Don't know where to find any place that celebrates it here in Dubai... Heritage Village?

I might be local, but I'm not all that exposed to the local culture and religious traditions that are around here... :) Should be fun to see the Mawlid...

Shaykhspeara Sha'ira said...

I really don't know much about where you find things like that in Dubai.

The Qasidah Burdah is often recited in the form of a song during the Mawlid. Sometimes people gather in each others homes and sing spiritual songs or recite the qur'aan, sending blessings on the Prophet Mohammad, pbuh. Other people prefer to do it alone, yet acknowledge the event with dhikr, the remembrance of God.
Either way, it is not to be confused with a regular birthday and buying birthday cakes :)

Destitute Rebel said...

Negative always gets out the positive in people, I remember after 9/11, I was in America and people wanted to understand what was going on Universities had special programs to educate the people about islam. From then on at least at my college preachers from all major religious groups were invited to Graduation and give a small speech, I think in a way that was good.

BuJ said...

Samawel.. come to London.. will sort you out :)

Shaykhspeara Sha'ira said...

D rebel indeed. One must make lemonade out of lemon, and samosa out of meat... (ok the last one being totally unrelated...I am hungry).

Buj, it sounds more like a threat than an invitation... lol

Anonymous said...

I attended a retreat last year with mawlid, zikr, the works. It's there for seekers to find.

In Ramadan, I think the night of the 27th, the Pakistan Centre in Dubai organises a naatiya-mushaira usually (devotional recitations gathering).

Oh, and Shaikha, I have heard a group of brothers reciting the Qasida Burda in a chorus (without music) - it was amazing I tell you!

BuJ said...

never a threat to samawel

tis an invitation to samawel, but for next year's coz tis too late for 2006 :)

Shaykhspeara Sha'ira said...

Farrukh, sounds great! Were the singers of teh BUrdah Pakistanis? I heard one version of the burdah sung by a pakistani group, on cd...don't recall the name.

Buj, taba3an mafi threats to Samawel, ma biseer. Samawel weinak?

Anonymous said...

Shaykha,

The singers were from... lemme remember... Jordan, Palestine... Pakistan... India (me). It was a live, impromptu performance ;-)

Shaykhspeara Sha'ira said...

lol ok :) Sounds good. Maybe we will see you performing at the next Mawlid in London ey?

Anonymous said...

Can you tell me more about this movie : "The Messenger", I never heard anything about it...
I know "The Message" directed by Mustapha Akkad with Anthony Quinn..

Shaykhspeara Sha'ira said...

Sorry nousvousils! It was a typo. You are right, it is called The Message, Al risala... I am lost in space these days I think :)

I have been reading The messenger, by Khalil Gibran...perhaps that is why I mixed them up. :)

Anonymous said...

Excellent, love it! » » »