MILADI
SHERIF (BARAH WAFAT)
Miladi Sharif or barah wafat, the Birthday
celebration of Prophet Mohammed, is a major Muslim festival in Kerala which falls on the 20th of April.
The Prophet was born on the twelfth day
of Rabi-ul-Awwal, the third month of the Muslim year. His death
anniversary also falls on the same day, the word 'barah' standing
for the twelve days of the Prophet's sickness.
During these days, sermons are delivered in mosques by learned men,
focusing on the life and noble deeds of the Prophet, night-long
discourses are conducted by Muslim Ulemas on various aspects of
the life of the Prophet. Thus through the celebrations connected
with the Miladi Sherif, the Muslim masses get an opportunity to
be enlightened on the life and teachings of the Prophet.
Reading what is commonly known as the 'Maulod'
which is a short biography of the Prophet written both in verse
and prose in the Arabic language has been the common ritual of the
day.
The celebration of the Miladi Sherif in
certain parts of the State, for instance Ponnani, is marked by busy
activity connected with large scale feeding of the poor. Here in
the Muslim Centre, one finds that the town is active during the
whole night busily engaged in the charitable work of supplying food
to the poor.
Recently Miladi Sherif celebration has assumed
greater importance in Kerala. Colorful processions are also held
through the towns reciting Thakbir which finally converge on some
central place where public meetings are held. These public gatherings
are addressed by well-known speakers who deal with the various aspects
of the Prophet's life.
|
