Marking the birthday of Prophet Muhammad, community leaders have organized a procession through Birchills Street on Sunday, November 17, Birmingham Mail reported Tuesday.
“This is an annual event, organized by Pakistan Muslim Welfare Association and supported by the Birchills Mosque, to mark the birthday of the Prophet Muhammad,” a spokesman for Walsall Council said.
“It will require a number of roads to close for a limited period of time, to ensure the safety of the participants whilst the procession passes.”
Processions are a regular scene in the UK for Muslim communities marking the Prophet Muhammad’s birthday.
In Nottingham earlier this month, hundreds of British Muslims paraded through Nottingham streets.
Last year, thousands of Muslims joined marches of peace in Bradford and Bolton to mark the birthday of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).
Prophet’s Birthday
Historians agree that Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) was most probably born on the 12th of Rabi’ Al-Awwal around the year 570, as marked by the Gregorian calendar.
Many Muslims see the Prophet’s birthday as an important time to learn about and reflect on the life of Muhammad, peace, and blessings be upon him.
Around the world, the celebrations include stalls selling Islamic books, leaflets, clothing, prayer mats, and other materials.
While most denominations of Islam approve of the commemoration of Prophet Muhammad’s birthday, some denominations disapprove of this, considering it an unnecessary religious innovation (bid’ah).
Nevertheless, it is by no means commendable to fast on 12 Rabi` Awwal in celebration of the Prophet’s birthday. Rather, some people say that he (peace and blessings be upon him) was born on 9 Rabi` Awwal or even in Rajab, and there are still different views in this regard.