Muslims celebrate the birthday of the Prophet Muhammad today

The Muslims of Bashkortostan together with all their coreligionists celebrate the date of the Prophet Muhammad’s birthday today.

The exact date is unknown but it is dated to the day of the Prophet’s death – the 12th day of the month of rabiul-avval – (the third month by Hegira – the Muslim calendar). Historians and theologians call the years 570-571 the year of his birthday. It should be reminded that the Muslim calendar is considered a lunar one, so every year this date is shifted by 10-11 days with respect to the Gregorian calendar, adopted in Russia, which is considered a solar one.

The Muhammad’s father – Abdulla – died before his son’s birth. The boy became an orphan, being just six years old. Having lived through the life, full of trials, he has brought Islam to the hearts of many citizens of the Arabian Peninsula. After the Prophet’s death Islam started spreading far beyond the frontiers of the Arab world. At present time every fifth citizen of the Earth is an adherent of this religion.

The Birthday of the Prophet Muhammad is widely celebrated by many Muslims and in some countries it is considered a state holiday. Traditionally the Islam adherents express their joy because of Muhammad’s entry this world. The believers read prayers and poems about the Prophet as a rule and the mosques open various shows and cheers this day. During one week the believers have to distribute charity, praising the Prophet and holding pious talks to each other.