Not everyone shares a birthday with a prophet. This year, my husband was one of the lucky few. And when you share a birthday with the prophet you get the best gift ever — a day off.
(Carnival rides – a hallmark of Mawlid)
The prophet’s birthday — mawlid al-nabi or just “mawlid” — follows the lunar calendar and, as such, shifts forward each year by a few weeks. As such, it always seems to catch us by surprise. However, there are a few hallmarks of Mawlid that tip us off one or two days before.
(Head to your local nut shop on Mawlid)
Chief among these traditions are bride and groom dolls, sold on street corners and in candy and nut shops.
You’ll also hear street bands – the very same you see during Ramadan – collecting money for orphanages and other humanitarian organizations.
So, next year as your birthday approaches, better hope it lands on the prophet’s birthday. You’ll get a candy doll, a ride on a rickety carnival ride, and a day off. Enjoy!
