Muslims around the world are today celebrating Eid Milad Un Nabi, the birthday of Prophet Muhammed. The day is also known as Eid-e-Milad or Mawlid. Large-scale celebrations including feasts and street processions are held commemorating the day. Following moon sighting, November 21 was determined as the date of Eid Milad Un Nabi 2018.

Eid Milad Un Nabi, the birthday of Prophet Muhammad, is observed on 12th Rabi' al-awwal, which is the third month of Islamic lunar calendar. Islamic months last between 29 and 30 days, depending on the sighting of the moon on the 29th night of each month. If the moon sight on the 29th day, the new month begins from the evening. If the moon is not sighted, the month will last 30 days. Bakra Eid: Significance And Religious History of Eid-ul-Adha.

Today is 29th of Islamic month Safar. Muslims will look for the moon this evening. If the moon is sighted, Rabi' al-awwal will begin from November 9, and Eid Milad Un Nabi would be on November 20. However, if the moon remains invisible, Safar month will complete 30 days, and Rabi' al-awwal will begin from November 10. Therefore, Eid Milad Un Nabi may fall on November 21.

Eid-e-Milad or Mawlid is mainly celebrated by Muslims from the Sufi or the Barelvi school of thought. Although many different sections of Muslim community believe the birthday celebration has no place in Islamic culture, but the tradition to celebrate the birth anniversary of Prophet Muhammad is widely followed in India.

Those who follow Salafi and Wahhabi school of thoughts believe that the observance of Mawlid is an act of biddat (innovation), and strictly remained uncalled for during the era of Prophet Muhammad and his appointed successors.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Nov 21, 2018 09:24 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).