By SANIIBN SALIHU
Bismillahirr ahmanirr aheem. Wa sallallahu alan nabiyyil kareem.
THE celebration of Prophet Muhammad’s Maulud, also known as Mawlid al-Nabi, remains a significant occasion for Muslims across the world. It is a time when the faithful come together to express their love, gratitude and reverence for the Prophet Muhammad while reflecting deeply on his life, teachings and enduring legacy.
This noble remembrance is not merely ceremonial. It is a spiritual exercise that renews commitment to the Prophet’s example and strengthens the bond of unity among Muslims.
At its heart, the Maulud celebration is an opportunity to express profound love and gratitude for the Prophet. His birth is not just a historical milestone but a divine mercy for humanity, a blessing that calls for continuous appreciation.
By commemorating it, Muslims reflect on the Prophet’s teachings and renew their resolve to live by his example of compassion, humility and devotion to Allah.
Such reflection cultivates spiritual growth and a deeper connection with Allah, reminding the faithful that true love for the Prophet is shown through emulating his character. The mercy he embodied, his patience in the face of trials and his justice in leadership remain guiding principles for Muslims today.
Strengthening unity, spreading knowledge
The Maulud also plays a vital role in promoting unity within the Muslim community. By gathering to celebrate, Muslims reaffirm their shared identity and strengthen the bonds of brotherhood. Community gatherings, lectures and discussions bring the faithful together to listen, learn and remind one another of the values the Prophet stood for.
These gatherings are also avenues for spreading knowledge and awareness. Scholars and community leaders seize the opportunity to highlight aspects of the Prophet’s life, deepening understanding and encouraging Muslims to apply his teachings in daily living.
Beyond lectures, charitable acts often accompany the celebrations, with food, clothing and other essentials distributed to those in need. This is an echo of the Prophet’s boundless generosity.
Renewed commitment, significance of Maulud
The significance of Maulud lies in its ability to inspire renewed commitment to the Prophet’s teachings. It is not merely a ritual observance but a conscious reminder for Muslims to strive harder in their faith, to uphold truth and justice and to live in peace with one another.
Celebrating the Prophet’s Maulud fosters solidarity, strengthens community bonds and reawakens spiritual zeal. It provides the faithful with an avenue to honour the Prophet, demonstrate their love and gratitude and remind themselves of the divine mercy that his birth represents.
In sum, Maulud is a meaningful celebration that combines devotion, reflection and action. It reinforces the unity of the Muslim ummah, promotes charity and knowledge, and serves as a constant call to live by the Prophet’s noble example. Through it, Muslims draw closer to Allah and find renewed strength to walk in the path of mercy, justice and compassion taught by the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).
4-in-1 Quran bridges cultures, faiths Author
Dr Daud Awwal, a Nigerian Scholar and author of 4-in-1 Qur’an, said the Qur’an bridges the gap between diverse cultures, language and faith tradition, and interfaith dialogue.
Awwal, recognised as author of the year 2025 by the International Impact Book Award, disclosed this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos.
According to him, the First Global English-Yoruba Qur’an 4-in-1 stands out due to its comprehensive approach, which includes Arabic text, transliteration, and accurate Yoruba Translation alongside with English language in a single format.
Awwal said that no single Quran across the globe contains four elements in a single format.
“This English-Yoruba Qur’an 4-in-1 is backed up with Biblical references, scientific references, world affairs insights, hadith, and commentary.
“The project bridges the gap between diverse cultures, language and faith tradition, and interfaith dialogue.
“It allows the Qur’an more accessibility to millions of Yoruba-speakers across the globe, “he said.
The author said that he also developed a special edition for children tagged “My First 13 Surahs”, designed with simple English and Yoruba that are appropriate for ages five to 10-year-old, with illustrations, worksheets, multiple questions, colouring, drawing and a mobile app to enhance the learning process.
“Reverend Samuel Cole translated part of the Qur’an into Yoruba only in 1906 but his word lacks Arabic text, transliteration, and full of errors because he doesn’t have any formal educational background on Arabic and Islamic Studies.
“I reviewed his work for six months.
“For over centuries, Yoruba Muslim speakers had no authentic reference that combined all those four elements in my work that took 22 years to complete,” he said.
The project was presented to Sheikh Ibrahim Khalil in Kanoin2019
The author said that he studied Arabic for eight years in Lagos at Markaz University College.
“I received a scholarship from late King Fahd of Saudi Arabia in 1998 and studied Classical Arabic and Islamic Studies at Muhammad ibn Saud University in Riyadh and graduated in 2001
“I also studied Investigative Journalism at the London School of Journalism and authored over 50 books.
“My books have been accredited by the British library.
“Most of my books are available on Amazon, lulu, and www.awwalbooks.com.
“This project has been presented to the Nigeria High Commission in London.
“Late Queen Elizabeth acknowledged my books and even sent several letters to me before she died,” he said. (NAN)