Young and old mark the Prophet's birthday

Dubai: The festival of Milad Al Nabi was marked on Thursday in the remembrance of the life, teachings and the example of the Prophet Mohammad (PBUH).

Milad, derived from the Arabic root word wulid, meaning to give birth or create, is used to refer to the observance of the birthday of the Prophet which occurs in Rabi Al Awwal, the third month in the Islamic calendar.

In a ceremony held at Al Rashidiya Mosque, Dr Omar Al Khateeb, Assistant General Manager of the Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities Department in Dubai, said the festival of the Prophet's birthday should be a starting point for all Muslims to unite and face the challenges and difficulties facing the Islamic ummah (nation).

The Ministry of Education organised a series of celebrations performed by more than 170 pupils from 12 schools across the UAE to mark the significance of the Prophet in their lives. They performed religious chants on devotion and love to the Prophet.

Abdullah Musabih, General Director of the ministry, said it is keen to hold this celebration, as the Prophet's life offers "an ocean of knowledge and lessons on life, ethics, and humanity".

Yesterday, Children's City, along with the Dubai Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities Department, held a number of activities and programmes. The festival included performances by a group of children and a lecture by Shaikh Alaa on the life of the Prophet, the best ways to follow his footsteps, and the importance of remembering him.