Malawi mark ‘happy coincidence’ of Christmas Eve with the Muslim prophet Muhammad’s birthday

Christmas festive mood in Malawi on Thursday coincided with Ziyarah parade, commemorations and celebrations to mark the birth anniversary of Prophet Muhammad, Eid-e-Milad-un-Nabi, on 24 December.

Christians and Muslims marked peacefully the “happy coincidence” of Christmas Eve with the Muslim prophet Muhammad’s birthday.

Save for Radio Islam and Joy radio, all radio stations and television activated Christmas festive mood by playing carols and other Christmas songs with interviews or plays on the birth of Jesus Christ, whom Christians believe is the Son of God.

Muslims recognise Muhammad as a prophet and some Muslim countries, including Somalia have banned commemoration and celebration of Jesus.

In major cities of Mzuzu, Lilongwe and Blantyre, there were thousands of people, most of them making last minute shoppings for Christmas, a special period for Christians who believe in life after death either in paradise or hell depending on one’s faith with Jesus Christ.

The Muslims however enjoyed the Ziyarah carnival in Blantyre and Lilongwe, parades that drew close to 60000 Muslims, according to the Muslim leadership in Malawi.

After the parades, the muslims listened to sermons mostly dwelling on the life of Prophet Mohammed, whom muslims regard as the last prophet sent by Allah to redeem people from their sins.

Most imams and sheikhs preached love.

They explained that Muslim celebration of the life of the Prophet Muhammad, Eid Milad ul-Nabi, more commonly known as Mawlid, has this year fallen on December 24.

“We know our Christian brothers and sisters will be celebrating Christmas and we send all good wishes to them for Christmas and the new year,” said Sheikh Adam Amani Kang’ombe.

He called on Muslims to use the opportunity of Prophet Muhammed’s birthday to reflect on his teachings and life of piety, prayer and service to God and humanity.

Shiek Kang’ombe urged adherents of the Islamic faith to rededicate themselves to upholding the injunctions of the Holy Quran in their personal life and in their relationship with others.