Born in the year 570 CE, the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) was orphaned early, his father died before his birth while his mother passed away when he was 6 years old. He had a very difficult life and was reared by various relatives until adulthood but such difficulties did not deter him from being compassionate until he was called to prophethood at the age of 40.

All through his life, the conduct and actions of Muhammad (PBUH) were inspired by Allah, exuding an excellent character that many revere to the present. Even when he was in control of the treasury of the Muslim Ummah, he chose a life of abstinence, service, and modesty until his death.

On the occasion of his birthday, first celebrated by the Fatimides, Muslims around the world commemorate his birthday to thank Allah for guiding them to Islam through Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). Today, the commemoration takes on the additional value of having the faithful, especially the young, recall the life of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and to follow his example.

In the Philippines, the important event will be commemorated as a regional holiday in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM). Maulidin Nabi is a Muslim holiday as declared by Presidential Decree 1083 and a Civil Service Commission resolution.

We join our Muslim brethren in commemorating Prophet Muhammad’s (PBUH) birthday, an occasion when all of us should reaquaint ourselves with the Prophet’s life and his call for sacrifice.