Muslims worldwide to mark Prophet Muhammad's birth

By Zehra Nur Duz

ANKARA (AA) – Muslims across the world will celebrate Tuesday, the birth anniversary of Prophet Muhammad, a day of spiritual significance in Islam.

Muslims of all ages flock to the mosques to pray and recite poems dedicated to the Prophet on the occasion known as Mawlid al-Nabawi.

On this sacred night, Muslims say their prayers and read the Holy Quran in their homes and mosques. In addition to praying, they also listen to hymns praising god and his Prophet.

A series of activities, concerts, exhibitions and religious programs are also organized during the day all around the world.

Muslims across the world celebrate the 12th of Rabi-ul-Awwal, with the day varying from country to country according to the lunar calendar. The Prophet passed away on the same day as that of his birth at the age of 63.

The day is a public holiday in several Muslim-majority countries, including Pakistan, Indonesia, Malaysia, Bangladesh and some parts of India.