Golden gate of Prophet Muhammad’s tomb in Medina
Lagos, Nigeria (PANA) – Nigerians were observing Tuesday a public holiday in commemoration of the birth of Prophet Muhammad, otherwise known as Eid-el-Maulud.
Political and religious leaders used the occasion to extol the virtues of the Prophet and to urge Nigerians to emulate him.
“The Prophet came as a guidance to mankind. The best of characters can be seen in his peaceful conduct with Christians and Jews. As a leader, father, an administrator, diplomat and head of government, the Prophet demonstrates fairness, equity, justice and good neighbourliness,” Mohammed Taofeek Abubakar, an Islamic scholar, said.
Another Islamic scholar, Musbaudeen Osuolale, said the best way to mark the birthday of the Prophet was for Muslims to emulate him in all deeds, stressing that Islam does not support terrorism but stands for peace.
Political leaders, including President Goodluck Jonathan, Senate President David Mark, Speaker of the House of Representatives Aminu Tambwal and state governors, called on Nigerians to use the occasion to pray for the unity, peace, progress and stability of the country.
As part of the celebrations, several Islamic bodies have organised programs centered on the teaching, life and time of the Prophet.
Prophet Muhammed was born in Mecca, Saudi Arabia, on Monday 12 of the Islamic month of Rabiu Awaal, 570 AD ago.
His father died before his birth, and his mother died when he was 5 years old, thus he was raised by his grandfather and uncle.
Through his relationship with others, the Prophet demonstrated exemplary characters, such that the people of Mecca called him Al-Sadiq Al-Amin, meaning the most honest and trustworthy.
He got married to khadijat, a wealthy businesswoman, at the age of 25.
The Prophet spent the first 13 years of his Prophet-hood in Mecca and the others in Medina, calling people to worship Allah as revealed in the Muslim Holy Book of Quran.
He died at the age of 63.
