ED: Remembering the teachings of Eid-e-Miladunnabi

Today is Eid-e-Miladunnabi -- a most important date for Muslims all over the world, marking one of the most momentous occasions in history.

On this day in the year 570, our beloved Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) was born. It is also the very date he departed from this worldly realm.

Eid-e-Miladunnabi is not merely a public holiday for most Muslim-majority countries. Truly, it is a day for reflection, and an occasion to ponder upon the true meaning of the Prophet’s (pbuh) teachings. In today’s conflicted and crisis-ridden world, these teachings are more pertinent than ever.

The Covid-19 pandemic has laid bare human vulnerabilities, pushing many into poverty, taking many lives, and bringing much of our regular activities to a halt. This is a time for solidarity, charity, and brotherhood -- values which were preached by our Prophet (pbuh).

This is a day which calls for prayer. This is a day to discuss the birth, life, and message of Prophet Muhammad (pbuh). This is a day for charity, for exalting the ego, for looking inwards.

The influences of the Prophet’s (pbuh) teachings are too vast to be summed up. Islam, with close to two billion followers, makes up about 25% of the population of the planet, and continues to be the fastest growing religion worldwide.

This continued growth is a testament to the egalitarian belief system of Islam -- all human beings, rich or poor, young or old, are equal, and deserve to be treated with the same respect afforded to any other. 

In the solemn spirit of this holy day, we wish a meaningful and spiritually satisfying Eid-e-Miladunnabi to all our readers.