Sheikh Sameer
Eid Milad-un-Nabi, celebrated on the 12th of Rabi-ul-Awwal, the third month of the Islamic calendar, is one of the most significant events in the Islamic world, marking the birth of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). Across the globe, Muslims observe this day with great reverence, remembering the life, teachings, and legacy of the final messenger of Islam. In Kashmir, a region historically steeped in Islamic tradition, the celebration of Eid Milad-un-Nabi has evolved significantly over the centuries. Once marked with widespread enthusiasm, communal prayers, and vibrant gatherings, the festival today is facing a noticeable decline, largely driven by sectarian divisions within the Muslim community.
Eid Milad-un-Nabi, also known as Mawlid al-Nabi, commemorates the birth of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), who was born in the city of Mecca in 570 CE. It is a time for Muslims to reflect on the teachings of the Prophet, which emphasize peace, justice, and compassion. The occasion is observed with various religious and cultural events, including special prayers, recitations of the Quran, sermons on the life of the Prophet, processions, and the distribution of food to the needy.
The tradition of celebrating the Prophet’s birth, however, is not universally accepted within the Muslim world. While many Muslims, particularly those in the Sunni Barelvi tradition, view it as a time of deep reverence, others, such as the followers of the Deobandi and Salafi movements, consider the celebration to be an innovation (bid’ah) that was not practiced by the early Muslims. This difference of opinion has contributed to the decline in the observance of Eid Milad-un-Nabi in certain parts of the world, including Kashmir.
Kashmir, with its rich Islamic heritage, has long been a center of Mawlid celebrations. The introduction of Islam to the region in the 14th century by saints and scholars from Central Asia, particularly Hazrat Mir Syed Ali Hamadani (RA), infused the local population with a deep love for the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). Over the centuries, the birth of the Prophet was celebrated with immense devotion, as Muslims across Kashmir came together to honor the man who brought them the message of Islam.
In the past, Eid Milad-un-Nabi in Kashmir was marked by grand processions (Julus-e-Muhammadi) and gatherings in mosques, Sufi shrines, and homes. The streets of Srinagar, the capital of Kashmir, would be adorned with banners, lights, and flags bearing Quranic verses and praises for the Prophet. Large crowds, including men, women, and children, would gather in these processions, reciting naats (poetry in praise of the Prophet) and sending blessings (salawat) upon the Prophet.
The Hazratbal Shrine, which houses a relic Hair strand of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), was and still is the focal point of the celebrations. Thousands of devotees would flock to Hazratbal from across the valley to witness the display of the relic, seeking the blessings of the Prophet. The event was seen not just as a religious obligation but as a communal gathering that fostered unity among the people of Kashmir. During the days leading up to Eid Milad-un-Nabi, scholars and religious leaders would deliver sermons on the life of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), focusing on his message of love, tolerance, and justice. These gatherings, held in mosques and shrines, would attract large numbers of people eager to learn more about the Prophet’s teachings.
Another important aspect of the celebration was the distribution of food. Public feasts, or “langars,” were organized in various parts of Kashmir, where the rich and the poor alike would come together to share meals. This tradition of communal dining was symbolic of the Prophet’s teachings on equality and brotherhood. Sufism, which has a deep presence in Kashmir, played a key role in promoting the celebration of Eid Milad-un-Nabi. Sufi orders (tariqas) in Kashmir, particularly the Qadiriyya and Naqshbandiyya orders, emphasized the love of the Prophet as an integral part of their spiritual practice. Sufi gatherings, known as “mehfil-e-milad,” were held across Kashmir, where the life of the Prophet was discussed, and devotional poetry (qasida) was recited.
In recent decades, the celebration of Eid Milad-un-Nabi in Kashmir has witnessed a noticeable decline, both in terms of public participation and the grandeur with which it was once observed. This change can be attributed to several factors, the most significant of which is the rise of sectarianism within the Muslim community. Kashmir, like many parts of the Islamic world, has not been immune to the rise of sectarianism. The influence of various Islamic movements, particularly the Deobandi and Salafi schools of thought, has grown in Kashmir over the years. These movements, which emphasize a more literal interpretation of the Quran and Hadith, often criticize the celebration of Eid Milad-un-Nabi as an innovation that was not practiced by the early generations of Muslims (the Salaf).
The Barelvi school of thought, which is more prevalent in Kashmir and advocates for the celebration of the Prophet’s birth, has found itself at odds with these more conservative movements. As a result, the once-unified observance of Eid Milad-un-Nabi has become a point of contention within the Muslim community. Many mosques and religious institutions that were once hubs of Mawlid celebrations have now distanced themselves from the event, either out of ideological opposition or fear of backlash from conservative factions.
Kashmir’s long-standing political conflict has also played a role in the decline of Eid Milad-un-Nabi celebrations. The region has been marred by decades of violence and unrest, which has had a profound impact on the social and religious fabric of the community. Public gatherings, which were once a hallmark of Mawlid celebrations, have become increasingly rare due to security concerns and restrictions imposed by the authorities. However, with in the improved security scenario in Kashmir, Kashmir once again blooms this celebration without any fear of being attacked by the secessionist groups.
The conflict has also led to the displacement of many communities, particularly in rural areas, where traditional practices were more common. As families move to urban centers or outside the region altogether, the cultural continuity of these celebrations is disrupted. Another factor contributing to the decline in Eid Milad-un-Nabi celebrations is the changing attitudes of younger generations. As Kashmir becomes more integrated into global networks, younger people are increasingly influenced by modern lifestyles and values. While many still hold deep respect for the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), the traditional forms of celebrating his birth, such as processions and communal gatherings, are often seen as outdated or unnecessary.
The rise of social media and digital platforms has also changed the way people engage with religious observances. Many now prefer to participate in online events or listen to sermons via livestreams, rather than attending physical gatherings. This shift has contributed to a more individualized form of worship, which contrasts with the communal spirit that once defined Eid Milad-un-Nabi in Kashmir. Despite the decline in traditional forms of celebration, Eid Milad-un-Nabi is still observed in Kashmir, albeit in a more subdued manner. The Hazratbal Shrine remains a central point for devotees, and thousands still gather there to witness the display of the Prophet’s relic. However, the scale of the celebrations has diminished, and the processions and public feasts that were once common are now less frequent.
Today, the celebration of Eid Milad-un-Nabi in Kashmir is more focused on religious observance rather than public festivities. Mosques across the valley hold special prayers and recitations of the Quran, and scholars continue to deliver sermons on the life and teachings of the Prophet. However, these gatherings tend to be smaller and less elaborate than in the past. In many homes, families gather to recite naats and send blessings upon the Prophet, keeping the spirit of the occasion alive within their private circles. While public celebrations may have declined, the reverence for the Prophet remains strong among the people of Kashmir. In the digital age, media and technology have become important tools for spreading awareness about Eid Milad-un-Nabi. Islamic channels, online platforms, and social media play a key role in organizing virtual celebrations, broadcasting sermons, and sharing naats. These platforms have allowed people to participate in the festivities from the comfort of their homes, especially during times of unrest or restrictions.
Many Kashmiri religious scholars and organizations use social media to share messages about the significance of Eid Milad-un-Nabi, reaching a wider audience than ever before. While the physical gatherings may have reduced in size, the digital space has opened up new opportunities for engagement. Sectarianism has played a significant role in the diminishing enthusiasm for Eid Milad-un-Nabi in Kashmir. The rise of conservative movements within Islam, particularly the Deobandi and Salafi schools, has contributed to a growing divide within the Muslim community. These groups argue that celebrating the Prophet’s birth is not in line with the practices of the early Muslims and should therefore be avoided. This stance has led to a reduction in public support for Eid Milad-un-Nabi, with many mosques and religious institutions no longer organizing large-scale celebrations. In some cases, the divisions have led to tensions within communities, further discouraging public observance of the festival.
The celebration of Eid Milad-un-Nabi in Kashmir has undergone significant changes over the years. While the grandeur of past celebrations has diminished, the reverence for the Prophet Muhammad remains strong among the people. The rise of sectarianism, political instability, and changing social attitudes have all contributed to the decline in traditional forms of celebration. However, the essence of the occasion—the love and respect for the Prophet—continues to be observed in more personal and subdued ways. As Kashmir navigates these challenges, it is essential to remember the true spirit of Eid Milad-un-Nabi: a celebration of the life and teachings of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), who preached unity, compassion, and justice. By focusing on these values, the people of Kashmir can ensure that the legacy of the Prophet continues to inspire future generations, regardless of the external challenges they face.