Old City prepares for Milad-un-Nabi

Charminar: Perhaps the only big celebration next to Eid for Muslims is ‘Milad-un-Nabi’ and people in the Old City go above and beyond ever year in marking the 12 days that lead to it. With only two days left for Milad, which is the birth anniversary of the Holy Prophet Muhammed (Peace Be Upon Him [PBUH]), streets in the Old City are glittering with decorative lights, iconic green flags and other ornamental materials already. Notwithstanding the tight security in the city due to US President’s daughter Ivanka Trump and Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit on Tuesday, people began their decorative tryst with enthusiasm and gusto. This year Milad un Nabi is scheduled to be held on December 2, which is the 12th of Rabi-al-Awwal as per the Islamic Calendar. The sale of green flags with crescent and stars shot up across the city. Many vehicle owners are already using the flags commemorating the celebrations. A cloth merchant Jeelani Khan, who sells the iconic triangular flags through the year, said that he started getting orders for the celebrations 20 days ago. “We design flags, decorative objects and other material used during the Milad celebrations and demand for such stuff increased during past four years,” said Khan.

Many vehicles, shops and streets don green as Milad approaches. During the night, the areas across Yakut Pura, Mughalpura, Purani Haveli, Dabeerpura, Chandrayangutta, Misri Ganj and Shah Ali Banda are illuminated with different patterns of lighting as part of the celebrations.

Although, Milad is celebrated commemorating the birth of the Prophet (PBUH), there are different opinions regarding the day. While some people believe that it should not be celebrated by taking out rallies on roads, others opine that true celebrations would be to emulate the teachings of the Prophet (PBUH).

Mustafa Ali Sarvari, noted Urdu Journalist, said that celebrations must not be confined to only decorating streets, but it should include something fruitful to the society. “Prophet Muhammed (PBUH) taught us to work for the people around us and we find it right way to celebrate the Milad,” he said.

In this regard, the Forum for Cultural Up-gradation of Society (FOCUS) organises blood donation camp on the eve of Milad-un-Nabi every year.

It is to be noted that grand celebrations for Milad began in the city only about five years ago. Earlier, the day was marked quietly at homes through prayers and giving away charity to the needy. While the said activities continue even today, children including adults take pride in holding ‘peace rallies’, organising blood donation camps, and encouraging youth for public service to mark the day.