Learn all about Prophet Muhammad's Birthday
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| Hello, and welcome to the Culture Class — Holidays in Egypt Series at ArabicPod101.com. In this series, we’re exploring the traditions behind Egyptian holidays and observances. I’m John, and you're listening to Lesson 1. Prophet Muhammad's Birthday. In Egyptian Arabic, it’s called [المولد النبوي الشريف (al-mawlid al-nabawiī al-šarīf)]. |
| In this lesson, we are going to talk about one of the most important days in the life of a Muslim, which is the Birth of the Prophet Muhammad. Prophet Muhammad was born in the third month in the Islamic calendar, which in Arabic is known as [ربيع أول (Rabi' awwal)]. |
| Now, before we get into more detail, do you know the answer to this question— |
| Do you know why the year when Prophet Muhammad was born is called the Year of the Elephant? |
| If you don't already know, you’ll find out a bit later. Keep listening. |
| The Birth of the Prophet is a holiday in most Arab countries. Since it is based on the Islamic calendar, its date differs from one year to another. Though in some countries it is not a public holiday, it is always celebrated as an expression of joy for the birth of the Prophet, the messenger of God. |
| Let's see now how people celebrate in Egypt. Usually, there is a gathering where people warble poems in praise of the Prophet and read lessons from his biography and his attributes and manners. |
| The most popular symbol of this festival in Egypt is a candy, called [حلاوة المولد (ḥalāwet el-mūled)]. It is a kind of candy that was introduced and popularized at the time of the Fatimid Caliphate, around the tenth century. Fatimids used to link a candy to each occasion as a political amiability towards Egyptians. This candy has many types and shapes. They can be made of sugar, peanuts, pistachio, hazelnuts, almonds, humus, sesame, and coconut. Another popular thing that is sold in this festival is a doll called [عروسة المولد (ʿarūset el-mūlid)]. |
| Egyptian people love this day very much, and famous artists like Salah Jahin and Sayed Mekkawi have created a wonderful theatrical piece for children and called it the Grand Night or [الليلة الكبيرة (El Leila El Kebira)]. The Grand Night is the most famous Egyptian folk puppet operetta, also known as [مسرح العرايس (masraḥ el-ʿarāyes)]. The Grand Night is usually shown in a puppet theater and is about the folklore of the festival for Prophet Muhammad's Birthday in Egypt. |
| And now I'll give you the answer to the earlier quiz. |
| Do you know why the year when Prophet Muhammad was born is called the Year of the Elephant? |
| In the Year of the Elephant or [عام الفيل (ʿām el-fīl)], Abraha, the ruler of Yemen, attempted to demolish the Holy Kaaba, in Mecca, with elephants. It is said that his attempt was a failure as God sent birds carrying rocks from the fires of hell, which bombarded the army of Abraha and defeated it. This is the episode after which this year was named. |
| So listeners, how was this lesson? Do you also celebrate the Prophet's Birthday? |
| Let us know in the comments and we’ll see you next time! Bye! إلى اللقاء(ʾilā al-liqaāʾ) |
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