12 Rabi‘ al-Awwal
Mawlid an-Nabi: the Prophet’s Birthday (12 Rabi‘ al-Awwal)
In the coming year it is expected on Saturday 14 August 2027 (12 Rabi‘ al-Awwal 1449 AH). The 12th of Rabi‘ al-Awwal is the date most widely associated with the birth of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ.
Mawlid an-Nabi: dates for the coming years
| Hijri | Date |
|---|---|
| 12 Rabi‘ al-Awwal 1447 AH | Thursday 4 September 2025 |
| 12 Rabi‘ al-Awwal 1448 AH | Tuesday 25 August 2026 |
| 12 Rabi‘ al-Awwal 1449 AH | Saturday 14 August 2027 |
| 12 Rabi‘ al-Awwal 1450 AH | Thursday 3 August 2028 |
| 12 Rabi‘ al-Awwal 1451 AH | Tuesday 24 July 2029 |
| 12 Rabi‘ al-Awwal 1452 AH | Saturday 13 July 2030 |
| 12 Rabi‘ al-Awwal 1453 AH | Wednesday 2 July 2031 |
Dates follow the Umm al-Qura calendar. Countries that rely on sighting the crescent may begin a month one day later (or earlier).
The date of the birth
The Prophet ﷺ was born in Makkah in the Year of the Elephant, around 570 CE, on a Monday (Sahih Muslim). Biographers differ on the exact day of Rabi‘ al-Awwal: the 12th is the best known, and the 8th and 9th are also reported.
Different views
In many countries the Mawlid is a public holiday marked with recitation of the Qur’an, poetry in praise of the Prophet ﷺ and lessons on his life. Other scholars hold that the Companions did not celebrate it and recommend honouring him by following his Sunnah throughout the year. All agree on loving him, learning his biography and sending blessings upon him.
Mawlid an-Nabi: questions
Is the Mawlid a public holiday?
Yes in many countries, including Egypt, Morocco, Algeria, Pakistan, Indonesia and Malaysia; not in Saudi Arabia or Qatar.