Id-e-Milad 2024: A Day of reflection, charity, & togetherness

Tuhina Sahoo

Id-e-Milad, the birth anniversary of Prophet Muhammad, is one of the most significant religious occasions for Muslims across the world. The day is marked with prayers, charity, and joyous celebrations. To get an insight into how people are celebrating this special day, Prameya English spoke to two persons, Farhat Afrin and Daraksha Sultana, who shared their plans and sentiments surrounding Id-e-Milad 2024.

Farhat Afrin: "It's a Day of Reflection and Giving Back"

Farhat Afrin, from Kendrapara begins by expressing how Id-e-Milad is more than just a festive occasion. "For me, Id-e-Milad is a day of reflection and spiritual growth. I always start the day by offering special prayers at the mosque," she explains. "This year, I plan to gather with my family for a peaceful morning of reciting the Quran and remembering the teachings of the Prophet."

When asked about her preparations for the day, Farhat highlights the importance of giving back to the community. "One of the key aspects of Prophet Muhammad’s life was his emphasis on kindness and charity. Every year, we distribute food and clothes to those in need. This year, we’re also planning to organise a small charity drive with our friends and neighbours," she says with enthusiasm.

"I also love the sense of togetherness that Id-e-Milad brings. Later in the day, we will attend a community gathering where everyone joins in prayer, followed by a feast. It’s not just a celebration of the Prophet's life but also a reminder to emulate his virtues of compassion and love in our daily lives."

Daraksha Sultana: "Id-e-Milad is a Festival of Joy and Unity"

For Daraksha Sultana, a homemaker from Sambalpur, Id-e-Milad holds a deep emotional connection. "Id-e-Milad has always been special for our family. It's a festival of joy, unity, and spreading peace," she remarks. "The day starts with decorating our home with lights and green flags, which is a symbol of peace and prosperity."

Daraksha's family, like many others, believes in celebrating the day with the community. "We organise a Mehfil-e-Naat, where we invite friends and family to recite naats (poems) in praise of the Prophet. It creates a spiritual atmosphere, and everyone feels connected to the teachings of Islam," she says.

"I love how our neighbourhood comes alive on Id-e-Milad. After the prayers, we prepare special dishes like biryani and sheer khurma, which we share with our neighbours. The act of sharing food is a beautiful way of fostering unity within the community," Daraksha adds.

She also mentions the significance of teaching the younger generation about the life of the Prophet. "We make it a point to tell our children stories from the Prophet's life, instilling values of honesty and kindness. It's crucial to pass on these teachings to the next generation."