Today marks the birthday of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) the Prophet of the Islamic religion, locally known as Gamo (Mawlud Nabi).
The day is being observed in The Gambia and many parts of the world with prayers, recitation of the Holy Quran, giving out charity to the poor and needy and seeking forgiveness from each other.
According to some scholars, the Holy Prophet was born on Monday 12th Rabi Ul Awal, corresponding to 29th August A.D. 570. He was born in
He received the mantle of prophethood at the age of 40 in the
He is our greatest benefactor and the benefactor of mankind.
Believers of the Islamic faith see this day as very important, with most of them seen in congregations seeking Allah's blessing and remembering the Holy Prophet.
We encourage all Muslims to observe this special day with total devotion and commitment to the Islamic religion.
While we mark this great day we should not lose sight of the great sacrifices he had made for the Muslim Jammat.
We must not use the day for anything else, except to worship Allah.
Those who are versed in the Quran should use the period to teach others on the Holy book and Sunnahs of the Holy Prophet Muhammed. He indeed deserves to be remembered.
The day should serve as a school for all believers, especially the young ones.
While some people are opposed to the celebration of the Prophet's birthday, there is nothing wrong honouring the life and struggle of a man behind a major faith like Islam, especially when the occasion is used to propagate the words of Allah.
May peace and blessings of Allah be upon him.