At the birth of two great prophets
Faith leaders in Oxford, UK are to host a joint ceremony on 24th December to mark the ‘merry coincidence’ of Christmas Eve falling on the same day as the birthday of the Prophet of Islam, Muhammad, which is Mawlid Nabawi.
Archdeacon of Oxford, Martin Gorick, and Oxford’s Imam, Monawar Hussain, announced a joint service would be held at the Central Mosque during the morning, ahead of the start of Christmas celebrations across the city’s churches, to celebrate the birth of Jesus and the Prophet Muhammad. Imam Hussain added: “At this moment, we know our Christian brothers and sisters in this beautiful city of ours, and across the world, will be celebrating Christmas and we send all good wishes to them for Christmas and the New Year.”
In many countries, in addition to the religious aspects, celebrations such as Christmas and Mawlid Nabawi are normally occasions when people focus on giving, spending money on special foods and gifts. Businesses benefit from increased opportunities to boost sales figures.
Now that the birth of two great religions’ prophets occurs at the same time for decades, this could be an especially happy time for all.
