Rabi-ul-Awwal 2024 celebrations by MQI Norway: A month-long tribute to Prophet Muhammad (PBUH)

«Velkommen til Muhammad-dagene i hele September» translated as “Welcome to Muhammad-days throughout September” has been our motto. Indeed, we have celebrated the greatest blessing to ever walk this earth in the best way we knew how. Our gatherings were filled with people of all ages and backgrounds, united for one purpose: to draw closer to him.

Rabi-ul-Awwal, the third month of the Islamic calendar, is a time when Muslims worldwide celebrate the birth of Prophet Muhammad . This year, Minhaj-ul-Quran International Norway organized a series of events and activities across various locations to commemorate this significant occasion. The celebrations were held at the local centers of Minhaj-ul-Quran Oslo (headquarters), Minhaj-ul-Quran Kløfta, and Minhaj-ul-Quran Drammen, as well as other local venues, in collaboration with all affiliated forums: Minhaj Women League, Minhaj Halaqa-i-Durood, Minhaj Youth League (brothers and sisters), Minhaj Publications, and Minhaj Welfare Foundation.

Overview of Programs

Over the course of the month, more than 15 unique programs and activities were organized, catering to a broad range of community members, including families, women, men, youth, and children. The events varied from nasheed performances to educational lectures and special programs for children. Nearly 3,000 participants attended the events, with women and children making up about 80% of the attendees. The programs took place at 10 different locations, including mosques and community venues, ensuring participation from diverse segments of the community. Throughout the month of Rabi-ul-Awwal, a total of 25 million Durood was recited, with the largest contributions coming from Halaqa-i-Durood Norway and Minhaj School Oslo.

International and Local Participants

A key feature of this year’s celebrations was the participation of both local and international guests, representing a diverse mix of genders, ages, and backgrounds. Minhaj-ul-Quran International Norway proudly provided a platform for men and women, young and old, to contribute their unique perspectives. Over 20 nasheed artists from around the world performed, creating a spiritually uplifting atmosphere. Additionally, more than 10 distinguished speakers delivered insightful talks on the seerah and teachings of Prophet Muhammad . The speeches, along with other parts of the program, were delivered in Urdu, English, and Norwegian, catering to the multilingual audience.

A special highlight was the speech by the honorable Mrs. Basima Hassan Qadri, the granddaughter of Shaykh-ul-Islam Dr. Muhammad Tahir-ul-Qadri, at the Milad-un-Nabi celebration hosted by MWL at Minhaj-ul-Quran in Oslo. Her powerful talk added depth to the celebrations, particularly inspiring the women in attendance to reflect on Prophet Muhammad’s message and values.

Interactions with the Audience at the Stands

At most events, attendees had the opportunity to visit dedicated stands, where they engaged with volunteers from various Minhaj forums, including Minhaj Welfare Foundation and Minhaj Publications. This provided a chance to learn more about Minhaj’s extensive efforts, particularly in the areas of welfare and education. Special emphasis was placed on promoting the works of Shaykh-ul-Islam Dr. Muhammad Tahir-ul-Qadri, with volunteers actively marketing his literature. Attendees were also informed about Minhaj Welfare Foundation’s projects and how they could contribute to this vital work. The stands also offered information on life membership and how to get more involved in Minhaj-ul-Quran’s initiatives.

Focus on Children’s Activities and Identity Building

A significant focus of the celebrations was engaging children through specially designed activities. These initiatives not only educated them about Prophet Muhammad but also encouraged their active participation, helping to create positive associations with the mosque. The youngest participants attended family gatherings and were the main audience at the children’s Milad-un-Nabi celebration. During these events, children learned about the teachings and values of Prophet Muhammad through fun and interactive activities. By providing tailored experiences, Minhaj-ul-Quran International Norway is committed to fostering a strong sense of identity among young Norwegian Muslims, ensuring that the mosque is a place of joy, belonging, and both spiritual and academic growth.

Promotion of Lifetime Membership and Community Building

Another key aspect of this year’s celebrations was the promotion of lifetime membership within the mosque community. Minhaj-ul-Quran Norway emphasized the importance of sustained engagement with the mosque and broader community. This was achieved through stage appeals, fieldwork, and interactions at the stands. Many attendees expressed interest in becoming lifetime members, further strengthening the mosque’s role as a central pillar in the lives of Norwegian Muslims and ensuring its continued growth for future generations.

Atmosphere and Feedback

The atmosphere throughout the celebrations was filled with joy and spiritual elevation. Attendees provided overwhelmingly positive feedback, expressing gratitude for the variety of activities and the inclusive nature of the events. Mosques were filled to capacity for most programs, and holding events in local community centers extended the reach of the celebrations, ensuring a welcoming environment for all.

Conclusion

The Rabi-ul-Awwal 2024 celebrations organized by Minhaj-ul-Quran International Norway were an outstanding success. With over 3,000 participants, a variety of programs for children, women, men, and youth, as well as a broad range of international and local guests, nasheed artists, and speakers, we succeeded in creating a joyous and educational experience for all. Volunteers from various forums further enriched the celebrations by offering attendees opportunities to engage with Minhaj’s literature and ongoing welfare projects, as well as getting involved in the different forums. We look forward to continuing this tradition and building upon this year’s strong foundation for future events.