The National Research Institute of Astronomy and Geophysics (NRIAG) revealed the astronomical date of the Prophet’s birthday (Mawlid) as falling on Monday 12 Rabi’ al-Awwal corresponding to October 18. The first of the month of Rabi` al-Awwal for the year 1443 AH will be on Thursday, October 7. The date of the Prophet’s birthday is linked to the Hijri calendar system, a system that depends on the lunar month – the length of time that the moon takes in a complete orbit around the Earth. Celebrations of the Prophet’s birthday differ from one Islamic country to another, according to customs and traditions, all Muslims consider a day of peace and love as it is the day of the Prophet’s birth. Dessert is an important part in holding the many celebrations, which begin with the establishment of marques and the display of sweets a month before the date of the birthday.
