Somaliland marks the Prophet Muhammad’s birthday (peace be upon him), as a national holiday, offering an occasion to reflect on his life, teachings, compassion, justice and enduring legacy in Islam
HARGEISA, Somaliland — Somaliland is observing Tuesday, Aug. 25, 2026, as a national holiday marking the birthday of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), an occasion that provides an opportunity for reflection on his life, teachings and enduring influence on Muslim communities around the world.
The observance, commonly associated with Mawlid al-Nabi, comes amid continued debate across the Muslim world over the religious and cultural significance of commemorating the Prophet’s birth (peace be upon him). Practices differ among Muslim societies and religious traditions, with some countries recognizing the occasion through public holidays while others do not.
For Somaliland, the day is being observed as a national occasion and carries particular religious and cultural significance.
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) is regarded by Muslims as the final prophet and messenger of God. According to Islamic tradition, he was born in Makkah around 570 CE and became known before his prophethood for qualities including honesty, trustworthiness and sound judgment.
His reputation earned him the honorific Al-Amin, meaning “the trustworthy.”
A childhood marked by loss
According to the traditional account of his early life, Muhammad (peace be upon him), was born without his father, Abdullah, who died before his birth. His mother, Aminah, died when he was about six years old.
His grandfather, Abd al-Muttalib, subsequently became his guardian but died several years later. Muhammad was then raised by his paternal uncle, Abu Talib.
The experience of growing up without his parents is an important part of traditional accounts of the Prophet’s character and later emphasis on compassion toward orphans, the poor and vulnerable.
As a young man, Muhammad (peace be upon him) developed a reputation for honesty and integrity. He worked as a shepherd and later became involved in trade, including commercial journeys on behalf of Khadija, a respected merchant of Makkah.
He married Khadija at the age of 25.
The beginning of revelation
Islamic tradition places the beginning of Muhammad’s prophethood, (peace be upon him), in 610 CE, when he was 40.
While retreating in the Cave of Hira outside Makkah, he received the first revelation through the angel Jibril, or Gabriel.
The opening verses traditionally associated with that first revelation begin with the command:
“Read! In the Name of your Lord Who has created (all that exists). He has created man from a clot (a piece of thick coagulated blood). Read! And your Lord is the Most Generous.”
The experience marked the beginning of the revelation of the Quran and Muhammad’s mission, (peace be upon him), to call people to the worship of one God.
According to the traditional account, Khadija was the first person to accept his message. She reassured Muhammad (peace be upon him) after his initial experience and supported him during the difficult years that followed.
Thirteen years in Makkah
Muhammad (peace be upon him) spent approximately 13 years in Makkah preaching monotheism and calling people toward righteousness.
The early Muslim community faced opposition and persecution. Some believers were subjected to severe hardship, while others migrated to Abyssinia in search of safety.
The death of Abu Talib and Khadija in 619 CE marked a particularly painful period in Muhammad’s life (peace be upon him), traditionally known as the Year of Sorrow.
Despite the opposition, the Muslim community continued to grow.
Eventually, Muhammad (peace be upon him) and his followers migrated from Makkah to Madinah in an event known as the Hijrah. The migration became one of the defining events of Islamic history and marks the beginning of the Islamic calendar.
Building a community in Madinah
In Madinah, Muhammad (peace be upon him) established a community centered on faith, social responsibility and mutual obligations.
He built mosques, strengthened ties between the migrants from Makkah — the Muhajirun — and the residents of Madinah, known as the Ansar, and entered into agreements with communities living in the city.
Over the following decade, Islam expanded throughout Arabia.
The period included major conflicts, including the battles of Badr, Uhud and the Trench, as well as major political and religious developments.
One of the most significant events was the Conquest of Makkah.
After years of persecution and conflict, Muhammad (peace be upon him) returned to the city with his followers. Traditional accounts emphasize his decision to forgive many of those who had previously opposed and persecuted the Muslims.
That episode remains central to Muslim understandings of forgiveness, restraint and moral leadership.
The Farewell Pilgrimage
In the 10th year after the Hijrah, Muhammad (peace be upon him) performed the pilgrimage to Makkah and delivered what is traditionally known as the Farewell Sermon.
The sermon emphasized the sanctity of human life and property, justice, responsibility, religious obligations and the equality of human beings.
Among the principles traditionally associated with the sermon is the teaching that no ethnic or racial group possesses inherent superiority over another, and that moral conduct and piety are the basis of human distinction.
The sermon has consequently remained one of the most frequently cited statements associated with Muhammad’s (peace be upon him) teachings on social responsibility and human dignity.
A legacy that continues across generations
Muhammad (peace be upon him) died in Madinah at the age of 63, in the 11th year after the Hijrah.
His companions subsequently carried Islam beyond the Arabian Peninsula, while his sayings and practices — the Sunnah — became, alongside the Quran, a central source of Islamic religious and moral guidance.
For Muslims, Muhammad (peace be upon him) is the Seal of the Prophets, and his life remains a model of faith, perseverance, compassion, justice and personal integrity.
In Somaliland, Tuesday’s national holiday places that legacy at the center of a day of religious observance and reflection.
The occasion also invites Muslims to look beyond the historical details of Muhammad’s life (peace be upon him) and consider the principles repeatedly emphasized in Islamic tradition: devotion to God, care for the vulnerable, honesty in human dealings, justice, forgiveness and responsibility toward others.
The traditional blessing offered by Muslims on such an occasion captures the spirit of the observance:
“O God, bless Muhammad and the family of Muhammad.”
