Muslims in Malawi on Tuesday celebrated the birth of Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him) through the Parade which started from Kanjedza Masjid in Limbe to Chichiri Stadium in Blantyre.
Speaking to the reporters, Spokesperson for the organisers of the event At-Tariqatu Qadria Sunnia Association (AQSA) Mohammed Raidhan described this year’s event as successful.
“The event is aimed as bringing unity among Muslims in Malawi,” he said, adding that it is a place where they also sell things at a cheaper price as one way of encouraging Muslims to contribute towards a noble course.
“Then those profits are used to buy a lot of items and distribute in hospitals, drought stricken areas among other projects,” added Riadhan.
He also said this year’s event drew over 100,000 participants including President of the Republic of Malawi Dr Joyce Banda who graced the occasion.
Dressed in a Black Robe with a flag in her hands, President Banda together with the First Gentleman Richard Banda joined the Parade from Independence Arch at Chichiri to Chichiri Roundabout.
In her remarks, President Banda said she thought that it was good to join the Muslim community in Malawi and the rest of the world in celebrating the birth of the last Prophet of Allah while wishing them “Meelad Mubarak.”
She therefore asked Muslim Association of Malawi (MAM) and Qadria Muslim Association of Malawi (QMAM) to come together and discuss what they can do to make it a big national event so that every Malawian should take part.
“Next year, I want this event to be big than this. I want every Malawian to take part in this auspicious event, whether a Muslim or a non Muslim. Mtume [Prophet] Muhammad [Peace Be Upon Him] was not a mere person, therefore he needs to be respected like the way Christians do with their Prophet.
“During Christmas everyone including Muslims do join the celebrations, then why shouldn’t it be with [Meelad] as well? So, it is important for the Muslim bodies to sit down and see how they can improve the event,” she said amid applause from Muslims.
Meelad-un-Nabi is conducted every year around the world and in Malawi it is organised by AQSA. In the Islamic countries, the day is declared a public holiday which is different with Malawi.
However, when asked on the holiday, President Banda said she cant make a decision on her own “That is why I have said the Islamic bodies need to sit down and see the way forward…it should become from the authorities not me as that will seem like I am looking for popularity.”
