On September 4, 2025, the streets of Mogadishu erupted in a vibrant display of faith and festivity as thousands of Somalis marked the Prophet Muhammad’s birthday, known as Mawlid, with a government-declared public holiday. The Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs made the announcement, granting the day off to both government and private-sector employees, and citing Quranic verses on piety as justification for the move. This year’s commemoration revived a tradition that, for years, was forced underground by militant threats, and the jubilant processions signaled not just spiritual devotion, but also a powerful act of defiance against extremism.
Mawlid, which falls on the 12th of Rabiul Awwal in the Islamic lunar calendar, is celebrated by Muslims worldwide, though the exact date shifts each year. In Somalia, the occasion has long held deep meaning, particularly among Sufi communities who lead the processions. According to the Associated Press, the capital city witnessed thousands of worshippers—many of them young people dressed in white garments and waving bright green flags—pouring into the streets. The crowds spilled out from mosques into open areas, their voices rising in rhythmic chants and devotional songs that filled the air with joy and reverence.
Clerics recited Quranic verses over loudspeakers, their voices carrying above the throng as people swayed, clapped, and ululated in unison. The festive mood was unmistakable, with some young participants livestreaming the celebrations to friends and family abroad, while others hoisted banners adorned with verses of praise. Security forces, rifles slung over their shoulders, stood at the periphery of the gatherings, vigilant in their watch for threats but careful not to dampen the communal spirit.
“To those who oppose this celebration, I say, ‘fear God,’” declared Sheikh Abati Abba Nur, a Sufi scholar, as quoted by the Associated Press. “This is the month in which our prophet was born, and celebrating it does not contradict Islamic teachings.” His words echoed the sentiments of many ordinary Somalis, who see Mawlid as a day of personal and collective significance. “People are beginning to recognize the importance of this day as they shed ignorance,” said Fadumo Abdulkadir, a participant in the festivities.
Yet, not all voices in Somalia were in harmony. Some religious leaders, particularly those aligned with Wahhabi interpretations of Islam, expressed reservations about the government’s decision to formalize the holiday. Sheikh Abdurahman Diriye, a Wahhabi scholar, pointed out that Muhammad’s birthday was not celebrated during the prophet’s own lifetime, suggesting that such commemorations amount to religious innovation. This divergence of opinion reflects a broader debate within the Muslim world about the place of Mawlid in Islamic tradition.
The return of public Mawlid celebrations in Somalia is especially poignant given the country’s recent history. For years, the threat of violence from the extremist group al-Shabab loomed large over religious gatherings. Al-Shabab, which has waged a violent campaign to impose a strict version of Sharia law, considers Sufis heretics and has been known to target their rituals. During their rise, the militants banned Mawlid celebrations outright, forcing Sufi communities to abandon public processions and observe the day in secrecy.
It was not until al-Shabab was pushed out of Mogadishu in 2011 that Somalis could once again gather openly to honor the prophet’s birth. Each year since, the gatherings have grown, buoyed by improved security and a renewed sense of communal identity. The resilience of these celebrations stands as a testament to the determination of ordinary Somalis to reclaim their religious and cultural heritage from the shadow of extremism.
Security concerns have not vanished entirely. Somalia continues to face sporadic attacks from al-Shabab militants, who remain active in parts of the country and pose a persistent threat to public safety. Nevertheless, the presence of security forces at this year’s Mawlid events was as much about reassurance as it was about vigilance. Their watchful but non-intrusive stance allowed the festivities to unfold without incident, demonstrating the delicate balance between safeguarding the public and allowing space for joyful expression.
Somalia’s approach to Mawlid is not unique. Many Muslim-majority countries, such as Egypt, Pakistan, and Indonesia, recognize the prophet’s birthday as a public holiday and mark it with similar processions, songs, and communal prayers. Yet, there are stark contrasts across the Islamic world. In Saudi Arabia, for instance, the strict interpretation of Islam known as Wahhabism forbids Mawlid celebrations, viewing them as unauthorized innovations that deviate from the practices of the earliest Muslims. This divergence underscores the rich diversity of religious expression within Islam and the ongoing debates about tradition and reform.
For many Somalis, though, the day’s significance transcends theological disputes. It is a moment to come together as a community, to honor their shared history, and to pass on cherished traditions to a new generation. The sight of young people leading chants, livestreaming the event, and waving flags speaks to a future in which faith and modernity need not be at odds. “People are beginning to recognize the importance of this day,” said Fadumo Abdulkadir, reflecting a growing sense of pride and awareness among the country’s youth.
While the government’s declaration of a public holiday may not satisfy all religious factions, it has undeniably provided space for Somalis to celebrate openly and safely. The Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs’ decision, rooted in Quranic principles of piety, signals a broader effort to foster unity and resilience in the face of ongoing challenges. As the sun set over Mogadishu and the chants faded into the evening, the message was clear: the spirit of Mawlid endures, undiminished by years of hardship and division. For Somalia, that is cause enough for celebration.
