Africa-Press – Tanzania. PRESIDENT Hussein Ali Hassan Mwinyi on Tuesday led Zanzibaris to mark Mawlid celebrations nationally at Maisara-Suleiman grounds.
During the colourful event, messages of fight against corruption, national peace and stability prevailed.
Mawlid is the celebration of the birthday of the Islamic prophet Muhammad (S.A.W) which is commemorated in Rabi’ al-Awwal, the third month in the Islamic calendar.
The Day of Mawlid has been traditionally a day of celebration and joy in Zanzibar.
Alhaj Dr Mwinyi joined other people including religious and government leaders and his wife Mama Mariam Mwinyi and other women leaders to attend the annual event used to remind Muslims about to emulate Prophet Muhammad’s life.
During the celebrations, followers are reminded of love, charity, and promote human rights and discourage evil deeds such as corruption, gender violence and taking law into one’s hand.
The Deputy Chief Kadhi of Zanzibar Sheikh Othman Ngwali used the opportunity to welcome all people at the Monday Night event, stressing peace, unity and good behavior among Muslims and the public as required to follow, the footsteps of the Prophet Muhammad, for better life now.
In his sermon to the followers, Sheikh Mohammed Ali Mohammed from the ‘Wakfu & Trust Commission’ urged Muslims to encourage unity in the country.
“We should also emphasize on the importance of helping and compassioning one-another with the aim of achieving GOD’s mercy,” Sheikh Muhammad said as he further explained that it was good for Muslims to celebrate this great day as well as to follow the teachings of the Islam and follow the footstep of Prophet Muhammad.
The opening of the celebrations of Mawlid started by recitation of Quran by Ustadhi Hamdan Haji Hamdan from Magogoni Street in Zanzibar City.
“We should remain in peace and do the best for the people and our country,” he said as young people from various Madrasas (Quran schools) in Zanzibar praised and crooned Qaswida (special phrases) in praise of God and Prophet Muhammad. The famous ‘Mawlid ya Home’ dance from Mtendeni Street was arguably major attraction at the celebration.
Reading a brief history of the Mawlid celebration in Zanzibar, the Chief Adviser to the event organizing Committee, Sheikh Sherali Chapsi said that Mawlid, at national level, was started in early 1926 in collaboration with other Muslims in the Isles.
