Head of the Supreme Islamic Commission Ekrema Sabri called on the Palestinians to intensify presence at holy al-Aqsa Mosque on Thursday to mark the “Mawlid” the anniversary of Prophet Muhammad’s birthday (Peace Be Upon Him).
Sabri said the prophet’s Mawlid is an occasion to intensify vigil and prayers at al-Aqsa Mosque—the third holiest site in Islam—and attend lectures about the prophet’s sirah (life story).
He spoke out against the ad hominem campaigns launched against prophet Mohamed (PBUH) and the ceaseless violations of Muslims’ freedom of worship.
Sabri appealed to the Arabs and Muslims across the globe to stand up for al-Aqsa Mosque and make every possible effort to thwart Israel’s sacrilegious schemes against the site and other sacred places of worship across the occupied Palestinian territories.
He further called for a serious reaction as regards the simmering tide of Islamophobia waged against Islam—“the religion of peace and love.”
Islam is an Arabic word derived from “salam” which literally means “peace”. Koran Muslims’ holy book contains hundreds of verses preaching the values of peace cooperation tolerance and self-negation and strongly denouncing violence egoism aggression and racism.
Thursday marks the anniversary of the Prophet of Islam’s birthday many of whose sayings shape much of Muslims’ thought and behavior. In one of his most renowned sayings Muhammad said: “None of you shall be called a Muslim until he loves for himself what he does for others.” He also once said: “A true Muslim is the one who does not hurt people neither by his hand nor by his tongue.”
