Celebrating Eid Milad-un-Nabi in Calgary

Jamal Harris

Assalamu alaikum, and welcome back to the Calgary Prayer Times Podcast. I’m Jamal Harris, and today we’re diving into a day that’s really close to the heart of every Muslim—12 Rabi Al-Awwal, the birthdate of our beloved Prophet Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him. Now, if you’ve been following along with our previous episodes, you know we love to talk about how faith fits into our daily lives here in Calgary. But this day, it’s something special. It’s not just a date on the Islamic calendar—it’s a reminder of the mercy, compassion, and justice that the Prophet embodied.

Jamal Harris

I always find myself reflecting a bit more deeply around this time. The Prophet’s teachings—his patience, his kindness, his devotion to Allah—these are things we try to live by every day, but 12 Rabi Al-Awwal really encourages us to renew that commitment. It’s like, you know, a spiritual reset button. We look at his Sunnah, his example, and ask ourselves, “Am I really following in his footsteps?” And honestly, sometimes the answer is, “Not as much as I’d like.” But that’s the beauty of this day—it’s a chance to start fresh.

Jamal Harris

I remember my first 12 Rabi Al-Awwal here in Calgary. I’d just moved, didn’t know many people, and I was honestly feeling a bit homesick. But then I got invited to a community gathering at a local mosque. There were naat recitations, people sharing stories about the Prophet, and just this sense of warmth and unity. It really opened my eyes to how this day isn’t just about remembering history—it’s about building community and deepening our connection to the Prophet’s message, right here in our own city.

Jamal Harris

Speaking of community, let’s talk about how Calgary comes alive for Eid Milad-un-Nabi. If you’ve ever been to Baitun Nur Mosque or Al-Madinah Calgary Islamic Centre around this time, you know what I’m talking about. There’s this energy—families coming together, kids running around, the sound of naat echoing through the halls. The mosques organize special programs: you’ve got lectures about the Prophet’s life, communal prayers, and, of course, acts of charity.

Jamal Harris

What I love most is how inclusive it all feels. Everyone’s welcome—doesn’t matter if you’re new to Calgary or you’ve been here your whole life. People share meals, there are charity drives, and you see folks from all walks of life pitching in. If you’re looking for where to join in, calgaryprayertimes.com is a great place to check for event listings and prayer times. I mean, it’s easy to lose track of time with all the excitement, so those real-time updates come in handy.

Jamal Harris

One of my favorite memories is from a Milad procession at Baitun Nur Mosque. There was this moment—everyone was doing dhikr together, just repeating the names of Allah and sending blessings on the Prophet. I’m not exaggerating when I say you could feel the unity in the air. It’s those moments that remind you why we celebrate—not just to remember, but to come together and strengthen our bonds as a community.

Jamal Harris

Now, I know celebrations are great, but Eid Milad-un-Nabi is also about personal growth. So, how do we make this day meaningful beyond the festivities? I always suggest three things. First, take some time to study the Seerah—the biography of the Prophet. Even if it’s just a short story or a podcast episode, it helps you connect with his life on a deeper level. Second, increase your dhikr and salawat. Just sending blessings on the Prophet, even quietly to yourself, is a simple act with big spiritual rewards.

Jamal Harris

And third, give back. This could be volunteering, donating to a local charity, or just helping a neighbor. I remember one year, I volunteered at a food bank during Milad. It was a small gesture, but it really brought home the idea of living the Prophet’s teachings—compassion, generosity, service. If you’re not sure where to start, calgaryprayertimes.com has resources on local charities and ways to get involved.

Jamal Harris

So, as we wrap up, just remember—Eid Milad-un-Nabi is a chance to celebrate, reflect, and grow. Whether you’re attending a big event or just spending time with family, try to bring a little bit of the Prophet’s light into your day. And, as always, check calgaryprayertimes.com for prayer times, event updates, and more ways to stay connected. Until next time, may peace and blessings be upon you all.