By Ahmed Ahmed
Muslims in their thousands gathered on Wednesday to celebrate the birthday of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) in Bauchi.
Our correspondent reports that Maulud is celebrated annually on 12 Rabi’al Awwal, the third month of the Islamic calendar.
In Bauchi, a procession to mark the religious celebration started on Tuesday night at the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa Stadium where prayers were offered throughout the night.
About 30,000 faithful from across the country were in attendance.
The annual procession has taken place in the city over the last 50 years under the leadership of renowned scholar Sheikh Dahiru Bauchi.
Sheikh Aliyu Dahiru, a cleric in Bauchi, said this was the lowest turnout he has seen so far, attributing it to the current economic pangs occasioned by the removal of petrol subsidy.
“Especially with the present harsh economy in the country, visitors come within and outside the country to witness the Maulud celebrations in Bauchi.
“The most important person in our life, and the Muslim faith, is the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).
“As Darika sect, we gather together to celebrate his birthday and to spread his message of peace, and this makes us happy,” he said.
A renowned Islamic Scholar, Sheikh Dahiru Bauchi, prayed for sustainable peace and economic stability in Nigeria.
He also prayed for Allah’s blessings, development and guidance for Nigerian leaders to have wisdom to reduce the hardships and woes in the country.
Bauchi said the prayer would supersede all the activities lined up for this year’s annual national Maulud celebration in Bauchi.
The scholar admonished Muslims to live in peace with one another and always pray for peace and stability for the development of the country.
He explained that the celebration of Mawlid teaches the faithful to know the history of the prophet.
“It also educates Muslims to know the deeds and ways of life of the prophet to emulate them,” he said.
Bauchi congratulated the Muslim community for witnessing the annual event and advised them to dedicate themselves to the worship of Allah to get eternal life in the hereafter.
Our Correspondent also reports that the annual event attracted Muslims from the United States of America, Egypt, England, Morocco, Senegal, Chad, Niger, Cameroon, Burkina Faso, Ghana and 36 states of the country and FCT, among others.