Muslims in the country yesterday joined their colleagues worldwide in celebrating the birthday of Prophet Muhammad through the annual Ziyara parades where leaders called for peace, unity and coexistence among Malawians.
The commemoration provided an opportunity for Muslims to reflect on the life, character and teachings of Prophet Muhammad and their relevance to society.
Speaking during the prayers in Blantyre, Muslim Forum for Democracy and Peace chairperson Sheikh Amir Jaafar Kawinga said Prophet Muhammad represented a model of peace, justice, honesty, humility, kindness and patience.
He said the Prophet’s teachings were relevant not only to Muslims but to society as a whole, particularly in promoting peaceful coexistence among people of different faiths.
Kawinga called on Malawians to promote love for one another and for the country, saying love could help fight corruption, theft and other forms of dishonesty.
“With love, you cannot get involved in corruption. With love, you cannot steal what is not yours. With love, we will trust each other,” he said.
Kawinga said the Quran describes Prophet Muhammad as a mercy to the worlds, adding that Muslims use the commemoration to honour his legacy and reflect on his teachings.
Events of the day started with a parade from Kanjedza Mosque to Mpingwe Sports Club, where the faithful gathered for prayers, recitations and reflection on the life and teachings of the Prophet.
On Saturday, the faith group donated assorted items to Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital as part of activities marking the commemoration.
Muslim faithful Seffudeen Rameck Sapuwa said the prayers gave Muslims an opportunity to come together and reflect on the teachings of Prophet Muhammad.
Ziyara national coordinator Padela Rahil said the group also made donations to Chiradzulu District Hospital and other institutions.
