From packed stadiums in Bauchi and Kaduna to colourful processions in Lagos and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), millions of Muslims across Nigeria have taken to the streets and gathering grounds to celebrate Mawlidun Nabiyy, renewing their love for Prophet Muhammad (SAW) and reflecting on his enduring legacy of peace, compassion, justice and good character.
The celebrations came as the Federal Government declared Tuesday, August 25, 2026, a public holiday to mark the birth of Prophet Muhammad (SAW), an annual public holiday recognised in Nigeria’s calendar.
Muslim News gathered that the declaration gave millions of Muslims across the country an opportunity to participate in religious gatherings, processions, prayers and other activities commemorating the occasion.
Globally, Muslims hold differing views on the practice of setting aside a particular day to commemorate the birth of the Prophet (SAW). While some Muslim scholars and communities do not consider Mawlid a prescribed religious observance, others regard the occasion as an opportunity to express love for the Prophet, remember his life and teachings, recite salawat and encourage Muslims to emulate his character.
Despite the differing views, Mawlidun Nabiyy continues to attract millions of Muslims annually in Nigeria and across the world, with communities observing the occasion in different ways according to their traditions and religious convictions.
In Nigeria, the 2026 celebrations were held on different dates and in various formats across the country, transforming major cities into scenes of devotion and communal fellowship, with massive gatherings, processions, Qur’an recitations, prayers, lectures and salawat marking the occasion.
From northern Nigeria to the Southwest and the Federal Capital Territory, Muslim communities turned out in large numbers, while the participation of governors and other public officials added political and official prominence to several of the celebrations.
Many state governors and the Presidency, alongside other influential Nigerians, also issued goodwill messages and statements commemorating the birth of Prophet Muhammad (SAW), highlighting his teachings on peace, compassion, unity, justice and good character.
Kaduna: Governor Sani joins thousands
In Kaduna, thousands of Muslim faithful gathered at Murtala Muhammad Square on Tuesday, August 25, 2026, for the annual Mawlidun Nabiyy celebration organised by Fityanul Islam Kaduna Chapter and hosted by Kaduna North Local Government.
The gathering attracted Islamic scholars, religious leaders, government officials and senior dignitaries, including Kaduna State Governor, Senator Uba Sani, whose presence added prominence to the celebration.
Sani commended Imams and Ulamas for their efforts in promoting peace, mutual understanding and peaceful coexistence across the state. He urged residents to protect the prevailing peace that had made it possible for Muslims to gather freely and celebrate.
The governor said the successful observance of Mawlidun Nabiyy was a reflection of the progress being made in restoring peace and stability in Kaduna State.
He also reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to initiatives that promote interfaith dialogue, mutual respect, peace, unity and shared prosperity.
The Kaduna State Chapter of Fityanul Islam also commended Sani’s leadership, including his support for the proposed Kaduna State Religious Commission.
Bauchi: About one million devotees gather
In Bauchi State, a massive gathering, reportedly numbering about one million devotees, was held at the Bauchi Football Stadium for the 2026 annual Mawlidun Nabiyy celebration.
Governor Bala Mohammed, who was away in Edo State on a prior engagement, was represented by his Deputy Governor, Aueal Jatau.
In a goodwill message delivered on his behalf, Mohammed called for peace, unity and resilience, urging residents to reject prejudice and violence and embrace the virtues exemplified by Prophet Muhammad (SAW).
Jatau also presented a ₦10 million donation to the organisers on behalf of the governor.
The state government provided 600 bags of rice to Islamic scholar, Sheikh Dahiru Usman Bauchi, while vehicles, including an 18-seater bus, cars, a Toyota Hilux and a Peugeot 406, were allocated to support major religious sects in the state.
Mohammed also highlighted the construction of a Qur’anic school project for the Tijjaniya sect, valued at more than ₦2 billion, saying the project was nearing completion.
Lagos: Muslims march in celebration
In Lagos, large numbers of Muslim faithful participated in different Mawlidun Nabiyy activities organised by mosques and Islamic organisations, including processions, prayers, Qur’an recitations and lectures.
The Muhammad Rasulullah Islamic Centre, under the leadership of His Eminence Sheikh Ahmad Ibrahim Bukhari Al-Mukhtar, organised its annual “Walk of Love” procession, themed “The Greatest Sign”.
The procession commenced from Masjid Muhammad Rasulullah on Ogunlana Drive, Surulere, and ended at the Stable Event Centre in Bode Thomas, Lagos.
The centre also hosted the Muhammad Rasulullah Global Family Grand Maulid in Ikeja, featuring prayers, salawat, lectures and reflections on the Prophet’s life and legacy.
Agege: Thousands join Mawlidun Nabiyy rally
In Agege, thousands of Muslim faithful joined the annual Mawlidun Nabiyy Rally on Tuesday, August 25, 2026, to commemorate the birth, life, teachings and enduring legacy of Prophet Muhammad (SAW).
The event commenced with prayers and an opening address by Sheikh-il-Islam, Sheikh Ahmad Tijani Muktar Danlami, who reflected on the life and teachings of the Prophet.
The Chairman of Agege Local Government, Mr. Ganiyu Obasa, attended the gathering and joined the Muslim community in commemorating the occasion.
In his remarks, Obasa described Prophet Muhammad (SAW) as a timeless example of peace, humility, honesty, tolerance and truthfulness.
He encouraged Muslims to reflect these values in their daily lives through good neighbourliness, patience, sincerity, God-consciousness and a deep sense of responsibility to one another and the wider community.
He prayed that the peace, blessings and mercy of Allah would continue to be upon Prophet Muhammad (SAW), and that his teachings would continue to guide, unite and inspire Muslims.
Abuja: Muslims take celebration to the streets
In Abuja, hundreds of Muslim faithful took to the streets, in a colourful procession to Area 1 to mark Mawlidun Nabiyy. Men, women and children dressed in white robes, hijabs and other traditional attire joined the procession, while vehicles, tricycles and motorcycles moved alongside the crowd.
Participants carried banners and portraits, offered prayers and recited religious hymns as they made their way to the Area 1 gathering. For many of them, the occasion provided an opportunity to reflect on the life and teachings of Prophet Muhammad (SAW), as well as promote peace, love and unity among Nigerians.
The Abuja procession was among several Mawlidun Nabiyy activities organised by Muslim communities and organisations across the Federal Capital Territory.
Celebrations spread across Nigeria
Beyond Kaduna, Bauchi, Lagos, Agege and Abuja, Muslims in several other parts of Nigeria also organised Mawlidun Nabiyy programmes, including religious lectures, Qur’an recitations, prayers, processions, charity activities and community gatherings.
The celebrations took different forms and were held on different dates, reflecting the diversity of Muslim communities and organisations across the country.
Many of the gatherings centred on renewing love for Prophet Muhammad (SAW) and reflecting on his character, teachings and exemplary conduct.
Conclusion
Many Muslim communities across Nigeria also held Mawlidun Nabiyy celebrations that could not be covered in this report.
Other organisations are expected to hold their programmes on different dates, a practice that also reflects the long standing scholarly disagreement among Muslims globally over whether a specific day should be set aside to commemorate the birth of Prophet Muhammad (SAW).
Despite the disagreement, Mawlidun Nabiyy celebrations continue to attract millions of Muslims around the world every year, including large gatherings across Nigeria. For those who participate, the occasion remains an opportunity to express love for the Prophet and reflect on his life and teachings.
Irrespective of the different scholarly positions, the love of Prophet Muhammad (SAW) should not be confined to a single day. His exemplary character, compassion, justice, humility, honesty and leadership should be reflected in the daily lives of Muslims.
The best way to demonstrate love for the Prophet is to continually learn from his example and emulate his exemplary leadership as the best of all prophets and messengers.
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