The City of Cape Town has announced its support of and partnership with the City’s Muslim community in hosting the third Mass Mawlid event. The Mass Mawlid is held annually in celebration of the life and birth of the Prophet Mohammed (PBUH).

City acting Mayoral Committee Member for Tourism, Events and Economic Development, Councillor Brett Herron, said they want to ensure all Cape Town residents are able to celebrate their religious events with the support of the City of Cape Town.

“The event is of great significance to our Muslim community and we are committed to ensuring that the City is a place where all residents are able to express their beliefs,” he said.

Mawlid SA trustee and event organiser Nabeweya Malick says mawlid events, historically, revive religious vigor and strengthen Muslims’ connection to the Prophet.

“There is nothing that unites the Ummah more than their love for the Prophet Muhammad, Peace be upon Him.”

The event, set to take place on the 18th of January at Athlone Stadium, will be the first Mawlid to be held at night, and is expected to attract more than 10 000 people.

International luminaries of the Muslim world such as Shaykh Babikir Ahmed Babikir (Sudan), Shaykh Afeefuddin Al-Jailani Al Bagdadi (Iraq), Syria’s Muhammad Bin Yahya al Ninowy, and Shaykh Ahmad al-Abbasi (Madina Munowarrah) are expected to attend and participate in the celebration of the Prophet’s life and birth. VOC (Andriques Che Petersen)