Mogadishu(Mogadishu24)-This year, Somalis marked Mawlid al-Nabawi, the holiday commemorating the birth of Prophet Muhammad, in a way that stood out compared to previous years. The week-long celebrations saw Somalis of all ages gather in mosques, theatres, and open spaces to pray, read the Quran, and recite poems dedicated to the Prophet.

The festivities also included concerts, exhibitions, and religious programmes.

Mawlid is a recognized national holiday in Somalia, giving Sufi communities such as Qadiriyya, Ahmadiyya, and Salihiyya the opportunity to actively participate in the celebrations across the country.

Historically, Somalis have been deeply rooted in Sufi traditions, but after three decades of the rise of Wahhabist influence, many are now returning to their Sufi origins.

The government appears to be supporting this revival, viewing Sufism as a potential solution to counter extremist ideologies in the country.

President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre, and other government officials extended their congratulations to the nation on this special occasion.