While the day was not marked by the prophet himself, the occasion is celebrated in a majority of Muslim states, with a number of them designating it a national holiday.
Most Muslims celebrating the day will put up decorations in their homes and on the streets, and attend communal meals, as well as speeches in mosques recounting the life of the prophet.
Mawlid al-Nabi, Arabic for the "birthday of the prophet", marks the anniversary of the Prophet Muhammad’s (PBUH) birth.
Some Muslims commemorate the event because of his significance in Islam. The faithful believe that the Quran, God's final testament to mankind, was revealed to the prophet, and that he was the most important messenger sent to humanity.
Those marking the event will attend special meals, often held at mosques with other members of the community, and spend the day reflecting on the teachings of the prophet.
The celebration is sometimes also referred to Mawlid, Milad and Eid Milad un-Nabi.