Mogadishu, Somalia – Prominent Somali cleric Sheikh Bashir Ahmed has stated that public gatherings held to mark the birth of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ should not be considered acts of worship, arguing that such practices resemble customs borrowed from non-Muslim traditions. His remarks come at a time when Sufi communities in Somalia and across the Muslim world are holding large Mawlid festivities, which include processions, recitations, and community feasts.
Mawlid al-Nabi, observed by many Muslims on the 12th day of Rabiʿ al-Awwal, remains one of the most widely celebrated religious occasions in Somalia. In Mogadishu, Baidoa, and other towns, Sufi orders have organized gatherings featuring poetry, religious chants, and lectures on the life of the Prophet ﷺ. These events often draw thousands of participants, including community elders and youth, who view the commemoration as a way to strengthen spiritual identity and preserve cultural heritage.
Sheikh Bashir, however, voiced concern that the growing prominence of Mawlid risks overshadowing prescribed religious duties. He argued that Islam encourages remembrance of the Prophet ﷺ through daily prayers, adherence to his teachings, and righteous conduct, rather than annual ceremonies that he says were never part of early Islamic practice.
The cleric’s comments highlight a longstanding divide within Somali religious discourse. While Sufi leaders emphasize the role of Mawlid in fostering unity and devotion, reformist scholars question its legitimacy, portraying it as an innovation (bid‘a) that diverts from core Islamic principles. This debate is not unique to Somalia, as similar discussions are taking place across the wider Muslim world, where celebrations range from state-sponsored parades to grassroots religious gatherings.
Despite theological disagreements, Mawlid remains a deeply rooted tradition in Somali society, particularly in rural areas where Sufi influence is strongest. For many communities, the celebration is both a spiritual and social event, offering an opportunity to reinforce bonds of solidarity at a time of economic and security challenges.
Sheikh Bashir’s remarks are expected to add momentum to the ongoing debate over how Somalis should observe religious traditions in an era marked by competing interpretations of Islam.