Mouloud is a term used to refer to the observance of the birthday of the Islamic prophet Muhammad which occurs in Rabi al-awwal.

Mouloud is derived from the Arabic root word, meaning to give birth, bear a child, descendant. The Prophet peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him was born in the city of Makkah in the Year of the Elephant.

It is considered that the most perfect expression of love and honour for him is by following him, obeying him, carrying out his commands, upholding and reviving his Sunnah both inwardly and outwardly and in spreading his message and striving in this, with the heart, the hand and the tongue. Such was the path of the Companions and those who followed them in goodness.

Mouloud (Birth of the Prophet) is celebrated in most Muslim countries. Muhammed was born in Mecca, now in Saudi Arabia, in the year 570 of the Gregorian calendar. Sunni Muslims observe the Prophet Muhammed's birthday on the 12th day of the Islamic month of Rabi' al-awwal, while Shi'a Muslims mark it on the 17th of this month.

Mawlid, or Milad, Mouloud is celebrated in a carnival manner, large street processions are held and homes or mosques are decorated. Charity and food is distributed, and stories about the life of prophet Muhammad are narrated with recitation of poetry by children. Sheep is a main food on this special day.

There are mixed beliefs on how one observes Muhammed's birthday. Some people see the Prophet's birthday as an event worthy of praise. Others view the celebration of birthdays as contradictory to Islamic law. Some will do night prayers.

They mark the occasion by spending more time to read the Koran. Muhammed is said to have been born on a Monday and some scholars see fasting during the hours of daylight on Mondays as another way to celebrate his birth.

The term Mawlid is used in Egypt and Sudan to refer to the birthdays of both Muhammed and local Sufi saints. The birthdays of about 3000 Sufi saints are marked or celebrated. The word Mawlid, or Milad, depending on the method of transliteration used, comes from the Arabic word for birth and usually refers to the anniversary of Muhammed's birth. This observance is also known as Mevlid Serif in Turkish, Mawlud Sharif in Urdu and Maulidur-Rasul in Malay.

Mawlid is a public holiday in many Islamic countries.