There are festivals that we celebrate out of habit, and there are those we observe with the heart. In Kashmir, Eid-e-Milad-un-Nabi belongs firmly to the second category. It is not just a date on the Islamic calendar—it is a powerful reminder of who we are, what we value, and what kind of society we aspire to build. The birth of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), the last messenger of Islam, is commemorated with unparalleled devotion in the valley, and for good reason: his life represents an eternal message of truth, compassion, and justice that remains as relevant today as it was fourteen centuries ago.

When the month of Rabi-ul-Awwal arrives, Kashmir transforms. Streets are draped in green flags, mosques are illuminated, and gatherings echo with naats and prayers. The heart of this transformation beats at the Hazratbal shrine, where thousands assemble to glimpse the sacred relic of the Prophet. For many, this is not a ritual but a profound moment of connection—a reminder that the spiritual bond between Kashmiris and their Prophet cannot be severed by time, hardship, or circumstance. The tears shed in those gatherings are not tears of weakness; they are tears of faith, resilience, and love.

Yet, Eid-e-Milad is more than processions and decorations. At its core, it is a call to reflection. Each sermon, each Mehfil-e-Milad, is a reminder of what the Prophet stood for: honesty in trade, humility in power, mercy in victory, and patience in adversity. It is tragic that in our time, these qualities are often in short supply, even among those who celebrate him most passionately. The day challenges us: are we simply admirers of the Prophet, or are we followers of his teachings?

Kashmir has always been a land of faith shaped by Sufi values—compassion, inclusivity, and the pursuit of peace. Eid-e-Milad offers a chance to revive that spirit. Acts of charity, community kitchens, and care for the poor on this day remind us that love for the Prophet must be expressed through service to people. Unfortunately, in the rush of celebration, this deeper message often gets overshadowed by mere display. The lights will fade, the processions will disperse, but the Prophet’s teachings demand to live on in our conduct long after the festival is over.

There is also a larger dimension that cannot be ignored. In a world scarred by violence, hate, and division, the Prophet’s example is not just religious guidance—it is a survival manual for humanity. He preached unity when tribes were divided, forgiveness when vengeance was the norm, and dignity for the oppressed when society treated them as expendable. If Kashmir, and indeed the world, truly absorbed even a fraction of that message, it would be a different place. Eid-e-Milad, therefore, should not be reduced to ritual—it must be reclaimed as a moral compass.

The younger generation of Kashmiris has a special role here. They are already bringing fresh energy to Eid-e-Milad—through poetry, digital media, school programs, and debates. But their challenge is greater than celebration: it is to embody the Prophet’s qualities in their lives. In an age of moral confusion and constant distraction, the simplicity and integrity of his example stand out even more sharply. The question is whether we are ready to live up to it.

Differences in how Eid-e-Milad is observed—grand processions by some, quiet prayers by others—are often highlighted. But in reality, these differences are superficial. What unites everyone is far greater: the shared reverence for the Prophet and the shared longing for a society that reflects his values. In Kashmir, where life has not been easy, this unity is not just symbolic—it is essential for survival. The Prophet’s message of hope, mercy, and resilience is the anchor that keeps the community grounded.

Eid-e-Milad, then, is not merely a commemoration of a birth that happened centuries ago. It is a living reminder that light is still possible in an age of shadows. It is a challenge to each of us to rise above pettiness, selfishness, and division, and to create a society that reflects the values of honesty, compassion, and justice. If the celebrations in Kashmir succeed in sparking that reflection, then they will truly honor the Prophet.

As the valley glows with green flags and mosques shine under bright lights, one hopes that the real illumination will be in hearts and minds. Because ultimately, Eid-e-Milad is not about how loudly we praise the Prophet in public—it is about how faithfully we follow him in private. And that is a challenge worth embracing, not just for a day, but for a lifetime.