ISLAMABAD: Pakistan on Tuesday began nationwide celebrations to mark the birth anniversary of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), with authorities emphasizing programs for students and a focus on teaching the “constructive and positive” use of social media in line with the Prophet’s teachings.

The commemorations, known in Pakistan as Ashra Rahmatul-lil-Alameen (SAW), span the first 12 days of the Islamic month of Rabi-ul-Awwal, which is revered by Muslims worldwide as the month in which the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) was born in the year 570 CE. Events during this period traditionally include religious conferences, exhibitions, poetry recitations in praise of the Prophet (Naat), and community gatherings.

“Ashra Rehmatu-l-lil-Alamin will be celebrated from the 1st of Rabi-ul-Awwal (Tuesday) to the 12th of Rabi-ul-Awwal,” Minister for Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony Sardar Muhammad Yousaf announced at a news conference in Islamabad, according to Radio Pakistan.

The theme for this year’s commemoration would be: “State Responsibilities in Educating and Training for the Beneficial Use of Social Media, in the Light of the Life of the Holy Prophet (SAW).”

“Schools, colleges, and universities will host special events, speech competitions, and awareness programs on the Seerat-un-Nabi to help the younger generation connect with the teachings of the Holy Prophet (PBUH) … and learn to use modern media, including social platforms, for constructive and positive purposes,” Yousaf said.

The minister said the centerpiece of this year’s observances would be the 50th International Seerat-un-Nabi Conference, named after the Prophet’s life (Seerat), to be held in Islamabad with the participation of government officials, religious scholars, diplomats, and delegates from within and outside Pakistan. 

Alongside it, a national Qur’an and Seerat exhibition will showcase manuscripts, publications, and digital works, while a national Naat competition (devotional poetry) will be organized on the night of 11th Rabi-ul-Awwal. Winners of national Seerat book, Naat, and essay contests for 2025 will also be awarded.

The minister said provincial governments, including those in Azad Jammu and Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan, had been requested to hold related events, including regional Seerat conferences, poetry gatherings, seminars, student competitions, and youth programs.