Jordan marks Prophet Mohammad’s birthday

AMMAN — Deputising for His Majesty King Abdullah, HRH Prince Feisal on Wednesday attended a ceremony held by the Ministry of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs to mark Prophet Mohammad’s birthday, the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported. 

During the ceremony, held at the Islamic Centre of King Abdullah II Mosques, Awqaf Minister Wael Arabiyat said Prophet Mohammad called for promoting the values of peace and tolerance and denouncing all forms of extremism and radicalism.

He added that “the first word of Koran was iqraa [read], which means that all aspect of Islam are based on knowledge that leads its followers to good deeds”.

The Awqaf minister stressed that terrorists seek to destroy such values inherent in Islam and Christianity, through committing crimes in the name of religion. 

Arabyiat highlighted His Majesty’s role in defending Al Aqsa Mosque, Al Haram Al Sharif in Jerusalem and in supporting the Jerusalemites’ resilience. 

The minister announced that the Awqaf council approved the establishment of a school to be funded by endowment worth JD1 million in Amman, noting that after finishing the schools the ministry will give it to the Education Ministry.

The ceremony included Islamic songs performed by the ministry’s Falah band.

Lower House Speaker Atef Tarawneh, Royal Court Chief Fayez Tarawneh, Grand Mufti Mohammad Khalaileh, the Chief Islamic Justice Abdul Karim Khasawneh and several ministers, senators, deputies and senior officials attended the ceremony.

On the occasion of the Prophet’s birthday, King Abdullah and the Crown Prince received cables of congratulations from leaders of Arab and Muslim countries and senior officials.

The Prophet’s birthday, marked on Rabi I 12 on the Islamic lunar calendar, 570AD Gregorian calendar.