The Sufi Meditation Center proudly hosted its 12th Annual Grand Mawlid un Nabi (saw) on Friday evening at Riverside Banquet Hall, uniting nearly 900 men, women, and children from across the Lower Mainland to celebrate the blessed birth of the Prophet Muhammad (saw). What unfolded was an unforgettable evening filled with reverence, spiritual beauty, and a profound sense of community.
The celebration began with the arrival of Sayyadi Mawlana Shaykh Nurjan Mirahmadi (saw), warmly welcomed by attendees in a parade-like procession. The hall came alive with the traditional recitation of Ṭalʿa al-Badru ʿAlaynā and Min Sanī ʿĀt al-Wadāʿ, songs that historically commemorate the Prophet’s arrival in Madinah. Children, dressed in traditional attire, joyfully played the duff (frame drum), a Sunnah instrument, adding to the uplifting and festive spirit.
Following this moving introduction, the congregation joined together in Maghrib prayer, a reminder that the celebration of the Prophet (saw) begins and ends with devotion to God. The atmosphere inside the Riverside Banquet Hall was nothing short of electric. Families, elders, and youth alike came together with hearts brimming with love for the Prophet (saw).
The program featured:
Recitation of the Holy Qur’an by skilled reciters Arabic and Urdu Naats and Nasheeds, passionately delivered in praise of the Prophet (saw)An ambience of unity and respect that reinforced the timeless bond of devotion between Muslims and their Beloved Messenger (saw). The size of the gathering reflected not only the growth of the Sufi Meditation Center’s annual event but also the growing desire within Vancouver’s Muslim community to come together in spiritual celebration.
The highlight of the evening was the keynote lecture by Mawlana Shaykh Nurjan Mirahmadi, who delivered an inspiring message on the essence of true love for the Prophet (saw). His words emphasized that love must go beyond words and emotions, manifesting in khidmat — service to humanity, good character, and living by the example of the Prophet (saw).
In a groundbreaking announcement, Shaykh Nurjan also introduced the work of Mystic Records, a new initiative designed to share the love of the Prophet (saw) through English-language Nasheeds across modern musical genres such as Reggae, Country, R&B, Pop, Latin, and Rock.
Since its launch in Ramadan, Mystic Records has already released nearly 100 spiritually inspired tracks, reaching millions of listeners globally. Many of these listeners had never before encountered the depth and beauty of Islamic spirituality, making the project a historic step in cultural and spiritual outreach. The initiative is already making waves in Jamaica, where renowned Reggae artist Bilal Reggae has begun producing Nasheeds.
His soulful voice and heartfelt lyrics are opening hearts in the Caribbean, demonstrating how love for the Prophet (saw)can transcend languages, genres, and borders.
One of the most moving and cherished moments of the night was the exhibition of holy relics connected to Islamic history and tradition. Attendees were given the rare opportunity to witness and pay respects to:
A strand of the Prophet Muhammad’s (saw)blessed hair. The Kiswa (covering) of the Prophet’s (saw)tomb in Madinah
The Kiswa of the Holy Kahbah in Makkah
A turban cloth piece belonging to Imam Hussain (AS), the beloved grandson of the Prophet(saw).
In addition, Shaykh Nurjan shared a rare and sacred fragrance (Attar) from within the Prophet’s (saw)resting place in Madinah. This gift, given personally to him by Shaykh Noori, custodian of the holy chamber, during a previous Umrah, enveloped the hall with a spiritual fragrance that left attendees deeply touched.
The event was not only a spiritual celebration but also an acknowledgment of the contributions of community members. Mawlana Shaykh Nurjan presented plaques of appreciation to dedicated volunteers, sponsors, and leaders who helped make the event possible.
The evening concluded with a grand dinner and desserts, offering a chance for families to gather, share, and celebrate in unity. Many attendees expressed that they left the hall with their hearts uplifted, carrying with them both spiritual inspiration and cherished memories.
Now in its twelfth year, the Grand Mawlid un Nabi(saw)has grown into one of the most anticipated annual events in Vancouver’s Muslim community. Organized under the guidance of Mawlana Shaykh Nurjan Mirahmadi, the gathering continues to honor the timeless love of the Prophet (saw), blending traditional expressions of devotion with modern outreach initiatives such as Mystic Records.
Through the efforts of the Sufi Meditation Center, the event serves not only as a local celebration but also as part of a wider mission — to spread the love, mercy, and teachings of the Prophet Muhammad (saw) to audiences across the world.
Reported By: Zeshan Ahmad
