The final gathering took place in Mikocheni near Dar es Salaam, drawing together people of all ages to celebrate the birth and teachings of the Prophet Muhammad. These annual festivities aim to reinforce a sense of community and devotion among Tanzanian Muslims, who make up fifty percent of the nation’s population and hold deep spiritual and religious values.

In Tanzania, the Mawlid Al Nabi holds a unique place in the cultural calendar. In addition to a government-declared holiday for a week, locals expand this observance over an entire month, hosting celebrations in a new region each week. Tanzanians see this period as a time for reflection, gratitude, and connection to the life of the Prophet, bringing together thousands to strengthen their faith through communal activities.

The Orphans Foundation’s involvement in these celebrations extended beyond organizing events; it was rooted in providing direct support to those in need. Over the course of the month, the Foundation held events in multiple areas, including Mtoni, Kinondoni, and finally in Mikocheni. Their work focused on distributing sacrificial meat to impoverished families, gifting Qur’ans to madrasa students, and uplifting orphans—actions that helped bring a festive spirit to underserved communities. These contributions were made on behalf of donors, creating a bridge between generous individuals and the people of Tanzania.

The Foundation’s events involved collaborative efforts with local residents to set up platforms in each region, creating spaces where people could gather, sing hymns, and share stories of the Prophet’s life and values. Hundreds participated in these gatherings, moved by speeches and activities that aimed to foster a lasting spiritual bond. As a highlight, the Mikocheni celebration featured prayers, song, and community meals, transforming the area into a vibrant center of devotion and joy.

Abdulvahap Kaplan, the Orphans Foundation’s representative in Tanzania, shared insights into the Foundation’s purpose for these events. Emphasizing the importance of these gatherings, Kaplan expressed his desire to instill a lasting love and understanding of the Prophet’s life within Tanzanian hearts. “Our goal is to engrain the Prophet’s life and values in the hearts of our Tanzanian brothers and sisters through these hymns, speeches, and gatherings. This is an opportunity to bring our communities closer and deepen our ties,” Kaplan said.

The Tanzanian government’s recognition of the holiday and the community’s eagerness to celebrate further reflect the significance of Mawlid Al Nabi within the nation. The country’s strong connection to these events provides a meaningful backdrop for the Foundation’s mission. “In this country, Mawlid Al Nabi is celebrated with incredible warmth and spirit. While many of our brothers and sisters live in material poverty, their commitment to their faith and values remains strong. They are immensely attached to their traditions, and it’s truly inspiring to witness,” Kaplan observed.

The Orphans Foundation ensured that each Mawlid Al Nabi gathering provided participants with adequate food and refreshments. Events were structured to last 24 hours, allowing attendees to fully immerse themselves in the activities, prayers, and reflections. Meals were served periodically, ensuring that no one was excluded from the spiritual and physical sustenance offered during the gatherings. According to Kaplan, this approach contributed significantly to the festive atmosphere and helped people to focus on the spiritual significance of the day.

Reflecting on the past month, Kaplan acknowledged the success of each event and the experience gained. Each successive gathering allowed the Foundation to improve its organization and broaden its outreach. Kaplan’s vision for future events includes expanding their scope to serve even more regions and families, inspired by the love and devotion shown by the Tanzanian Muslim community. "As we look ahead, we are committed to creating more impactful and beautiful events in the future, continuing to strengthen the bonds we’ve built here,” he stated.

With plans to build on the success of this year’s Mawlid celebrations, the Orphans Foundation aims to deepen its relationship with Tanzanian communities, promoting spiritual growth, unity, and resilience. Through its continued dedication to both religious and humanitarian work, the Foundation remains a vital part of the Tanzanian community, helping people to remember and celebrate their faith in meaningful, heartfelt ways. (ILKHA)