مَولِد النَّبِي‎

On this Mawlid al-Nabi, Muslims here in Oman and around the world are celebrating the birthday of the Prophet Muhammad with a wide-range of rituals and celebrations — from prayer and poetry to singing and whirling. Here are some devotional verses from a 15th century Mawlid poem written in Ottoman Turkish by Suleyman Chelebi:

Mawlid in Oman

Welcome, O high prince, we welcome you!
Welcome, O mine of wisdom, we welcome you!
Welcome, O secret of the Book, we welcome you!
Welcome, O medicine for pain, we welcome you!
Welcome, O sunlight and moonlight of God!
Welcome, O you not separated from God!
Welcome, O nightingale of the Garden of Beauty!
Welcome, O friend of the Lord of Power!
Welcome, O refuge of your community!
Welcome, O helper of the poor and destitute!
Welcome, O eternal soul, we welcome you!
Welcome, O cupbearer of the lovers, we welcome you!
Welcome, O darling of the Beloved!
Welcome, O much beloved of the Lord!
Welcome, O Mercy for the worlds!