Mawlid refers to the "Birth" of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), celebrated by many Muslims on the 12th of Rabi' al-Awwal. It is a time for reciting the Sirah (biography), sending Salawat, and feeding the poor. While its celebration is a subject of scholarly debate (with some seeing it as a good innovation and others as a Bid'ah), for those who observe it, it is an expression of deep love and gratitude for the Messenger of Allah.