Members of the Vanua Levu Muslim League in Labasa yesterday celebrated Christmas and Prophet Muhammad’s birthday.

It is the first time members celebrate the two annual religious events together.

League president Bashir Khan said the event was special because it fell on Jummah.

Jummah, also known as Friday prayer, is a congregational prayer (salaat) that Muslims hold every Friday around noon. It is mentioned in the Quran as: “O you who believe.” – Wikipedia.

“This year is very special as we celebrated Prophet Muhammad’s birthday, and Jesus’ birthday on Jummah,” Mr Khan said.

The chief guest was scholar, Barrister in High Court of England and Wales, and founder and principal of Suyuti Institute of Learning Sheikh Zain-ul-Aqtab Siddiqi.

He told those who attended the celebration that Prophet Muhammad and Jesus are highly regarded in the Quran.

“Both are prophets of God sent to this earth and both lived to serve God and people,” Mr Siddiqi said.

“Historically, we encounter reports of miraculous events before and upon the birth of both prophets. Both religious leaders are said to have performed miracles during their lives and we greatly respect and revere them.

“They were created in such a way that it is still talked about from generation to generation.

“My message to the people is to live according to God’s term and not according to their own terms. We live in a most advanced technological life. I hope people take their time to analyse and understand the beautiful life of these two prophets and take heed of their life lessons.

“We have very less time to live in this world,” he said.