ERBIL, Kurdistan Region of Iraq - The Kurdistan Region’s top leaders on Thursday sent out congratulatory messages on the occasion of Prophet Muhammed’s birthday.

Kurdistan Region Prime Minister Masrour Barzani congratulated Muslims in Kurdistan and around the world on the occasion of the Islamic prophet’s birthday, hoping it would be “an opportunity to further strengthen the high values ​​and principles of humanity and promote peace, unity, coexistence, justice.”

Kurdistan Region President Nechirvan Barzani similarly published a message on Thursday congratulating “all Muslims in Kurdistan, Iraq, and the world” on the occasion.

“We ask God Almighty on the birthday of the Prophet (peace be upon him) that the message of peace, humanity, and goodness engulfs the Muslim community and humanity and guide us all,” read the message from the Kurdistan Region president.

Former Kurdistan Region President and Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP) leader Masoud Barzani also extended a congratulatory message on Wednesday.

“We ask God to open the door of His mercy and blessings to the Kurdish people and all the people of the region,” said the Kurdish leader, praying that the occasion “brings an end to war, misery, and suffering of nations and peace, justice, and coexistence spread over [Kurdistan] Region and the entire world.”

Millions of Muslims around the world annually mark Prophet Muhammed’s birthday, also titled “Mawlid al-Nabi,” on the 12^th day of the Rabi' al-Awwal month on the Islamic calendar.

Muzaffar al-Din Kokburi, the powerful governor of Erbil in late 12^th and early 13^th centuries, is widely believed to have organized the first official, state-sponsored public celebration of Mawlid al-Nabi in around 1207 CE.

This tradition has continued in Kurdistan for centuries. People in Erbil gather yearly near the historic citadel, chanting religious hymns and Nasheeds, giving out sweets on the streets, and reading the Quran and attending services in the mosques.

Erbil Governor Omed Khoshnaw on Wednesday stated: “The birthday of the Prophet (pbuh) has become an important part of the history and culture of Erbil and Kurdistan. We will continue to preserve this beautiful identity of our city.”

Reporting by Hevi Karam