June 9, 2001
Source: Los Angeles Times
On June 9, 2001, the Los Angeles Times reported on how Muslims worldwide celebrate the birth of the prophet Muhammed. At Momin Lodge in Torrance, California, 1,500 Muslims celebrated his birthday by singing praises to Muhammad and sharing a communal meal. To Muslims in Culver City, however, "ignoring the prophet's birthday represents [their] expression of devotion and love...The diverse approaches in the Southland this week reflect a debate that has raged for centuries within Islam" over whether to celebrate the prophet's birthday. "In part, the growing embrace of birthday celebrations in the United States is driven by brisk immigration of Muslims from all parts of the world."