Two dates, one Prophet
Sunni tradition places the birth of the Prophet (s) on 12 Rabi al-Awwal; the Shia, following al-Mufid, al-Tusi and al-Majlisi, celebrate it on the 17th. Rather than let the difference divide the community, the days between the two were declared a Week of Unity between the schools, so that both dates are honoured and the six days become a single season of celebration.
Origins
The idea was first put into practice in 1978 in Sistan and Baluchestan, a province with a large Sunni population, and was formally proclaimed in November 1981 by Imam Khomeini on the suggestion of Ayatollah Montazeri. Since then the week has been observed with joint prayers, lectures and conferences in Iran and in Shia communities elsewhere; the International Islamic Unity Conference in Tehran is its best-known event.
How to keep it
The week opens on the 12th with the Sunni Mawlid and closes on the 17th with the Shia one; the days between are given to talks on the life of the Prophet (s) and to hospitality across the two schools.
Written for Shia Online Community. Dates and facts are checked against the references listed under Research & books; where the tradition records more than one date, all are given.
