4420204Notes on Muhammadanism — Chapter XXXV: Ba′ra Wafa′tThomas Patrick Hughes

XXXV.—BA′RA WAFA′T.[1]

The Bára Wafát (i. e. Bára, "twelve," and Wafát, "death") is the twelfth day of the month, Rabí-ul-Awwal. It is observed in commemoration of Muhammad's death.

On this day, Fátihahs (i. e. the first chapter of the Qurán), are said for Muhammad; and both in private houses and in the mosques, the learned recite portions of the Traditions and other works in praise of the excellences of Muhammad. These customs are usually observed for the whole twelve days, although the twelfth day is held most sacred.

The Wahhábís do not observe the Bára Wafát, as its observance is not enjoined in the Qurán or Hadís.


  1. The Hindustani name of the day, there being no special title for the day in Persian or Arabic.