Today is the beginning of the holy month of Ramadan in Islam.  This is the 9th month on the Islamic calendar. 

The month is spent on commemorating Muhammad's reception of the

Laylat al-Bara'ah, or "Night of Forgiveness", is observed by holding a vigil throughout the night.

Followers meet at the local mosque to

This day, one of the most important events in the history of Islam, commemorates the Prophet Muhammad's nighttime journey from Mecca to the 'Farthest Mosque' in Jerusalem where he ascended to heaven, was purified, and given the instruction for Muslims to pray five times daily. 

The Prophet Muhammad was at the Kabaa in Mecca when he was

Mawlid al-Nabi is the birthday of the Prophet Muhammad, the founder of Islam, on the 12th day of the month of Rabi al-Awwal in the Muslim calendar.  The day was first observed around the thirteenth century.  It used to be preceded by a month of celebration.  The activities on the actual day included a sermon, recitation of litanies, honouring of religious dignitaries, gift giving, and a feast. The festival is celebrated in many countries today. There are some conservative sects (e.g., the Wahhabiyah) that consider the celebration to be idolatrous.