Iraqis defy security threats to celebrate Prophet's birthday

Thousands of Iraqis gathered in Baghdad's Adhamiyah district on Wednesday to celebrate the birth of Prophet Muhammad undeterred by the unstable security situation in the capital and the major military operations in the west of the country.

Iraqis from various parts of the country gathered at the Abu Hanifa Mosque, which holds the capital's central celebration on the occasion that falls a few days from Christmas this year.

"This year we decided that displaced people should be included in the majority of our celebrations," said Waqqas Adnan Hamed, an official at Iraq's Sunni Endowment, referring to families who were displaced from areas seized by the Islamic State group (IS).

"We have set up celebrations in a number of refugee camps around Baghdad, in addition to celebrations in Amiriyat al-Fallujah and in Kurdistan province," added Hamed.

The birthday of the Prophet represents the hope through which Iraqis can be united and avoid despicable sectarianism

"The birthday of the Prophet represents the hope through which Iraqis can be united and avoid despicable sectarianism," said Hamed about the importance of the occasion.

Um Mohammad, a 58-year-old Adhamiyah resident told The New Arab that her father used to take her to the celebrations at the Abu Hanifa Mosque as a child and that now she continues the tradition as an adult.

"I buy all the supplies necessary and cook food and sweets to share with my relatives and neighbours at a feast we hold in the Abu Hanifa Mosque," said Um Muhammad.

Security forces had deployed a large number of troops around Adhamiyah to protect visitors against possible attacks.

"We have taken the necessary measures to protect against any incident that might affect the celebrations," said Ahmad Talib, a police officer deployed in Adhamiyah.

The Iraqi government had announced Wednesday a public holiday in celebration of the birth of the Prophet, while the Baghdad's municipality put on a public fireworks display in al-Zawraa park to mark the occasion.

"Baghdad's skies were lit up by fireworks in celebration of the birth of the Holy Prophet, the Christmas celebrations and the victories achieved by our armed forces," said a statement released by the municipality.

Many Iraqis also took to social media to post pictures of Baghdad's celebrations.