The Celebration of the Prophet Muhammad's Birthday in the Djérid Region
In the Djérid region, as in all parts of Tunisia, the celebration of the Prophet Muhammad's birthday (peace and blessings be upon him) goes beyond the religious framework to become a true festival of memory and transmission. Between spiritual fervor, culinary traditions, and outpourings of generosity, this ancestral event continues to unite generations and strengthen social bonds around an unchanging heritage.
A Moment of Great Spiritual and Social Intensity
In the Djérid region, the celebration of the Prophet Muhammad's birthday (peace and blessings be upon him) remains a moment of great spiritual and social intensity. More than just a religious holiday, it is a deeply rooted tradition in the collective memory, passed down from generation to generation.
Early Preparations
The inhabitants of the Djérid region begin preparing for the birthday celebration well in advance. Families ensure that everything is ready: houses are cleaned, decorated, and illuminated, provisions are gathered, and especially, the preparation of the traditional dish, assida, a symbol of blessing and conviviality. Markets come alive, and the aromas of spices mingle with sweet fragrances, announcing the approach of the festival.
Assida and Rituals of Generosity
Assida occupies a central place in the celebrations. Each household strives to prepare this traditional dish, transmitted as a culinary and spiritual heritage. It is often shared with neighbors, loved ones, and those in need, in a spirit of solidarity and hospitality.
Beyond the Meal
The birthday celebration is also marked by prayer vigils, recitation of the Quran, and religious songs that fill mosques and homes with an atmosphere of fervor and serenity.
Testimonies and Living Memory
The elderly in Tozeur retain vivid memories of these celebrations. Sidi Ahmed (72 years old), for example, recalls the vigils of his childhood, when families gathered around the mosque to pray, sing, and share moments of fraternity. These testimonies reveal how the birthday celebration has remained a festival where piety and hospitality converge, in a unique blend of devotion and conviviality.
A Festival that Unites Generations
The birthday celebration is not just a religious commemoration, but a living memory. It connects generations, preserves the values of solidarity, and nourishes collective identity. Each year, it continues to remind the inhabitants of their attachment to the faith and the memory of the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him).
A Timeless Tradition
Thus, in the Djérid region, as elsewhere in Tunisia, the birthday celebration remains a pillar of spiritual and social life: a timeless tradition where piety blends with generosity, and the memory of the Prophet continues to unite hearts across the ages.
