Mawlid, or Milad, marks the birth of Muhammed in the year 570 of our calendar. Sunni Muslims observe the Prophet's birthday on the 12th day of the Islamic month of Rabi' al-awwal, while Shi'a Muslims mark it on the 17th of this month. Many Muslims do not participate in celebrations but they may mark the occasion by spending more time reading the Qur'an.