Millions in Yemen Mark Prophet’s Birthday in Unprecedented Mass Rallies

Millions of Yemenis poured into streets and public squares across free provinces on Thursday to mark the birth anniversary of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him and his family), in what observers described as one of the largest religious gatherings in the world.

From Sana’a to Sa’adah, Hodeidah, Ibb, Hajjah, Amran, Taiz, Marib, Dhamar, Al-Baidha, and other provinces, vast human waves filled designated squares in scenes awash with green lights and banners. The crowds — men, women, children, and entire families — gathered to reaffirm their devotion to the Prophet and renew their commitment to his message of faith, sacrifice, and justice.

Participants carried signs and chanted slogans expressing loyalty to Islam’s Messenger and rejection of tyranny, including condemnation of US and Israeli policies in the region. Armed tribesmen joined unarmed civilians in chants of solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza, vowing continued support until the end of Israeli aggression.

In Sa’adah, the central square overflowed with crowds arriving from all districts of the province. Similar unprecedented turnouts were reported in Hajjah, Amran, Marib, and Dhamar, where rallies also included Quranic recitations, religious chants, and speeches emphasizing steadfastness and unity.

Women’s rallies were also held in multiple provinces, with thousands of participants expressing joy at the Prophet’s birth and pledging continued support for oppressed peoples across the region.

The mass rallies culminated with a televised address by Sayyed Abdulmalik Badr al-Din al-Houthi, leader of the revolution, who stressed the religious and strategic significance of commemorating the Prophet’s birthday.

The anniversary of the Prophet’s birth, observed annually on the 12th of Rabi’ al-Awwal in the Islamic calendar, has become a defining moment in Yemen’s social and political life. In recent years, the event has grown into a massive demonstration of faith and resistance, with millions attending despite ongoing war, blockade, and economic hardship.

This year’s commemoration coincided with intensified regional tensions, including continued Israeli aggression on Gaza and heightened US-Israeli pressure on Yemen over its Red Sea operations. For many participants, the celebrations symbolized both spiritual renewal and political defiance.