In pictures: Palestinians commemorate Prophet Muhammad's birthday in Nablus

Thousands of Palestinians in the occupied West Bank city of Nablus commemorated the birthday of the Prophet Muhammad on Tuesday, known as Mawlid al-Nabi in Arabic. The festivities take place every year, when Muslims use the occasion to reflect on the teachings of the prophet and celebrate his life.

Although not celebrated by all Muslims, the occasion is important for those who observe it because of the Prophet Muhammad's significance in Islam, particularly as Muslims believe that the Quran was revealed to him (MEE/All photos by Shatha Hammad).

In the days leading up to the occasion, groups of young people gather together to clean and decorate the streets, in anticipation of the crowds expected to parade in the streets and mark the occasion.

Colourful bunting and ribbons are hung between buildings, and wreaths and banners adorn the Old City. Young children dress up in traditional clothing and carry baskets of sweets which they distribute to passersby, in an effort to spread joy and learn about the importance of kindness to others.

Sweets are central to the celebration. Nablus is a city renowned for its sweet treats, with Knafa, a cheese-filled filo dessert, being one of the most popular made for the occasion.

Other favourites include Zalabya, a fried doughnut drenched in syrup, as well as different variations of baklawa and stuffed sweet pastries. During the celebration, bakeries also increase the amount of bread and baked goods they have on offer. 

Locals can be seen offering passersby and those who come out to celebrate Mawlid with sweet treats, dates, water and coffee. Often, shopkeepers and business owners will leave boxes of sweets outside their storefronts for anyone walking by. The sound of chants praising the prophet reverberate through the city.

Parades are a key way in which Mawlid is celebrated. This year, the Sufi group, Iddat al-Shaykh Nazmi, marched down the streets into the Old City, banging on their drums and chanting the prophet's name, along with his praise.

Thousands of people join in the parade, or watch from the sidelines and take part in the chanting. 

Following afternoon prayers, Muslims in the city gather and take part in cultural songs which celebrate the prophet as well as the city of Nablus and its people. Onlookers watch the performances from the rooftops nearby.

Although many use the celebration as an opportunity to reflect and reconnect with their faith, it is also an opportunity for fun, shopping and spending time with family and friends.

The festival also serves as an economic boost for the city, with many people supporting local businesses, and shop owners selling traditional sweets made especially for the occasion.