The Baptism of the Prophet is observed in Mali, seven days after the birthday of Prophet Muhammad, known as Mawlid. This public holiday celebrates traditional Islamic birth rites that have pre-Islamic origins, particularly focusing on customs performed on the seventh day after a child’s birth. Typical practices include shaving the baby’s head, weighing the hair, and donating an equivalent weight in money to charity. Additionally, some families may perform aqiqah, a voluntary ritual sacrifice of animals, and male circumcision, which varies in timing among different Muslim communities. While the term “baptism” is used, it metaphorically refers to these initiation ceremonies rather than any Christian rite. The holiday reflects the unique cultural traditions of Mali, a predominantly Muslim country, despite its secular constitution.