Rabi ul Awal is the 3rd month in the Islamic Calendar, also known as Hijri Calendar.
In Arabic, the word “rabbi” means spring while “al awwal” means the first. Hence Rabbi ul Awwal as a whole translates into 'The First Spring'.
Rabi ul Awal is the most significant month in Islamic history, because humanity has been blessed in this month by the birth of the Holy Prophet Mohammad (S.A.W.), which is the most significant and the most remarkable event in human history. So, this month is known as the month of birth of our beloved Prophet (S.A.W.).
Before the Prophet Mohammad (S.A.W.) was born, people were living in a state of ignorance and darkness. They worshiped different deities. They were deviating from the path of Allah. As the Prophet (S.A.W.) was born, he brought with him the Message of Truth, the Message of Allah, and His Oneness. This message led the people toward the path of enlightenment, helping them distinguish between right and wrong.
One of the most important merits of our Prophet (S.A.W.) is that he is the last of all Prophets (A.S.) and no Prophet will come after him. Mohammad (S.A.W.) will remain the Prophet for all mankind till the end of days. As Allah says in Quran:
(Surah Ahzab 33:40)
The Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W.) is the epitome of perfection. He is the role model chosen for us by Allah and we are to follow his Sunnah to lead an ideal lifestyle that is not only defined to us by religion but is beneficial for all mankind if we were to follow it. Allah Says in the Quran:
(Surah Ahzab 33:21)
Without any doubt, the life of the Prophet (S.A.W.) is the most important source of guidance for all Muslims and the Prophet (S.A.W.) is a mercy not only upon us but all worlds and creations of Allah. As Allah Says in the Quran:
(Surah Anbiya 21:107)
So every Muslim should learn and follow the practical examples set by him in every aspect of life.
Learn about “Prophet’s Sunnah to follow in Daily Life”
Life of Prophet (S.A.W.)
Follow is a brief timeline of the Holy Prophet (S.A.W.):
YEAR
EVENT
570
Prophet Mohammad (S.A.W.) was born in this year.
576
Death of Amina, mother of Prophet (S.A.W.)
578
1- Death of Abdul Muttalib, grandfather of Prophet (S.A.W.).
2- The Prophet’s uncle Abu Talib became his guardian.
595
Prophet (S.A.W.) married Khadijah bint Khuwaylid (R.A.).
610
First revelation in the cave of Mount Hira (first five verses of Surah Al-Alaq: 96)
613
Prophet (S.A.W.) started preaching Islam.
616
Muslims First immigration to Abyssinia.
617
1- Muslims Second immigration to Abyssinia
2- Hamza (R.A.) and Umar (R.A.) became Muslims.
3- Nonbelievers boycotted the Muslims.
620
1- Boycott on Muslims was lifted.
2- Prophet’s (S.A.W.) uncle Abu Talib died.
3- Prophet’s (S.A.W.) first wife Khadija (R.A.) died.
4- Prophet’s (S.A.W.) journey of Isra and Miraj and ordination of five daily prayers.
621
First allegiance at Aqaba
622
1- Second allegiance at Aqaba.
2- Muslims started migration to Madinah.
3- Prophet’s (S.A.W.) migration to Madinah.
4- Masjid al-Quba established (first mosque of Islamic history).
5- Brotherhood (treaty with Jews).
623
Qibla changed from Masjid Al-Aqsa to Masjid Al-Haram (Kaaba).
624
1- The first battle of Islam; the Battle of Badr took place.
2- Obligation of Ramadan Fasting.
3- Death of Prophet’s (S.A.W.) daughter Ruqiyyah (R.A.).
4- The first Eid ul Fitr and Eid Al Adha were celebrated by Muslims.
625
Battle of Uhud.
627
Battle of Trench.
628
1- Treaty of Hudabiah.
2- The Prophet (S.A.W.) sent letters to kings of foreign countries and invited them to accept Islam.
3- Battle of Khaybar.
630
1- Conquest of Makkah.
2- Prophet (S.A.W.) performed Umrah.
3- Tabuk expedition.
631
Prophet (S.A.W.) performed a Farewell Pilgrimage (Hajj).
632
Prophet (S.A.W.) passed away and was buried in Madinah.
Most Muslims believe that the Holy Prophet (S.A.W.) was born in the month of Rabi ul Awal, although there is no consensus on the actual date.
In some parts of Europe, the USA, Canada, South East Asia, India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh, most Muslims celebrate 12 Rabi ul Awal as the birthday of the Prophet (S.A.W.) and call this day ‘Eid Milad un Nabi’. They celebrate ‘Eid Milad un Nabi’ with much fervor and enthusiasm. They celebrate this day by holding ‘Milad’ (praising of Prophet S.A.W. by a poet), holding processions, exchanging gifts, illuminating mosques, and other such activities.
In the Middle East and other surrounding countries, Muslims do not celebrate this event neither on 12 Rabi ul Awal nor any other day of this month because the Prophet (S.A.W.) or his Companions (R.A.) have never celebrated the birthday of the Prophet (S.A.W.) or any other Prophet (A.S.).
So, some Muslims celebrate the event of Milad un Nabi and some Muslims do not celebrate this day.
What is really important for all Muslims is to follow the teachings of the Holy Prophet (S.A.W.) and live our lives according to his Sunnah. This requires constant and consistent efforts from all Muslims.
May Allah direct us all to the blessings of the Glorious Quran and the Sunnah of His Messenger (S.A.W.).
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