Rabi ul Awal is the third month of the Islamic lunar calendar and therefore dear to Muslims everywhere. It is the month during which the adored Prophet Muhammad ﷺ was born – an occurrence that marked a turning moment in the history of Humanity and illuminated the world with the wisdom of the supreme guide. More than a season of merry making, Rabi’ al-Awal is a season of reflection and renewal of attitudes of faith and love for the final messenger ﷺ.
The Birth of the Prophet ﷺ: A Turning Point for Humanity
The 12th of Rabi’ al-Awwal is, in most cases, believed to be the time of birth of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ. His birth was not one of the usual historical events; it fulfilled Allah’s mercy. As the Qur’an declares:
وَمَا أَرْسَلْنَاكَ إِلَّا رَحْمَةً لِّلْعَالَمِينَ
(Surah Al-Anbiya, 21:107)
And We have not sent you [O Muhammad] except as a mercy to the worlds.
The world was invaded with darkness from the moral, spiritual, and social aspects ﷺ revealed. His mission was to uplift humans around the light of tawheed (monotheism), justice, compassion and righteousness.
A Time for Reflection: Reviving the Sunnah
Rabi’ al-Awwal is not only a time of celebration, but a time for reflection upon how close to the Prophet’s ﷺ teachings our lives are. Allah commands in the Qur’an:
مَا كَانَ لَكُمْ فِي رَسُولِ اللَّهِ أُسْوَةً حَسَنَةً لِّمَن كَانَ يَرْجُو اللَّهَ وَالْيَوْمَ الْآخِرَ وَذَكَرَ اللَّهَ كَثِيرًا.
(Surah Al-Ahzab, 33:21)
“In the Messenger of Allah, you have a good example to follow for the man who believes in Allah and the Last Day and keeps his word with the People”. (GH 33:21).
Gazing upon the Prophet’s ﷺ character and dealings with others, and his worship brings back our faith. It boosts our understanding and love for him to read his biography this month.
The Prophet ﷺ said:
إِنَّمَا بُعِثْتُ لِأُتَمِّمَ مَكَارِمَ الْأَخْلَاقِ
(Musnad Ahmad)
The only thing I was drafted for was to perfect the noble character.
Celebrating with Purpose and Knowledge
Though his birthday was not specified by the Prophet ﷺ with certain acts, it was still understood as something important. He answered when queried about his practice of fasting on Mondays, said:
ذَلِكَ يَوْمٌ وُلِدْتُ فِيهِ، وَأُنْزِلَ عَلَيَّ فِيهِ
(Sahih Muslim, Hadith 1162)
“That is the day I was born and the day revelation was sent to me.”
This is an indication of the Prophet ﷺ realizing the day of his birth as a day to be most celebrated and grateful for. Therefore, encouraged to celebrate Rabi’ al-Awwal by worship, charity and learning, provided it conforms to the Shari’ah.
Reviving the Message: Action Points for the Ummah
Let this month be a practical call to action. Perhaps, there are a few ways to commemorate the Prophet ﷺ when Rabi’ al-Awwal takes place:
- Study the Seerah: Get together, or attend events where the life of the Prophet ﷺ is studied and contemplated.
- Improve Character: Sent to perfect good manners, look to yourself and improve your behaviour.
- Increase in Worship: Pray more; fast more; recite more Qur’an.
- Serve Others: To Humanity, ﷺ was a servant. Emulate his life through acts of kindness.
- Teach the Youth: Share the stories of the Prophet ﷺ with children and youth to deepen their relationship with him.
Final Thoughts
Rabi al-Awwal is a month that beckons us not only to celebrate our Prophet’s ﷺ birthday, but to introspect over his life and mission. His true love is not simply in words but in actions, in that we follow his sunnah, defend his honor through doing what is in our character, and impose his message of peace and justice upon everything we do.
As the Prophet ﷺ said:
خَيْرُكُمْ أَحْسَنُكُمْ خُلُقًا
(Sahih al-Bukhari, Hadith 6029)The best of you are the ones with the best character.
May this month of Rabi’ al-Awwal enumerate a phase of enlightenment, transformation and devotion that the hearts soften and lives are transformed through the remembrance of the Prophet ﷺ.
1. How important is Rabi’ al-Awwal in Islam?
It is important for Rabi’ al-Awwal, because it is the month of the birth of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ. The coming of mercy to all worlds occurred on the day of his birth, as mentioned in the Qur’an.
وَمَا أَرْسَلْنَاكَ إِلَّا رَحْمَةً لِّلْعَالَمِينَ (Surah Al-Anbiya, 21:107).
And we have not sent you except as a mercy for all the people (Surah Al-Anbiya, 21:107).
2. Is it permissible to celebrate the Prophet’s ﷺ birthday (Mawlid) in Islam?
Celebrating Mawlid varies among scholars. Even though there is no particular ritual to follow, many scholars say that during this time, thinking about the life of the Prophet, worship, and reading of the Acts of the Prophet (seerah) is advisable and admirable as long as one does not exceed the ambit of the Shari’ah.
3. What did the Prophet ﷺ say of his birth?
The Prophet (PBUH) was conscious of being born. When asked why he wept on the days of the fast of Mondays, he replied: That was the day I was born and let fall there. That was the day I was born and sent down into it.
ذَلِكَ يَوْمٌ وُلِدْتُ فِيهِ، وَأُنْزِلَ عَلَيَّ فِيهِ
That is the day I was born and the day Revelation was revealed unto me. (Sahih Muslim, 1162).
4. How can we honor the Prophet ﷺ during Rabi’ al-Awwal?
You can honor him by:
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Studying his seerah
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Reviving his sunnah
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Increasing your acts of worship
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Serving others
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Teaching children about his life and character
5. What are some recommended acts during this month?
Recommended acts include:
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Voluntary fasting (especially on Mondays)
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Extra prayers (nawafil)
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Sincere reflection and repentance
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Giving charity
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Spreading knowledge of the Prophet’s life