THE MONTH OF RABI AL AWWAL
Rabi ul Awal is the 3rd month in Islamic Calendar, also known as the 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 the Islamic history, because humanity was 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.).
THE MONTH OF PROPHET’S (S.A.W.) BIRTH
There are mixed beliefs on how one observes Muhammed’s birthday. Some people see the Prophet’s birthday as an event worthy of praise. Others view the celebration of birthdays as contradictory to Islamic law. Both sides cite the Hadith (narrations originating from the words and deeds of the Prophet Muhammed) and events from Muhammed’s life to support their views.
Rabi’-ul-Awwal is one of the most significant months in Islamic history, because humanity was blessed by the birth of the Prophet (saw) during this month. He (saw) would eventually lead the world, beginning with the Arabs, Persians and Romans, from the darkness of ignorance and oppression into the light of Tawhid, and true justice and peace. His birth was ‘a mercy to the worlds’ (Qur’an, 21:107), and Allah chose Rabi’-ul-Awwal to illuminate us with this mercy.
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:
“…. He (S.A.W.) is the Messenger of Allah and the last (end) of the Prophets. And Allah is Ever AllAware of everything.” (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 in order to lead an ideal lifestyle which is not only defined to us by religion but is in fact beneficial for all mankind if we were to follow it. Allah Says in Quran:
“Indeed in the Messenger of Allah (Muhammad S.A.W.) you have a good example to follow for him who hopes in (the Meeting with) Allah and the Last Day and remembers Allah much.” (Surah Ahzab 33:21)
Without any doubt, life of the Prophet (S.A.W.) is the most important source of guidance for all the 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 Quran:
“And We have sent you (O Muhammad S.A.W.) not but as a mercy for the ‘Alamin (mankind, jinns and all that exists).”
(Surah Anbiya 21:107)
So every Muslim should learn and study the events of Prophet’s (S.A.W.) life and to follow the practical example set by him in every aspect of life.
The life of the Prophet(s.a.w) from his birth to the last day is well documented on our website Here. This is a good place to learn all about the Prophet’s(s.a.w) life and the impact he had on humanity.
The Last Khutbah (Sermon) Of Prophet Muhammad (Saw)
Prophet Muhammad (SAWS) delivered his last khutbah on the ninth of Dhul Hijjah, which is the last month of the Islamic year. The incident commenced 10 years after Hijrah (A.H.), migration from Makkah to Madinah, in the Uranah Valley of mount Arafat. The words he spoke were coherent and concise; addressed to the whole humanity.
After praising, and thanking Allah (SWT), Prophet Muhammad (SAW) said:
“O People, lend me an attentive ear, for I know not whether after this year, I shall ever be amongst you again. Therefore, listen to what I am saying to you very carefully and take these words to those who could not be present here today.
O People, just as you regard this month, this day, this city as Sacred, so regard the life and property of every Muslim as a sacred trust. Return the goods entrusted to you to their rightful owners. Hurt no one so that no one may hurt you. Remember that you will indeed meet your Lord, and that He will indeed reckon your deeds. God has forbidden you to take usury (interest), therefore all interest obligation shall henceforth be waived. Your capital, however, is yours to keep. You will neither inflict nor suffer any inequity. God has Judged that there shall be no interest, and that all the interest due to Al-Abbas ibn Abdul Muttalib shall henceforth be waived…
Beware of Satan, for the safety of your religion. He has lost all hope that he will ever be able to lead you astray in big things, so beware of following him in small things.
O People, it is true that you have certain rights with regard to your women, but they also have rights over you. Remember that you have taken them as your wives only under a trust from God and with His permission. If they abide by your right, then to them belongs the right to be fed and clothed in kindness. Do treat your women well and be kind to them for they are your partners and committed helpers. And it is your right that they do not make friends with any one of whom you do not approve of, as well as never to be unchaste.
O People, listen to me in earnest, worship God, perform your five daily prayers, fast during the month of Ramadan, and offer Zakat. Perform Hajj if you have the means.
All mankind is from Adam and Eve. An Arab has no superiority over a non-Arab, nor does a non-Arab have any superiority over an Arab; a white has no superiority over a black, nor does a black have any superiority over a white; [none have superiority over another] except by piety and good action. Learn that every Muslim is a brother to every Muslim and that the Muslims constitute one brotherhood. Nothing shall be legitimate to a Muslim which belongs to a fellow Muslim unless it was given freely and willingly. Do not, therefore, do injustice to yourselves. Remember, one day you will appear before God and answer for your deeds. So beware, do not stray from the path of righteousness after I am gone.
O People, no prophet or apostle will come after me, and no new faith will be born. Reason well, therefore, O people, and understand words which I convey to you. I leave behind me two things, the Quran and my example, the Sunnah, and if you follow these you will never go astray.
All those who listen to me shall pass on my words to others and those to others again; and it may be that the last ones understand my words better than those who listen to me directly. Be my witness, O God, that I have conveyed your message to your people.”
Prophet Muhammad (SAW) completed his last khutbah, near the summit of Arafat, whereby the following revelation came down:
“..This day I have perfected for you your religion and completed My favor upon you and have approved for you Islam as religion.…” (Quran 5:3)
To this very day, the incident of the last address of our beloved Prophet Muhammad(SAW) is addressed to muslims in mosques, lecturers and any other place there is a congregation of people. Indeed, the implications found in this sermon are touching upon some of the most important rights Allah(SAW) has bestowed over humanity. Thus, this khutbah marks great importance in Islam as it was then that the religion was declared to be completed. Therefore, undoubtedly, the Sunnah and words of Prophet Muhammad (SAW) are everlasting in the hearts of all the fellow Muslims.
EID MILAD UN NABI
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, USA, Canada, South East Asia, India, Pakistan and Bangladesh, most Muslims celebrate 12 Rabi ul Awal as the birth date 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 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 Prophet (S.A.W.) or his Companions (R.A.) have never celebrated birthday of 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.
In conclusion, the takeaway from this article is that it’s 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.
Source: Islamicfinder
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