Rabi Al Awwal is the 3rd Month of the Islamic Calendar, which means “The First Spring” in Arabic and is followed by the holy months of Muharram and Safar. Islamic Calendar has twelve months, just like the Georgian calendar. These months start with the new moon sightings because they follow the moon and not the seasons that is why Rabi Al Awwal varies every year and from location to location.
There are multiple significant events associated with this month, like the birth of our beloved Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), The Hijrah, i.e., when Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) traveled from Makkah to Madina, & also the death of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) took place in this month.
Sep05
Thursday, 1 Rabi Al Awwal 1446 AH
Sep14
Saturday, 10 Rabi Al Awwal 1446 AH
Sep14
Saturday, 10 Rabi Al Awwal 1446 AH
Sep16
Monday, 12 Rabi Al Awwal 1446 AH
Sep18
Wednesday, 14 Rabi Al Awwal 1446 AH
Sep19
Thursday, 15 Rabi Al Awwal 1446 AH
Sep20
Friday, 16 Rabi Al Awwal 1446 AH
Sep30
Monday, 26 Rabi Al Awwal 1446 AH
In this month Muslims of different sects all over the world observe this month in different manners. Some hold Mawlid Celebrations, do Charitable activities, Special Prayers and Recitals of Nasheed, Processions / Gatherings, Fasting/Feasts, and decorate buildings and streets. Imam and Molvis, in their sermon, give lessons about the life (Seerah) and teachings (Hadiths) of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). They also provide a special message of Muslim brotherhood, being more compassionate for fellow Muslims, tolerant toward non-Muslims, and promoting justice in society.
Many important events took place in this holy month increasing its significance. Below are a few main events to remember:
There are no definite rules regarding fasting. However, many Muslims observe additional acts of worship, such as reciting the Quran, performing extra prayers (Nafl), and performing charitable deeds. Not a single verse of the Holy Quran or hadith indicates the birthday celebrations of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) during his lifetime or after his death. If it had any significance, his companions or direct students would have celebrated it because they had a deep love, high regard, and admiration for him.
Hence, celebrating Mawwlid is an innovation in the religion, which is called (Bid’dah). It does not have any base in Islamic doctrine, nor does any reliable source of Islam support it. There is also a doubt about the actual date of Prophet Muhammad's (PBUH) birth. Different Islamic Historians and Religious scholars come with different dates, which causes disagreement among Muslims. Islamic Scholars of the Sunni Sect argue the absence of an accurate account of the prophet's birth date itself is proof Islam does not support such celebrations.
However, Special sermons and gatherings with recitals of prophet Muhammad's Life (Seerah) and his teachings (Hadith) take place in every Mosque during Rabi Al Awwal. With the Advent of time, Islamic scholars also do live podcasts, upload videos on YouTube, and use social media to share the Life of the Prophet Muhammad and his core teachings that help inspire young Muslims.
The Holy Quran says, “And We have not sent you, [O Prophet], except as a mercy to the worlds.” [The Noble Qur'an, 21:107] So, the birth of the prophet Muhammad (PBUH) is indeed a Mercy on the world and it’s agreed among scholars unanimously. His presence brings Light and Tawwid to the world and removes the darkness from many civilizations like Romans, Persians, and Arabs. He also brings justice and peace to the society that was cruel and living life like animals.
This month of Rabi Al Awwal reminds the Muslims and the world about the greatness of our Last Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), who freed humanity from oppression, gave rights to women and emphasized looking after orphans. May Allah (SWT) give us the ability and strength to obey the teachings of the Quran and Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and lead our lives in the light of Islam Ameen.