Estimated: Wednesday, 27 Sep, 2023
Rabi ul Awal 2023
The month of Rabi ul Awal 2023 is expected to start on Saturday, September 16th, 2023 or Sunday, September 17th, 2023, and 12th Rabi ul Awal 2023 or Eid Milad un Nabi 2023 will tentatively be observed on 27th or 28th of September, 2023. However, the exact date of Rabi ul Awal 2023 depends on your location and sighting of the Moon of Rabi ul Awal 1445
The month of Rabi al Awwal
Rabi ul Awal is the 3rd month in 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 the 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.).
The month of Prophet’s (S.A.W.) birth
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, His Oneness. This message led the people towards 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:
“…. 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 Prophet (S.A.W.) is the most important source of guidance for all the Muslims and 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 follow the practical examples set by him in every aspect of life.
Life of Prophet (S.A.W.)
Follow is a brief timeline of 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- 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- First battle of Islam; Battle of Badr took place. 2- Obligation of Ramadan Fasting. 3- Death of Prophet’s (S.A.W.) daughter Ruqiyyah (R.A.). 4- First Eid ul Fitr and Eid Al Adha were celebrated by Muslims. |
625 | |
627 | |
628 | 1- Treaty of Hudabiah. 2- Prophet’s (S.A.W.) sent letter to kings of foreign countries and invited them to accept Islam. |
630 | 2- Prophet (S.A.W.) performed Umrah. 3- Tabuk expedition. |
631 | Prophet (S.A.W.) performed Farewell Pilgrimage (Hajj). |
632 | Prophet (S.A.W.) passed away and was buried in Madinah. |
NOTE: The dates may differ by one year in some of the incidents as cited by different historians.
These are some important events took place in the life of Prophet (S.A.W.). There are many other events which have not been covered in the above table.
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 birthday of Prophet (S.A.W.) and called this day as ‘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.
Conclusion:
What is really important for all Muslims is to follow the teachings of Holy Prophet (S.A.W.) and live our lives according to his Sunnah. This requires constant and consistent efforts from all Muslims.
"Prophet Muhammad (PBUH): The Most Humble and Modest"
May Allah direct us all to the blessings of the Glorious Quran and the Sunnah of His Messenger (S.A.W.).
AMEEN