Rabi-ul-Awwal: The Birth of the Beloved

The 3rd month in the calendar of Islam, Rabi-ul-Awwal, is significant for Muslims because it blemish the birth of the Hazrat Muhammad (PBUH), who would forever alter the course of human history. We can learn from and aspire to embody many of the priceless and lovely facets of the blessed Prophet's (PBUH) Sunnah throughout the year.

For instance, the Prophet (PBUH) was an orphan, and it is a very fulfilling Sunnah to care for orphans.

 He (SAW) held his two fingers together to represent the phrase 

I and the one who looks after an orphan will be together in Paradise like this. (Bukhari)

Although it has been reported that the Prophet (PBUH) was born on a Monday, there are still conflicting accounts of his exact birthdate (SAW). Some claim that the Twelveth Day of Rabi' Al-Awwal is when he (SAW) was born.

Even though fasting on Mondays is not required, the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) advised it as part of his Sunnah:

When asked about fasting on Mondays, the Prophet of Allah (SAW) responded, "On it, I was born, and on it, revelation was sent down to me." (Muslim)

Why do Muslims Value Rabi' Al-Awwal?

Rabi al-Awwal is regarded as important by Muslims because the following things happened in this month:

• The birth of final Messenger, Hazrat Muhammad (S.A.W), to whom the Qur'an was revealed.
• The Prophet's (S.A.W) Hijrah, during which he moved from Makkah to Madinah. From this occasion, the calendar of Islami is calculated.
• The Prophet's (saw) passing away on Rabi al-Awwal 12.

Event 1: The Prophet Muhammad's Birth (S.A.W)

Because the holy Prophet (S.A.W) was born during this holy month, Rabi al-Awal is one of the most important month in the history of Islam. He (saw) that he would eventually lead the world out of oppression and ignorance and into the radiance of Tauheed, which would usher in real justice and peace, starting with the Romans, Arabs and Persians. The Noble Qur'an states that the birth of this man was "a mercy to the worlds," and Rabi al-Awwal was the one Allah selected to enlighten us with this mercy.

His arrival had long been predicted. Five centuries prior, Isa (as) had brought it up to his followers: "And recall when Isa (R.A), the son of Maryam, said, 

O Israel’s Children’s! I am Ahmad, the message carrier of Allah who has been redirected to you to confirm the Torah that came ahead of me and to bring good news of a last Prophet who will follow me. [61:6 in The Noble Qur'an]

When they were constructing the Ka'bah, Ibrahim (as) and Ismail (as) prayed for the Prophet (saw) as well:

 Our Allah, send a messenger from them who will recite Your verses and teach them the wisdom and Book and refine them. Truly you are the Wise and the elevated in Power. [2:129 in The Noble Qur'an]

It is evident that the arrival of Muhammad (saw) was eagerly awaited, and it was broadly acknowledged that he was a unique and blessed child.  Still his name stood out because no one else at the time had the same meaning as it: "one who is praised." Great things were in store for him in the future, as his mother, foster parents, and grandfather ('Abdul-Muttalib) all knew.

Event 2: The Prophet Muhammad's Hijrah

During Rabi al-Awwal, Hazrat Muhammad (PBUH) and Abu Bakar (R.A) also moved from Makkah to Medina. The Islamic calendar is based on an event called the Hijrah, from which it gets its name. They thus lived in Yathrib or Madinah

The Hijrah has  distinguished truth from deception, so compute dates from it, said Umar (ra). [Ibn Hajar asqalani]

For Muslims, the Hijrah signaled the start of a new phase. The Prophet (saw) brought the Yathribi tribes together and led them in righteousness, understanding, and mercy. Yathrib's former name, Madinah Munawarah, or the brighten City, was later changed to Madinah.

Did you know that Rabi al-Awwal also saw the construction of the first masjid? The Prophet Muhamad (S.A.W) and Abu Bakr (R.A) departed Makkah and travelled through the desert to the town of Quba, which is close to Yathrib. They spent three days there and constructed the earliest masjid before moving on to Madinah, where they started constructing the second and most important masjid, now known as Masjid-e Nabawi.

The last Prophet (S.A.W) addressed the Quba people:

O people, give one another the greetings of peace, nourish the hungry, honor the ties of kinship, and pray in that times when men sleep. Then you will peacefully enter Paradise.

These words should serve as a reminder to us on the Hijrah anniversary. The Prophet (saw) founded a community focused on  worship of Allah in both Quba and Madinah, where the sublime precepts of the Qur'an and Sunnah were upheld. The Prophet (saw) commanded. 

The people before you were destroyed as a consequence of their doubts and disagreements regarding Prophets. Therefore, if I tell you not to do anything, don't do it. And if I give you an order, follow it as closely as you can. [Bukhari]

Event 3: The Prophet Muhammad's (S.A.W) Demise 

The Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W) died on Monday, 12 Rabi al-Awwal.

A few days prior to passing away, he entered the mosque and addressed the crowd from the stage, saying, "One of God's slaves was given the option to choose between this world and the life with Him, and the slave chose the life with God. For several days, he had been ill, and his loved ones were aware that the time had come for him to return to Allah.

Even so, the news of his death still came as a huge shock to the Muslims, and some of them flat-out refused to accept it. A few hours before he passed away, he entered the Masjid to observe the congregation praying. later Anas (R.A) recalled that he had never seen the Hazrat Muhammad face more charming than it was at that time. Even Umar (R.A), claim that he (S.A.W) had left them was false. It appeared impossible that he (saw) should have done so.

However, Abu Bakr (R.A) emphasised to the crowd that the Hazrat Muhammad (S.A.W) was the last human Messenger. Says Abu Bakr (R.A).

O folks! If you revered Muhammad(S.A.W), then be aware that he is no longer alive. However, if you were worshipping Allah, then you should be aware that He is immortal.

It appeared as though until Abu Bakr recited this verse that day, the populace was unaware of its revelation. They took it from him, and it was on everyone's lips at the time. After hearing Abu Bakr (R.A) deliver that verse, Umar (ra) declared, 

I was that much shocked that I fall on the ground. When my legs get numbed, I realised that Allah's Messenger had passed away.

Umm-e-Ayman, who had been like a mother to the last Prophet, said, 

I do not cry for him. Doesn’t  I knew that he has left this world and went to something that is best for him? But I mourn over the news from Heaven that has been withheld from us.

All Muslims love the last Prophet Hazrat Muhammad (PBUH), so this is only natural for us to mourn his passing and feel deeply saddened by his loss..

Positivity in Rabi' Al-Awwal

We have inherited countless virtues from the teachings and life of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). We have a chance to pause and consider the lessons we can learn from his priceless life during the Rabi' Al-Awwal month.

• To consider the Prophet's legacy (PBUH)

History was altered by the birth of the Hazrat Muhammad (S.A.W) and the spread of Islam.

The best of creation, the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), served as a guide for humanity, revolutionising oppressive social structures and the rights of women. His influence during his lifetime laid the groundwork for future acts of goodness.

• Read the Prophet's Seerah (PBUH)

The Prophet's Seerah (life story) is incredibly valuable and offers the chance to study how the Prophet (PBUH) dealt with both major difficulties and blessings. Importantly, it also places a significant amount of the revelation that Allah gave to the Prophet (PBUH) (SWT).

What better month than the one in which the Prophet (PBUH) was born to begin studying his life?

• Take time to consider the Prophet's Sunnah (PBUH)

We can learn from and aspire to embody so many of the precious and lovely Sunnah of the blessed prophet (PBUH) throughout the year. Here are a few simple Sunnahs to start forming into successful routines this Ramadan:

1. Take care of orphans. The Prophet (PBUH) was an orphan at birth and reportedly said in a hadith:

 He (SAW) held his two fingers together to represent the phrase 

I and the one who looks after an orphan will be together in Paradise like this. (Bukhari)

 2. Observing the Sunnah days' fast (Mondays and Thursdays among others)

On Mondays and Thursdays, the deeds are presented. I therefore enjoy having my good deeds displayed while I fast. (Tirmidhi)

3. Speaking well or remaining silent:

 Speak well or be silent. (Bukhari)

4. Paying sick people a visit: 

Feed the hungry, pay sick people a visit, and release the prisoners. (Bukhari)