Rabi’ul-Awwal is the most significant month in the Islamic history. Humanity has been blessed in this month by the birth of the Holy Prophet Muhammad, Sall-Allahu alayhi wa sallam. He came with
the eternal truth of Tawhid (Oneness of Allah), the only faith which provides a firm basis for the real concepts of knowledge, equity and peace. The accuracy of the 12th of this month as the real birthday of the Holy Prophet, Sall-Allahu alayhi wa sallam, is very much doubted.
There are different dates suggested in different traditions, and the majority of the authentic scholars is inclined to hold that the Holy Prophet, Sall-Allahu alayhi wa sallam, was born on the 9th of Rabi’ul-Awwal.
The observance of the 12th of this month as the birthday of the Holy Prophet, Sall-Allahu alayhi wa sallam, is only an innovation having no basis in the Islamic teachings.
The birthday of the Holy Prophet, Sall-Allahu alayhi wa sallam, which was the most happy day for the whole mankind was never celebrated by the Holy Prophet, Sall-Allahu alayhi wa sallam, himself, nor by his blessed Companions.
The Companions of the Holy Prophet, Sall-Allahu alayhi wa sallam, remained alive after him for about a century, but they never celebrated the birthday or the death anniversary of the Holy Prophet, Sall-Allahu alayhi wa sallam.
Many Companions of the Holy Prophet, Sall-Allahu alayhi wa sallam, passed away during his life-time. His beloved wife Sayyidah Khadijah, Radi-Allahu anha, passed away in Makkah. His beloved uncle Sayyidna Hamzah, Radi-Allahu anhu was brutally slaughtered during the battle of Uhud. But the Holy Prophet, Sall-Allahu alayhi wa sallam, never observed their birthday or their death anniversaries, nor did he ever advise his followers to celebrate his own birthday in Rabi’ul-Awwal.
Such celebrations divert the attention of people from the real teachings of Islam towards the observance of some formal activities only.
Instead the Companions devoted their lives for promoting the cause of Islam, for bringing his teachings into practice, for conveying his message to the four corners of the world and for establishing the Islamic order in every walk of life.
Hence it is really important:
- to follow his teachings
- to make his pious Seerah available to every Muslim
- to preserve it in the hearts of the Muslims
- to educate the family members to run their lives according to it
- to hold it as the most glorious example of the human conduct
This cannot be done by merely holding processions and illuminating the walls. This requires constant and consistent efforts and a meaningful program of education and training.
The above are the excerpts from an article, Rabi’ul-Awwal, by Mufti Taqi Usmani.
