In Arabic, ‘rabbi’ means spring, and ‘Awal’ means first. Hence, the literal meaning of Rabi-ul-Awal is The First Spring. Rabi-ul-Awal is the third Islamic month, following Muharram and Safar. Muslims around the world will welcome Rabi-ul-Awal 2022 on the 26th of September.
Since the Islamic calendar follows the moon, the month of Rabi-ul-Awal can fall during any season. Hence, the literal translation of its name symbolically represents the coming of happiness (spring) after the gloomy winter rather than the actual spring season.
This article will shed light on this sacred month’s importance, especially on the significance of the 12th of Rabi-ul-Awal.
The Meaning of ‘Rabi-ul-Awal’
As mentioned above, the meaning of Rabi-ul-Awal is symbolic of happiness. It is the month in which the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) was born, bringing hope and light into the lives of people who were in a state of darkness and ignorance.
Before the Holy Prophet (ﷺ), people had deviated from the path of Allah and were engaged in idol worship. The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) brought the Message of Oneness of Allah and the Message of Truth, leading people towards enlightenment and guiding them between right and wrong. Hence, this sacred month holds immense importance and significance for Muslims.
Significance of 12th Rabi-ul-Awal in Islam
The 12th of Rabi-ul-Awal holds great significance for Muslims because this is the day when the Holy Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) was born. Muslims around the world call this day Eid Milad-un- Nabi. Eid Milad-un-Nabi 2022 will fall on the 7th of October.
This day reminds us of the Prophet’s struggles and sacrifices and how he led humanity from ignorance to light. This is why Allah All-Mighty describes His beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) as ‘a mercy for all the worlds’.
Allah says in Surah Ahzab:21:
“Indeed, in the Messenger of Allah, you have an excellent example for whoever has hope in Allah and the Last Day and remembers Allah often”.
The arrival of the Holy Prophet (ﷺ) had been predicted long before his birth. Hazrat Isa (AS) had declared it five centuries earlier.
The Holy Quran (61:6) says:
“And remember when Isa, son of Maryam, said, ‘O children of Israel! I am truly Allah’s messenger to you, confirming the Torah which came before me, and giving the good news of a messenger after me whose name will be Aḥmad.'”
Hazrat Ibrahim (AS) and Hazrat Isma’il (AS) also prayed to Allah All-Mighty for the birth of a Prophet while rebuilding the Ka’bah (Holy Quran 2:129), it quoted in the Quran:
“Our Lord! Raise from among them a messenger who will recite to them Your revelations, teach them the Book and wisdom, and purify them. Indeed, you alone are the Almighty, All-Wise.”
The 12th of Rabi-ul-Awal 2022 also serves a higher purpose for Muslims by reminding them of the teachings of Islam and how the Prophet (ﷺ) lived his life. It reinforces the belief that the Prophet (ﷺ) came as a blessing for the entire universe, and his teachings of patience and forgiveness should motivate our lives. Indeed, the Sunnah and Hadis of the Prophet (ﷺ) is an incredible asset and guiding light for us.
Allah states in the Qur’an (3:164):
“Indeed, Allah has done the believers a great favor by raising a messenger from among them—reciting to them His revelations, purifying them, and teaching them the Book and wisdom. For indeed they had previously been clearly astray”.
On this day, Muslim parents should narrate stories about the Prophet’s (ﷺ) life to their children; about his birth, childhood, becoming a Prophet and struggles in spreading the message of Allah to his people. This will help ignite the flame of love and respect for the Prophet (ﷺ) in their hearts.
Moreover, the continuation of this practice will help preserve the admiration and honor of the Prophet (ﷺ) in the hearts and minds of future generations, guiding them to live together in harmony and solidarity.
Other Important Events that Took Place in the Month of Rabi-ul-Awal
Undoubtedly, the most important event in the month of Rabi-ul-Awal is the birth of the Prophet (ﷺ). However, many other significant incidents also took place in this sacred month, such as:
- Hijrat from Makkah to Madinah. The Holy Prophet (ﷺ) and his companion Hazrat Abu Bakr (RA) began this journey on the 1st of Rabi-ul-Awal.
- Construction of the first Masjid. During Hijrat, the Prophet (ﷺ) along with Hazrat Abu Bakr (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ) stayed in Quba for three days, a town near Madinah. There they built the first masjid, Masjid-e-Quba, before travelling on to Madinah, where they build a second masjid, known today as Masjid An-Nabvi.
- Death of Hazrat Imam Hassan Al-Askari on the 8th of Rabi-ul-Awal
- Death of Abdul Muttalib, the grandfather of Holy Prophet Mohammad (ﷺ), on the 10th of Rabi-ul-Awal
- Marriage of the Holy Prophet (ﷺ) to Hazrat Khadijah (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهَا) on the 10th of Rabi ul Awal
- Death of Hazrat Abu Talib, the uncle of Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), on the 28th of Rabi ul Awal.
Conclusion for the Importance of 12th Rabi-ul-Awal in Islam
A combination of all the events mentioned above makes the sacred month of Rabi-ul-Awal extremely significant in Islam. However, because of the birth of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), this month holds exceptional regard for Muslims around the world.
Rabi-ul-Awal 2022 is just around the corner, and may Allah give us the strength and guidance to recite the Quran, do good deeds, and follow the Sunnah and Hadis of the Prophet (ﷺ). Ameen!
