What is Rabi Al-Awwal?

Rabi Al-Awwal is the third month in the Islamic Hijri calendar. The other months are Muharram, Safar, Rabi Al-Awwal, Rabi Al-Thani, Jamada Al-Awwal, Jamada Al-Thani, Rajab, Sha’ban, Ramadan, Shawwal, Dhul Qa’dah and Dhul Hijjah. Each month has significance behind it, including Rabi Al-Awwal.

What Happened in Rabi Al-Awwal?

It was in the month of Rabi Al-Awwal that Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) was born. The Prophet (PBUH) was born in Makkah, which is celebrated with the Mawlid Al-Nabi. Mawlid Al-Nabi can be celebrated by giving sweets and gifts to loved ones.

The birth of the Prophet (PBUH) makes this month special to Muslims. Some say he was born on the 12th of Rabi Al-Awwal, while others say it was the 17th, but it is agreed that he was born on a Monday.

There were several miracles surrounding his birth, including that his wet nurse, Halima Sa’diyah, was blessed for many years after caring for the Prophet (PBUH). For example, when she brought the Prophet (PBUH) home to care for him, her weak donkey became healthy and fit, more so than the rest, and her goat, who did not produce much milk, now produced plenty of milk to feed her and her family.

It was also during the blessed month of Rabi Al-Awwal that the Prophet (PBUH) passed away. He was ill for several days before his death, which suggested that his death was imminent, but his passing still came as a great shock to the Muslims, with Umar (RA) denying that he had died.

Amazingly, the first masjid was built by the Prophet (PBUH) and Abu Bakr (RA) during this month of Rabi Al-Awwal. They built it near Yathrib in a town called Quba, and it took three days to complete.

When is Rabi Al-Awwal 2023?

In 2023, Rabi Al-Awwal is expected to commence on 17 September 2023 and end on 15 October 2023. This date may be subject to slight change depending on moon sightings.

What to do in Rabi Al-Awwal

Rabi Al-Awwal is extremely important to Muslims as it marks special events, including the birth of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), a guiding light for humankind. Therefore, learning about the Prophet’s (PBUH) birth and life is a good way of learning about his character and how to follow his teachings and practices. Many Muslims study the Seerah of the Prophet (PBUH) to do so.

This month can be a good opportunity to follow the practices of the Prophet (PBUH), such as visiting the sick, helping the needy, reading the Qur’an and giving charity, among many other acts of good. The Prophet (PBUH) said, “When a man dies, his deeds come to an end except for three things: Sadaqah Jariyah (ceaseless charity); a knowledge which is beneficial, or a virtuous descendant who prays for him (for the deceased).” (Muslim)

The Prophet (PBUH) also said, “The believer’s shade on the Day of Resurrection will be his charity.” (Al-Tirmidhi)

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