THE MONTH OF RABĪ'UL AWWAL (29 October - 27 November 2019, 1441 H)
By ATTY. RAS MITMUG
October 31, 2019
The month of Rabī'ul Awwal is the most significant month in the Islamic history, because humanity has been blessed in this month by the birth of the Holy Prophet Muhammad ﷺ.
Before the birth of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, not only the Arabian peninsula, but also the so-called civilized nation of Rome and Persia were drowned in the darkness of ignorance, superstitions, oppression, and unrest.
The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ came with the eternal truth of Tawhīd (Oneness of ALLĀH), the only faith which provides a firm basis for the real concepts of knowledge, equity and peace. It was this faith which delivered humanity from ignorance and superstitions and spread the light of true knowledge all over the world.
Thus the birth of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ was the most significant and the most remarkable event in human history. Had there been room in Islamic teachings for the celebration of birthdays or anniversaries, the birthday of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ would have undoubtedly deserved it more than the birthday of any other person.
What is really important with regard to Prophet Muhammad ﷺ is, firstly, to follow his teachings, and secondly, to make his pious Seerah (History/lifestyle) available to every Muslim, to preserve it in the hearts of the Muslims from the very childhood, to educate the family members to run their lives according to it and to hold it as the most glorious example of the human conduct the universe has ever witnessed and all this with utmost love and reverence, not manifested by some formal activities only, but also through actual behavior of following the Sunnah. This cannot be done by merely holding processions and illuminating the walls etc. This requires constant and consistent efforts and a meaningful program of education and training.
On this day parents narrate stories of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ's life to their kids and the day is marked with public gatherings, with religious leaders making speeches about the life of the Prophet. The most important aspect of the day is to focus on the teachings of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ. Families gather together and prepare a feast, which is then served to the guests and is also meant to be donated to the poor. Donating to charity is also considered an important aspect.
People also engage in sending salutations and reading poems in the praise of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ.
The events for Milad or Mawlid may vary according to the country, but in general the day is observed by Muslims on the 12th of the Rabi'ul Awwal.
Muslims should abstain from celebrating it diverting from the real teachings of Islām towards the observance of some formal activities only.
Initially, the celebration may begin with utmost piety and with a bona fide intention to pay homage to Prophet Muhammad ﷺ. Yet the experience shows that the celebration is ultimately mixed up with an element of merrymaking and rejoicing and is generally confused with secular festivals, and the secular, and often sinful, activities creep into it gradually.
We should refrain from it.
This innocent feast of reverence should not be converted into a secular festival where the merrymaking and seeking enjoyment by whatever means takes preference over the religious and spiritual activities.
May ALLĀH S.W.T. give us the the proper love for Our Beloved Prophet Muhammad ﷺ.
Ameen...
And ALLĀH S.W.T. knows best...
