Rabi' al-Awwal, the third month of the Islamic or Hijri calendar, follows Muharram and Safar. It holds significant importance as it marks the birth and passing of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ. Allah chose Rabi' al-Awwal for these pivotal moments, making it a time for reflection and respect.
Rabi' al-Awwal 2024 is anticipated to begin on September 4th or 5th. Rabi' al-Awwal means "The First Spring," where "Rabi" signifies spring and "al-Awwal" means first.
The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ was born in Makkah on a Monday in Rabi' al-Awwal. While there is some debate about the exact date, it is generally agreed that his birth occurred between the 8th and the 17th of Rabi' al-Awwal. His arrival marked the beginning of a new era, leading humanity from ignorance and oppression to enlightenment and justice. The Quran refers to him as "a mercy to the world":
"We have sent you ˹O Prophet˺ only as a mercy for the whole world"[Surah Al-Anbiya, Ayah 107]
His birth was foretold by Prophet Isa عليه السلام, who prophesied the coming of a Messenger named Ahmad:
"O Children of Israel! I am the Messenger of Allah unto you, confirming the Taurat before me, and giving glad tidings of a Messenger to come after me, whose name shall be Ahmed."[Surah As-Saff, Ayah 06]
Similarly, Prophet Ibrahim عليه السلام and Isma'il عليه السلام prayed for the advent of a Prophet to guide their descendants:
"Our Lord! Send amongst them a Messenger of their own, who shall recite unto them Your Verses and instruct them in the Book (this Qur'an) and Al-Hikmah, and purify them. Verily! You are the All-Mighty, the All-Wise." [Surah Al-Baqarah, Ayah 129]
Several miracles accompanied the Prophet's birth. His mother, Aaminah, experienced a divine light during her pregnancy, and his foster mother, Halimah, found her family blessed after taking him in. His arrival was seen as a divine gift and a moment of immense significance.
The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ passed away on the 12th of Rabi' al-Awwal, in the eleventh year of Islam. Just before his death, he addressed the people, saying that he had been given the choice between this world and the next, and he had chosen the latter. His death was a profound shock to the Muslim community, with some initially unable to accept the loss.
Rabi' al-Awwal offers a profound opportunity to reflect on the life of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, particularly his acts of compassion, justice, and unwavering faith. Through these reflections, we can also be inspired to engage in Sadaqah Jariya-ongoing charity that continues to benefit others long after it is given.
Prophet Muhammad ﷺ embodied compassion in every aspect of his life. One remarkable incident highlights this when a resident threw rubbish on him as he passed by her house. Instead of reacting with anger, the Prophet ﷺ remained calm and forgiving. When the woman later fell ill, the Prophet ﷺ visited her out of genuine concern for her health. His merciful and forgiving nature reminds us to extend kindness even to those who wrong us.
Allah says in the Quran: "And the servants of the Most Merciful are those who walk upon the earth easily, and when the ignorant address them [harshly], they say [words of] peace"[Surah Al-Furqan, 25:63]
Through Sadaqah Jariya, we can continue this legacy of compassion by supporting causes that provide ongoing benefits to those in need. The Prophet ﷺ said:
"When a person dies, their deeds come to an end except for three: Sadaqah Jariya (ongoing charity), knowledge which is beneficial, or a virtuous descendant who prays for them" [Sahih Muslim 1631]
The Prophet ﷺ was a beacon of justice, as demonstrated in the case of the "Hadd punishment" involving a woman from the esteemed Makhzumi tribe. Despite the potential pressure from his own tribe, the Prophet ﷺ upheld justice impartially. This powerful example teaches us to prioritize fairness in all aspects of our lives, even when faced with personal or societal challenges.
Allah commands us in the Quran: "O you who have believed, be persistently standing firm in justice, witnesses for Allah, even if it be against yourselves or parents and relatives" [Surah An-Nisa, 4:135]
By giving Sadaqah Jariya, we can contribute to causes that promote justice and equality, ensuring that the impact of our charity continues to uphold these values long into the future.
Rabi' al-Awwal is an ideal time to renew our commitment to the Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ. The Prophet ﷺ often engaged in extra prayers and recitations, to the point that his nightly prayers caused his feet to swell. This serves as a powerful reminder for us to focus on our prayers with greater dedication.
Moreover, the Prophet ﷺ was known for his generous acts of charity, giving all the money he received as gifts to the less fortunate. Allah says in the Quran:
"And whatever you spend in good, it will be fully repaid to you, and you will not be wronged" [Surah Al-Baqarah, 2:272]
By following his example through Sadaqah Jariya, we not only honour his practices but also create a lasting impact that benefits others for years to come. The Prophet ﷺ said:
"Charity does not decrease wealth" [Sahih Muslim 2588]
With the arrival of this new month, it's the perfect time to fulfil your resolution of helping others. As Muslims, we are called to support those in dire need, and now is the moment to act. Communities in Gaza, Sudan, and Yemen are enduring severe hardships, deprived of essential needs like medicine, food, shelter, and clean water.
Your donation can bring vital relief and hope to these struggling families. Emaan Relief is actively providing emergency aid on the ground in these regions, making a real difference every day. Visit emaanrelief.com to select a cause that resonates with you and give generously. Your support can transform lives and offer a beacon of hope to those who need it most.
The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said:
"Whoever relieves a Muslim of some worldly distress, Allah will relieve him of some of the distress of the Day of Resurrection" [Sunan Ibn Majah 225]
