Sacred Month of Rabi ul Awal: The First Spring

 World wide Muslims use the Islamic calendar which is also known as the Lunar or Hijri Calendar to determine the dates of various religious observances. This calendar is based on 12 Lunar months and every new month begins when the new moon is sighted. Rabi ul Awal is the 3rd month of the Islamic calendar. In Arabic, the word “Rabi” means spring(bloom), and “ul Awal” means the first(earliest). So the literal meaning of Rabi ul Awal is “The First Spring”.Since the Islamic Calendar is a Lunar Calendar, and the month begins when the first Cresent Moon of a moon is sighted, the Lunar Calendar year is always short by 11 to 12 days than the solar year. Because of this Rabi ul Awwal does not always fall in spring and it keeps changing over the years.

Rabi Ul Awal is the most considerable and privileged month in Islamic History, as mankind has been blessed by the birth of the Holy Prophet Mohammad(PBUH) in this month. It is celebrated on the 12th day of the month of Rabi ul Awal and green pennants can be seen in various mosques as the green color is considered the favorite color of Prophet Mohammad, as He chose the green flag to symbolize Islam.

History and significance of the Month Rabi ul Awal

In Islam, various events possess their significance. Rabi ul Awwal is a month of realization for Muslims that the Prophet Mohammad was the one who led humanity from darkness to light. He was sent to this world for a purpose and they must follow their reforms and teachings. Even though the birth of Prophet Mohmmad is under debate as one sect believes that He was born on the 11th day of Rabi ul Awal, another sect claims he was born on the 17th day. Since Muslims believe that the teachings of Prophet Mohammad work as a beacon of light in the darkness and guide them to lead a righteous path, so this month has been given much respect in Islam.

Each year Muslims do special arrangements all over the world regarding the events and eagerly wait for the moon sighting. After getting the confirmed date of  Rabi ul Awal they plan their activities accordingly.

However, the followers of Islam also consider this month significant because it was the day when the Prophet Mohammad left the Earth. Due to this, the commemoration of this day differs among Muslims. Some sects of Islam even forbid the celebration on this day.

Muslims offer special prayers, and countless Salawat (Darood Sharif) is sent upon Prophet Muhammad (SAW) on the special day  Rabi-ul-Awal. The importance of sending Salawat upon Prophet Muhammad (SAW) is very significant, so on this day, the Muslims try to read Darood Sharif more and more to get the blessings of Allah. 

What to do During the Month of Rabi ul Awal?

Rabi ul Awal is considered very important in Islam as many glorified events happened in the prophet’s life during this month. Here are the following events that Muslims perform during this month.

• During the month of Rabi ul Awal, the Muslims offer special prayer in mosques and countless Salawat (Darood Sharif) sent up to Prophet Mohammad, as they believe Allah and His Angels send blessings to one who sends salam in abundance.

• Special rallies and processions also happen. They wear green color clothes and hoist green flags to pay tribute to their Holy Prophet Mohammad. People also cook special food and distribute it generously in mosques, streets, and homes.

On this sacred day, The Muslims pledge to devotedly follow The teachings of Prophet Mohammad because they believe that their success and progress are concealed only in following the teachings of The Prophet Mohammad.

On this exceptional day, the Muslims promise themselves to follow the Sunnah of their beloved Prophet (SAW) more intensely. Because it is a fact that their happiness and development progress is hidden only in pursuing their Prophet’s teachings.