The Ultimate Guide to Rabi al-Awwal
Alhamdulillah, Rabi al-Awwal begins on 26th September 2022 - so we've put together an 'ultimate guide' to making the most of this month. Here are all the articles we've written which are relevant to Rabi al-Awwal:
1. Rabi al-Awwal: All Your Questions Answered
Why is Rabi al-Awwal so important to Muslims? Does it have any special benefits or recommended actions? What is the history of this month and how can we reflect upon its events?
We answer all these questions - and more - in our introductory article: The Benefits of Rabi al-Awwal: its Significance, Lessons and Blessings.
2. All About the Mawlid
The most significant day in Rabi al-Awwal is the 12th - both the date of the Prophet's blessed birth and his final return to Allah (swt). Here is everything you need to know about this blessed day:
- For a comprehensive discussion on the Prophet's birth - including its signs, significance and reactions to this event - watch our podcast: The Blessed Birth of the Prophet (saw)
- The birth of the Prophet was a mercy to all the worlds and it changed the course of history. Read about this incredible day here: Seven Miraculous Signs at the Birth of the Prophet (saw).
- If you want to know about the Prophet's great-grandfather, grandfather and father, read: The Noble Lineage of the Prophet (saw).
- We hear the word 'Mawlid' a lot in Rabi al-Awwal - but what is the meaning and history of this word? Learn all about it in our comprehensive article: The History of Mawlid Poems: From the Sahabah Until Today.
- Across the world, different communities remember the Prophet (saw) in their own unique way during Rabi al-Awwal. Find out more here: How Rabi al-Awwal is Celebrated Around the World.
3. Descriptions of the Prophet (saw)
To know the Prophet (saw) is to love him - and Rabi al-Awwal is our annual reminder to increase our knowledge of the best of creation! Let's start by learning more about his appearance…
- Listen to a description of the Prophet (saw) in both Arabic and English - also transcribed for your convenience.
- Watch Springs of Mercy - a nine-part video series which contains a commentary on the description of the Prophet (saw).
- Read our article about The Historic Art of the Hilye (turning his description into beautiful ornamentation and calligraphy).
- Get the Hilye in English (pictured below) as an A2 poster to display on your wall!
4. Tales from the Sirah
The word 'Sirah' typically refers to the life of the Prophet (saw), which is filled with beautiful and miraculous stories. We're delighted to share two of them with you!
- Halimah (ra) and the Blessed Orphan is all about the Prophet's foster mother and how she came to take care of the Prophet (saw) when he was a baby.
- The Prophet (saw) and the Illuminated City is all about the Prophet's Hijrah to Madinah, where he joined the Ansar or Helpers. He would later describe them as his 'inner garments', expressing immense love for the community who had welcomed him so warmly.
5. Recommended Actions for Rabi al-Awwal
If you read our introductory article, you'll know that, unlike for Ramadan and Dhul-Hijjah, there are no 'special' good deeds to perform in Rabi al-Awwal. However, there are a few things you can do to draw closer to the Prophet (saw), as well as show our gratitude to Allah for His immense favour in making us part of this Ummah:
- Check out our introductory article: 6 Simple Ways to Make the Most of Rabi al-Awwal.
- The Prophet (saw) was an orphan and he urged us to take care of orphans. Learn more in our article: 10 Rewards of Sponsoring an Orphan in Islam.
- Automate your charity in Rabi al-Awwal with Springs of Mercy, to support Yemen, Syria, orphans, our water projects and Where Most Needed.
6. The Prophet's Legacy
Ultimately, Rabi al-Awwal is the month when the best of creation came to us and when he left this world. As we learn about his miraculous birth and incredible life, we should also take the time to reflect on his legacy and the message he left for us to follow.
His Farwell Sermon, given just three months before he passed away, includes some truly incredible lessons at the heart of Islam. The Prophet (saw) began by saying, 'O people, listen to what I say, for indeed I don't know whether I will ever meet you at this place after this year…'
Watch our 10-episode series to learn more about the build-up to this sermon, signs that the Prophet (saw) would soon return to Allah and the important lessons he imparted to us.
May Allah help us draw closer to the Prophet (saw) and keep us upon his Sunnah, amin!
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