The Islamic calendar, also known as the Hijri Calendar, is based on the moon. It started after the Hijrah of the Prophet Muhammad (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) to Madina. The beginning of each month is contingent on the visibility of the moon at the end of the previous month. Once the moon is sighted, the new month commences. Therefore, each month starts with a new lunar cycle. Hence, the Muslim Calendar gives only a tentative overview of the upcoming Islamic dates as the start of each month is subject to the sighting of the moon. Rabi ul Awwal is the 3rd month in the Islamic Calendar.

In Arabic, the word “rabbi” means spring while “al awwal” means the first. Hence Rabi ul Awwal as a whole translates into 'The First Spring'. Since Rabi al Awwal is a month of the lunar calendar, it can come in any season. Therefore the name, Rabi ul Awwal depicts symbolic significance as it symbolizes the advent of happiness (spring) after the dismal winter or more specifically sadness, and not the actual season of spring.

Rabi ul Awwal is named as such because before the Prophet Muhammad (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) was born (Milad un Nabi), people were living in a state of ignorance and darkness. They worshiped different deities. They were deviating from the path of Allah Almighty. As the Prophet (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) was born, he brought with him the Message of Truth, the Message of Allah Almighty, His Oneness. This message led the people towards the path of enlightenment, helping them distinguish between right and wrong.

The Prophet Muhammad (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) is the epitome of perfection. He is the role model chosen for us by Allah and we are to follow his Sunnah in order to lead an ideal lifestyle which is not only defined to us by religion but is in fact beneficial for all mankind if we were to follow it.

“You have an excellent example in the Messenger of Allah; for anyone who seeks Allah and the Last Day, and remembers Allah frequently.” (Surah al-Ahzab verse 21)

The month of Rabi ul Awwal holds special significance in Islam as Muslims believe that the Holy Prophet (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) was also born in this month, although there is no consensus on the actual date. Muslims often celebrate it on the 12th of Rabi ul Awwal, often terming the day as Eid Milad un Nabi. Mawlid or the Birth of the Prophet (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) is celebrated with a lot of enthusiasm by Muslims all over the world. A lot of Muslims hold Milad throughout the month in remembrance of the Prophet (may Allah bless him and grant him peace).

Source: Islamicfinder

By: Editorial of islom.uz portal