12 Rabi-ul-Awal In Pakistan - Significance And Importance Of Eid Milad-un-Nabi

Eid Milad-un-Nabi, also known as 12 Rabi ul Awal is celebrated on 12th Rabi-ul-Awal. Rabi-ul-Awal is the third month in the Islamic lunar calendar. This sacred month has significant importance for Muslims because their beloved Prophet Muhammad (SAW) was born on this day.

The Muslim Ummah worldwide celebrates this tremendous day whole-heartedly to show great devoutness and alliance with their Prophet (SAW). Mosques, homes, are other commercial buildings seem to be blazed with green lights and green flags on this auspicious day. People decorate their homes and even streets and roads with full enthusiasm to show great happiness on this day.

Birth of the Prophet Muhammad (SAW)

Around 570 AD, Muhammad (SAW) was born in Mecca, Arabia, and died in 632 in Madinah. It is believed that he (SAW) was born on Monday as a Sahih Muslim Hadith quotes that Hazrat Muhammad (SAW) was born on Monday:

When the Messenger of Allah (SAW) was asked about fasting on Mondays, he replied, “That is the day on which I was born and the day on which I received Revelation.” - Sahih Muslim.

(جاری ہے)

 

The year in which the Prophet (SAW) was born is also known as the year of the elephant. It is because this year, Allah protected Kaaba from an invading Abyssinian army with elephants. This event is narrated in the Chapter of the Elephant (Quran Ch.105).

Al-Muttalib bin Abdullah bin Qais Bin Makhramah relates from his father, who relates from his grandfather, who said:

“I and Messenger of Allah (SAW) were born in the Year of Elephant.” -Tirmidhi Sahih.

Miracles at the Birth of Prophet Muhammad (SAW)

• Prophet Muhammad’s (SAW) mother Aminah narrated that she didn’t suffer any of the usual pains of pregnancy as with other women. (Ibn Ishaq)
• Before Prophet’s birth, her mother had a dream she gave birth to a tremendous light that advanced to the Palaces of Busra in Syria. (Ibn Ishaq)
• On the night he was born, it was reported that an immense light emerged from her that lit up the entire house. (Ibn Hajar Fath Al-Bari)
• A hundred-year-old fire, which was being worshipped, was extinguished in Persia. (Al Raheeq Al Maktum)

The Life of Prophet Muhammad (SAW)

The father’s name of Prophet Muhammad (SAW) is Hazrat Abdullah, who died before his son was born. After that, at the age of six, Muhammad (SAW) lost his mother too. So, his (SAW) grandfather Abdul Muttalib brought him up, and when he died, his (SAW) uncle Abu Talib took the responsibility of his (SAW) upbringing.

At the age of forty, he got a revelation from God. The Angel Gabriel appeared in the Cave of Hira and commanded him (SAW) to read these words of God:

“Recite in the name of your Lord, Who creates, creates man from a clot! Recite for your Lord is most Generous….” (Surah Al Alaq, Ch 96: 1-3)

Muhammad (SAW) then started to spread God’s message to people of Makkah who were badly indulged in evil deeds and superstitions. However, the Messenger of Allah showed them the path of righteousness and virtue, which led them to be great Muslims and good human beings. Further, he told them that following the right path is the only way to win God’s favor and blessings. He also warned them to quit the path of Satan, who is their grand enemy. Ultimately, due to his (SAW) struggle and teachings, the light of Islam was illuminated not only in Arab but also worldwide.

A Public Holiday

On the occasion of 12 Rabi-ul-Awal, a national public holiday is observed all over Pakistan and in some other Islamic countries as well. In Arabic, this day is known as the Mawlid Al-Nabawi holiday; however, it is called the Eid Milad-un-Nabi holiday in Pakistan.

The Teachings of the Prophet Muhammad (SAW)

12 Rabi-ul-Awal is the great day of realization for the Muslim Ummah that Hazrat Muhammad (SAW) was sent for their reformations, so they must follow his reforms and teachings. On this special day, the Muslims promise themselves more devotedly to follow the Sunnah of their beloved Prophet (SAW). Because it is a fact that their success and progress are hidden only in following their Prophet’s teachings.

Special Prayers and Salawat on 12 Rabi-ul-Awal

On 12 Rabi-ul-Awal, the Muslims offer special prayers in mosques, and countless Salawat (Darood Sharif) is sent upon Prophet Muhammad (SAW). The importance of sending Salawat upon Prophet Muhammad (SAW) is very significant, so on this day, the Muslims try to read Darood Sharif increasingly.  

“Surely, Allah and His angels send blessings upon the Prophet. O you who believe, send your Salam to him (SAW) in abundance.” (Al-Ahzab: 33: 56)

Special Events

On the blessed day of 12 Rabi-ul-Awal, special events are held on the ‘Seerat-e-Nabwi’ topic, and Islamic scholars spread the awareness regarding the great Seerat (life) of Prophet Muhammad (SAW). The scholars significantly highlight the different aspects of Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad (SAW) that being a Muslim and true follower of him (SAW) how important it is to follow his Sunnah.

Naat Competitions

Apart from the events highlighting the Sunnah of Prophet (SAW), there are also Naatia competitions and quiz programs at the local and national levels. The participants recite Naats with full enthusiasm to send tribute to the Holy Prophet Hazrat Muhammad (SAW) whole-heartedly and devotedly.

Rallies and Processions

Special rallies and processions also happen on this special day by people. They mostly wear ‘Green Turbans’ and hoist green flags in their hands (following Prophet’s (SAW) Sunnah because it is believed as green his favorite color) to pay tribute to their Holy Prophet Muhammad (SAW). Aside from that, people cook special kinds of food on this day. They distribute it among people generously in homes, streets, and mosques.  

Muhammad (SAW) as a Leading Light for whole Humanity

The personality of Hazrat Muhammad (SAW) is a role model for all of us. His teachings work as a beacon of light in the darkness, not only for the Muslim community but whole humanity. This source of light and guidance can lead us towards the righteous path, which is the true path of God.