The 12th of Rabi’al Awwal holds a special place in the hearts of Muslims worldwide, marking the birth of Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him). This auspicious day, known as Mawlid al- Nabi (SAW), commemorates the arrival of the final Prophet, who brought the message of Islam and revolutionized spiritual, social and moral practices. In Kashmir, the celebrations associated with this blessed event are rich in tradition and devotion, with significant observances taking place at DargahHazratbal in Srinagar and other prominent places.
Importance Of 12 Rabi’ Al-Awwal In Islam:- The birth of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) on 12 Rabi’al Awwal is a monumental event in Islamic history, representing the beginning of the final phase of divine revelation. His (PBUH) birth signifies the arrival of the Qur’an, the complete and final message of Allah to humanity, and the example of his life (Sunnah), which serves as a guide for living righteously. The Prophet’s (PBUH) teachings, character, and moral code continue to guide Muslims, helping them to navigate their personal and communal lives with justice, compassion and faith. The Holy Qur’an highlights the significance of his (PBUH) prophethood. Allah says: “ Indeed, in the Messenger of Allah (Muhammad) (PBUH) you have a good example to follow for him who hopes in (the meeting with) Allah and the Last Day and remembers Allah much.” (Qur’an 33:21). This verse emphasizes the importance of following the Prophet’s PBUH example in every aspect of life. Also Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) is referred to as a “mercy to all the worlds” (Rahmatanlil-Alameen) in the Quran. This is mentioned in Surah Al Anbiya (21:107) “And we have not sent you, (O Muhammad), except as a mercy to the worlds.” This verse highlight that the Prophet’s mission was one of mercy and compassion, not just to humanity but to all of creation. His teachings and life provide guidance, compassion, justice, and mercy, which are beneficial to all living beings, transcending time and place. In Hadith literature, there are numerous references to the importance of the Prophet’s birth. One notable Hadith, recorded by Al-Bayhaqi, narrates that he Prophet (PBUH) himself referred to his birth as a mercy: “I am indeed a supplication of my father Ibrahim, a glad tiding of Isa, and my mother saw a light when she bore me that illuminated the castles of Syria.” This light is understood as a metaphor for the divine guidance that he would later bring to humanity. Prophet Muhammad (SAW) observed fasting on Mondays, and he linked this practice to the day of his birth. In a well-known hadith, the Prophet (PUH) was asked about his fasting on Mondays, to which he replied: “That is the day on which I was born and the day on which I received revelation.” (Sahih Muslim, 112)
Miracles Surrounding The Birth Of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH): Several miraculous events are said to have occurred before, during and at the birth of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), according to Islamic traditions and historical sources. These events are not found in the Quran but are mentioned in various hadiths and historical reports. Some of the well-known miracles include:
1. The Bright Light at His Mother’s Birth Amina, the mother of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), is reported to have experience a radiant light emerging from her during her pregnancy. She said that when she gave birth, a light came out of her that illuminated the palaces of Syria.
2. The Drying Up of Lake Sawa: It is reported that on the night of the Prophet’s birth, Lake Sawa (in Persia) mysteriously dried up. This was considered a sign of the impending decline of the Persian Empire and a miraculous event marking the birth of the final Prophet.
3. The Extinguishing of the Fire of Persia, Another miracle related to the Prophet’s birth is that the sacred fire worshipped by the Zoroastrians in Persia, which had been burning for over a thousand years, suddenly extinguished on the night of his birth. This event was seen as a sign of the end of an era of idolatry and false worship.
4. The Collapse of the Arch of the Palace of Kisra (Chosroes):
On the same night, it is said that fourteen towers of the palace of Kisra, the Persian kind, cracked and collapsed. This event is believed to symbolize the fall of the Persian Empire, which eventually occurred during the Islamic era.
5. The Star of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH): It is reported that a unique star appeared in the sky, which was noticed by Jewish scholars. This star was said to be a sign of the birth of the final Prophet, as mentioned in some jewish scriptures.
6. Vision of Amina’s R.A pregnancy: Amina R.A. reportedly had a dream in which she was told that she was carrying the “Lord of this people” and that when he was born, she should say, “I place him in the care of the One from the evil of every envier,” and that she would see a great light.
7. Ease of Delivery: Despite the hardships of childbirth in that era, Amina’s delivery of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) is described as being exceptionally easy and without the usual pain and difficulty.
8. The Fall of Idols in the Kaaba: It is reported that on the night of his birth, many of the idols inside the Kabba in Mecca fell over, symbolizing the future eradication of idolatry with the advent of Islam.
9. Protection During the Year of the Elephant: Although this event occurred before the Prophet’s birth, it is often associated with his coming. The event of the year of the Elephant (Aam al- Fil) involved the miraculous protection of the Kabba from the army of Abraha, who came with an elephant to destroy it. This event is described in Surah Al-Fil (105) and is seen as a sign of Allah’s protection over the future birth of the Prophet (PBUH). These events are rooted in Islamic tradition and are often cited by scholars and historians to show the extraordinary nature of the Prophet Muhammad’s (PBUH) birth and his predestined role as the final messenger of Allah.
“In Kashmir, the celebration of this sacred day, particularly at Dargah Hazratbal, serves as a powerful expression of devotion and love for the Prophet. The sacred relic housed at the shrine, combined with the spiritual gatherings, prayers, and processions, makes this event one of the most significant in the religious calender in Kashmir. It serves as a reminder of the profound impact of the prophet’s (PBUH) life and teachings, offering Muslims an opportunity to renew their commitment to his message of peace, justice and compassion. Through the festivities, the people of Kashmir demonstrate their deep love for the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), keeping alive his legacy and ensuring that his teachings continue to guide and inspire future generations.”
Celebrations in Kashmir: In the Kashmir valley, the celebrations of 12 Rabi’al-Awwal are marked with grandeur and reverence. The festivities being from the Ist of Rabi’al-Awwal and continue upto the 12th, with the main focus being at DargahHazratbal in Srinagar. This sacred shrine, which houses a relic hair of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), becomes the center of spiritual gatherings and devotional practices during this period. One of the key events is ShabKhani, a night of spiritual worship that is observed in various places through out world. The largest shabKhabi is held at DargahHazratbal in Kashmir Valley on the night ofthe 11th Rabi’al-Awwal, where thousands of devotees gather for prayers, recitations of the Qur’an, and sending blessings upon the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). The atmosphere is filled with devotion, as believers seek spiritual proximity to Allah and honor the legacy of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).
Milad Rallies and Processions: On the 12th Rabi’al-Awwal, the day of Mawlid al Nabi (SAW) is celebrated across Kashmir with enthusiasm. The biggest Milad rallies are organised, where believers march through the streets, chanting praises of the Prophet (PBUH) and carrying banners with him name and distributing sweets, juice, water and much more. Among the largest rallies in the region are those led by prominent religious figures like Dr.Allama Ghulam Rasool Hami Sahab and Maulana Abdul Rashid Dawoodi Sahab who bring thousands of participants together in a show of unity, faith and love for the Prophet (PBUH). The streets of Kashmir valley and other parts of the world are adorned with lights, and gatherings in mosques, homes and community centers feature recitations of Darood Sharief, poetry, naats in praise of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) speeches about his life and teachings and acts of charity.
A Time of Reflection and Charity: The celebration of Milad un Nabi (SAW) through out the globe is also a time for reflection on the values that the prophet (PBUH) embodied-compassion, charity, justice, and humility. During this period, many people engage in acts of charity, distributing food and clothing to the needy, and organizing community welfare activities. These acts are a way of embodying the teachings of the Prophet (PBUH) who emphasized the importance of caring for the poor, the orphaned, and the downtrodden.
Conclusion: The 12th of Rabi’al Awwal is a time for Muslims to reflect on the birth and life of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), the mercy he brought to the world, and the guidance that continues to light the way for humanity. In Kashmir, the celebration of this sacred day, particularly at Dargah Hazratbal, serves as a powerful expression of devotion and love for the Prophet. The sacred relic housed at the shrine, combined with the spiritual gatherings, prayers, and processions, makes this event one of the most significant in the religious calender in Kashmir. It serves as a reminder of the profound impact of the prophet’s (PBUH) life and teachings, offering Muslims an opportunity to renew their commitment to his message of peace, justice and compassion. Through the festivities, the people of Kashmir demonstrate their deep love for the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), keeping alive his legacy and ensuring that his teachings continue to guide and inspire future generations.
(The author is a freelancer. The views, opinions and conclusions expressed in this article are those of the author and aren’t necessarily in accord with the views of “Kashmir Horizon”)
