Rabi al-Awwal is an exceptional month in the Islamic Calendar and it held great significance in the life of beloved Prophet Muhammad (SAW). As we all know Prophet Muhammad (SAW) was born in this month. He began his journey of Hijrah during this month of Rabi al-Awwal and built the first Mosque of Islam, Masjid Quba in this month. The first Jummah (Friday) was established in this month. Hence Rabi al-Awwal is the month of birth celebration of Prophet Muhammad (SAW). The birth of the best of Allah’s (SWT) creation and the last to be sent with the divine message for the guidance of humanity on a whole is, without doubt, a day to take as one of thanks and reverence to Allah (SWT). Unlike the ways followers of other faiths commemorate the births of their guiding prophet (SAW), Muslim celebration of Eid-E-Milad un Nabi is one in which we gather to discuss the bounty and favour which Allah (SWT) has blessed us with by guiding us to the path of Islam and the teachings of the final Messenger of Allah (SAW). We indulge in Fikr (thought) and Dhikr (remembrance) and what it means to be a follower of Prophet Muhammad (SAW). Eid-E-Milad un Nabi is celebrated by muslims with great devotion and reverence throughout the world. But often it has been seen that devotees do not reflect on the message of the person whom they so venerate.
Muslims also refer to the Prophet Muhammad (SAW) as Mohsin-e-Insaniat i.e. the benefactor of humanity but hardly care to know in what respect he became benefactor? So, we can call him a liberator of humanity only if we follow his teachings in our personal lives.
On this day, the Muslims used to keep fasting; they offer darood-o-salam on the holy prophet and arrange congregations of naat sharifs (poetic praise of holy prophet). Though every Muslim used to offer darood o salam on the holy prophet (peace be upon him) every day but this particular practice is done on that particular day with some exception. It just becomes a tradition rather than occasion for deep reflection. Muslims also refer to the Prophet Muhammad (SAW) as Mohsin-e-Insaniat i.e. the benefactor of humanity but hardly care to know in what respect he became benefactor? So, we can call him a liberator of humanity only if we follow his teachings in our personal lives. In this era when the Muslims are divided in many sects this event of Eid Milad un Nabi could prove to be a great source of their unity, as their believes may be different but the source of those believes is only one and that is Holy Prophet Muhammad (SAW).
