The month of Rabi ul Awal 2020 is expected to be started on Sunday, October 18, 2020 or Monday, October 19, 2020 and 12th Rabi ul Awal 2020 or Eid Milad un Nabi 2020 will tentatively be observed on 29th or 30th of October, 2020. However, exact date of Rabi ul Awal 2020 depends on your location and sighting of Moon of Rabi ul Awal 1442.
The month of Rabi al Awwal
Rabi ul Awal is the 3rd month in Islamic Calendar, also known as Hijri Calendar.In Arabic, the word “rabbi” means spring while “al awwal” means the first. Hence Rabbi ul Awwal as a whole translates into 'The First Spring'.Rabi ul Awal is the most significant month in the Islamic history, because humanity has been blessed in this month by the birth of the Holy Prophet Mohammad (S.A.W.), which is the most significant and the most remarkable event in human history. So, this month known as the month of birth of our beloved Prophet (S.A.W.).
The month of Prophet’s (S.A.W.) birth
Before the Prophet Mohammad (S.A.W.) was born, people were living in a state of ignorance and darkness. They worshiped different deities. They were deviating from the path of Allah. As the Prophet (S.A.W.) was born, he brought with him the Message of Truth, the Message of Allah, His Oneness. This message led the people towards the path of enlightenment, helping them distinguish between right and wrong.One of the most important merits of our Prophet (S.A.W.) is that he is the last of all Prophets (A.S.) and no Prophet will come after him. Mohammad (S.A.W.) will remain the Prophet for all mankind till the end of days. As Allah says in Quran:“…. He (S.A.W.) is the Messenger of Allah and the last (end) of the Prophets. And Allah is Ever AllAware of everything.”(Surah Ahzab 33:40)
The Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W.) 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. Allah Says in Quran:“Indeed in the Messenger of Allah (Muhammad S.A.W.) you have a good example to follow for him who hopes in (the Meeting with) Allah and the Last Day and remembers Allah much.”(Surah Ahzab 33:21)
Without any doubt, life of Prophet (S.A.W.) is the most important source of guidance for all the Muslims and Prophet (S.A.W.) is a mercy not only upon us but all worlds and creations of Allah. As Allah Says in Quran:“And We have sent you (O Muhammad S.A.W.) not but as a mercy for the 'Alamin (mankind, jinns and all that exists).”(Surah Anbiya 21:107).So every Muslim should learn and study the events of Prophet’s (S.A.W.) life and to follow the practical example set by him in every aspect of life.
Eid Milad un Nabi:
Most Muslims believe that the Holy Prophet (S.A.W.) was born in month of Rabi ul Awal, although there is no consensus on the actual date.In some parts of Europe, USA, Canada, South East Asia, India, Pakistan and Bangladesh, most Muslims celebrate 12 Rabi ul Awal as birth date of Prophet (S.A.W.) and called this day as ‘Eid Milad un Nabi’. They celebrate ‘Eid Milad un Nabi’ with much fervor and enthusiasm. They celebrate this day by holding ‘Milad’ (praising of Prophet S.A.W. by a poet), holding processions, exchanging gifts, illuminating mosques, and other such activities.In Middle East and other surrounding countries, Muslims do not celebrate this event neither on 12 Rabi ul Awal nor any other day of this month because Prophet (S.A.W.) or his Companions (R.A.) have never celebrated birthday of Prophet (S.A.W.) or any other Prophet (A.S.).So, some Muslims celebrate the event of Milad un Nabi and some Muslims do not celebrate this day.
