When is Rabi ul Awal 2023?
In most parts of the world, Rabi ul Awal 2023 is expected to begin either on Saturday, September 16th, 2023, or Sunday, September 17th, 2023. The exact date of the beginning of Rabi ul Awal depends on when the moon is sighted.
Rabi ul Awal is the third month of the Islamic calendar. It is a month of immense importance for Muslims all around the world, as it marks the birth of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ).
Rabi ul Awal translates to “the first spring,” which is about the new life that grows from the ground during this month. Some also say it is referred to as Rabi ul Awal as spring means the winter (a season often symbolizing sadness) has come to an end, and spring has arrived.
This article will highlight the significance of Rabi ul Awal in Islam and the major events that happened in this blessed month.
The Beginning of Rawal ul Awal 2023 in Major Countries
The dates when Rabi ul Awal will begin in major countries are as follows:
- USA: Rabi ul Awal is expected to begin in the USA on September 26th, 2023.
- UK: Rabi ul Awal is expected to begin in the UK on September 27th, 2023.
- Pakistan: Rabi ul Awal is expected to begin in Pakistan on September 26th, 2023.
- India: Rabi ul Awal is expected to begin in India on September 26th, 2023.
- Bangladesh: Rabi ul Awal is expected to begin in Bangladesh on September 26th, 2023.
- China: Rabi ul Awal is expected to begin in China on September 26th, 2023.
- Europe: Rabi ul Awal is expected to begin in Europe on September 26th, 2023.
- Australia: Rabi ul Awal is expected to begin in Australia on September 26th, 2023.
Rabi ul Awal – The 3rd Month of the Islamic Calendar
The Islamic calendar consists of 12 months, and Rabi ul Awal is the third month in the Islamic calendar. The significance of this month is Islam is due to the birth of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) in Rabi ul Awal.
Muhammad (ﷺ) is the last Prophet of Islam, he brought forth the religion of Allah to the masses, and there will be no prophet or religion after him. Allah chose Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) to be His last messenger and deliver the one true religion to His people. He is the most beloved human to Allah Almighty and, therefore, most beloved and of utmost importance to all Muslims.
Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى) says in the Quran:
وَمَآ أَرْسَلْنَـٰكَ إِلَّا رَحْمَةًۭ لِّلْعَـٰلَمِينَ
‘’We have sent you ˹O Prophet˺ only as a mercy for the whole world.’’ – 21:107
The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) was born an orphan in 570 CE in Makkah. It is said that the Prophet was born on a Monday. However, opinions differ on the exact day of the Prophet’s birth. Many believe his birth date to be on the 12th of Rabi ul Awal, while others believe it is the 17th of Rabi ul Awal. However, there is consensus that he was born on a Monday.
A hadith from Sahih Muslim notes that Abu Qatada Ansari (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ) reported that the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) observed fast on Mondays, and when he was asked about the reason for fasting on Mondays, he said:
“It is (the day) when I was born, and revelation was sent down to me.” – al-Muslim 1162e
Aishah (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهَا) also reported:
“The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) used to observe fast on Mondays and Thursdays.” – Riyad as-Salihin 1257
The Significant Events in Rabi ul Awal
Rabi ul Awal is significant for the birth of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) and for his departure from the material world. Here are the details of the notable events that took place in this month:
Event One: The Birth of Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ)
The birth of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) was a ray of hope that illuminated the world. After all, it was He who led the Arabs to the Romans to the light of Tawhid from ignorance, oppression, and injustice.
His birth had been anticipated by Isa عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ who said to his people centuries before the Prophet’s birth:
“And [mention] when Jesus, the son of Mary, said, “O Children of Israel, indeed I am the messenger of Allāh to you confirming what came before me of the Torah and bringing good tidings of a messenger to come after me, whose name is Aḥmad.” – 61:6
So, how can we make the most of this Rabi ul Awal, along with drawing important lessons from the birth of our beloved Prophet (ﷺ)?
The Quran says:
“The Prophet is more worthy of the believers than themselves” – 33:6
The month of Rabi ul Awal should serve as a reminder that the Prophet (ﷺ) should be dearer to us than anyone else in our lives. He was sent as a mercy to the worlds and the Ummah. To make the most of this Rabi ul Awal, why not read more about the Sirah of the Prophet (ﷺ) so we can learn more about his life and draw important lessons from it to become closer to our deen and Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى).
Moreover, we can also try to make a better effort towards following the Prophet’s Sunnah, such as visiting the sick, being kind, feeding the poor, and smiling frequently.
Event Two: The Passing of the Prophet (ﷺ)
The Prophet (ﷺ) passed away on 12th Rabi ul Awal, 11 Hijri.
A few days before his passing, the Prophet (ﷺ) delivered a sermon and said (as narrated by Abu Sa’id Al Khudri):
The Prophet (ﷺ) delivered a sermon and said, “Allah gave a choice to one of (His) slaves either to choose this world or what is with Him in the Hereafter. He chose the latter.” Abu Bakr wept. I said to myself, “Why is this Sheikh weeping if Allah gave a choice to one (of His) slaves either to choose this world or what is with Him in the Hereafter, and he chose the latter?” And that slave was Allah’s Messenger (ﷺ) himself. Abu Bakr knew more than us. The Prophet (ﷺ) said, “O Abu Bakr! Don’t weep. The Prophet (ﷺ) added: Abu- Bakr has favored me much with his property and company. If I were to take a Khalil from mankind, I would certainly have taken Abu Bakr, but the Islamic brotherhood and friendship is sufficient. Close all the gates in the mosque except that of Abu Bakr.” – Sahih al Bukhari.
Since the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) is beloved by all Muslims around the world, it is natural to feel immense sadness about his passing. However, we must remember the Prophet left behind many lessons for his Ummah to help us achieve success in this life and the hereafter.
Importance of Rabi ul Awal
The month of Rabi ul Awal, marked with important events, gives us Muslims an opportunity to reflect on our actions and move towards spiritual growth during the month to establish a closer relationship with Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى) and follow the Sunnah.
Here is how you can make the most of this month by following the Sunnah and moving towards becoming a better Muslim:
- Recite the Quran
- Fast on Sunnah days (Mondays and Thursdays)
- Give charity
- Care for an orphan by feeding them, clothing them, or helping them towards receiving education.
- Learn more about the Sirah of the Prophet (ﷺ)
Conclusion – When is Rabi ul Awal 2023
Now that you know all about the significance and events that took place during the blessed month of Rabi ul Awal, we hope you remember to make the most of it and make prayers for yourself and the well-being of the Muslim Ummah.
