Rabi al-Awwal is the third month of the Islamic calendar. It is most widely known as the month in which the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) — the founder and final prophet of Islam — was born. The traditional date is the 12th of Rabi al-Awwal, though some scholars place it on other dates.
The Prophet’s birth and life
The birth of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) in the city of Makkah (in present-day Saudi Arabia) marked the beginning of a life that would transform the Arabian Peninsula and, ultimately, much of the world. Born into the leading Quraysh tribe, orphaned at a young age, he was known as "Al-Amin" (the Trustworthy) long before his prophethood began. At age 40, Muslims believe he received the first divine revelation in the mountain cave of Hira.
وَإِنَّكَ لَعَلَىٰ خُلُقٍ عَظِيمٍ
And lo! thou art of a tremendous nature
Quran, Al-Qalam 68:4
For Muslims, his character is the embodiment of the Quran, which describes him as being of "great moral character." His wife Aisha described his character simply as "the Quran" — meaning he lived what he taught.
The Mawlid (commemorating the Prophet’s birth)
The practice of commemorating the Prophet’s birthday (Mawlid) is the subject of significant scholarly discussion across the Muslim world.
Scholarly positions
- Those who observe it (common across many traditional scholars in the Hanafi, Shafi’i, and Maliki traditions): the Mawlid is seen as a praiseworthy expression of love for the Prophet (peace be upon him). Gatherings typically include recitation of classical poetry in his honour (such as the famous historical poem known as the Burdah), sending prayers of blessing (salawat) upon the Prophet, lectures on his life and biography (seerah), and sharing food. Scholars like Imam al-Suyuti wrote treatises defending the Mawlid as a good innovation (bid’ah hasanah — a new practice that beautifully aligns with established Islamic principles).
- Those who do not observe it (common among scholars in the Hanbali tradition and many contemporary scholars): the Mawlid is considered an innovation (bid’ah — introducing a new religious observance not practiced by the Prophet or his companions), since neither the Prophet (peace be upon him) nor his companions commemorated his birthday, and the specific date is not even established with certainty. Scholars like Ibn Taymiyyah acknowledged that those who commemorate out of love may be rewarded for their intention, but maintained the practice itself is not from the Sunnah (the traditions and example of the Prophet).
This disagreement reflects a core philosophical tension in Islam: preservation versus expression. Some scholars prioritise preserving the religion exactly as it was taught in its earliest form, while others view gatherings to share food, recite poetry, and learn history as a permissible cultural expression of love and devotion.
Common ground: all Muslims agree on loving the Prophet (peace be upon him), studying his life (seerah), and sending blessings upon him. The disagreement is specifically about marking a calendar date with special observances — not about the importance of his life and legacy.
Reflecting on his character
Regardless of one’s view on the Mawlid, Rabi al-Awwal is a natural time to study the Prophet’s life and reflect on his character.
وَمَآ أَرْسَلْنَٰكَ إِلَّا رَحْمَةً لِّلْعَٰلَمِينَ
We have not sent you except as a mercy to the worlds.
Quran, Al-Anbiya 21:107 (partial)
- His mercy toward all people
- His patience in the face of persecution
- His kindness to children, animals, and strangers
- His justice and honesty even before prophethood
- His devotion to prayer, especially the night prayer
An introduction to the faith the Prophet (peace be upon him) brought — beliefs, practice, and daily life.