How do we make the most of Rabi al-Awwal?
Months of virtue are not isolated solely to Ramadan. Virtuous months are scattered throughout the year. A month also soaked in virtue is that of Rabi al-Awwal. So how do we make the most of Rabi al-Awwal?
Our noble master Anas ibn Malik RA reported that the Messenger of God ﷺ said:
“None of you believes until I am more beloved to him than his children, his father and all people.”
[al-Bukhari and Muslim]. Therefore we can see that connecting ourselves to that which helps us to realise the love of The Messenger of Allah ﷺ is virtuous – one of which is Rabi al-Awwal! Therefore during this blessed month of Rabi al-Awwal we ask God that He graces us with a sincere connection to and love for the beloved Messenger of God ﷺ. It is during this month it is recommended for one to increase in his or her invoking God’s blessings and mercy upon the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ (Arabic: Salawat or Urdu: Durud Sharif).
History of Rabi al-Awwal
- It was in this month that the greatest blessing (The Prophet ﷺ) was revealed to the world.
- It was in Rabi al-Awwal that the light of guidance emanated for mankind and jinn.
- It was in this month that the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ was born.
- It’s the month in which the Prophet ﷺ gave and fasted to commemorate his birth – so we should also commemorate by giving.
Perform Good Deeds as often as possible
- Increase in your reading of the Quran.
- Fast as often as possible this month.
- Express one’s love for the Prophet ﷺ inwardly and outwardly.
- Renew your oath to follow God’s Messenger ﷺ in his inward and outward actions.
- Attend gatherings of remembrance of God and His Messenger ﷺ, such as learning circles that discuss his life and sayings, or any other praiseworthy gathering to remember God the exalted and His beloved, peace and mercy be upon him.
May God bless us, our families and the entire Muslim nation during this month by allowing us to reconnect with the Prophet ﷺ. We should try to embody him ﷺ and follow his noble example in all that we do, say, and think. If we attempt to actualise our love for the Prophet ﷺ, during this month and during our entire lives it may be that God out of His divine mercy grants us the Prophets ﷺ intercession on the Day of Judgment, a place in the highest levels of Paradise in the company of the Prophets, the True Saints (Siddiqin), and the Elite Angels.
