RABI AL-AWWAL, the third month of the Muslim calendar signifies the season of spring. Seeds split open to generate countless types of plants. Leaves begin to grow in abundance while flowers start blooming.
It is a time for rebirth and renewal. The greatest form of renewal for mankind came on the twelfth night of Rabi al-Awwal about 1,430 years ago, when the Prophet of Islam, Muhammad was born in the holy city of Mecca.
The birth of Muhammad brought unimaginable joy to his close relatives and family friends. He was born an orphan. His father Abdullah died months earlier in Medina while on the way back from a business trip to Syria.
His uncle, Abu Lahab, later to become his number one adversary, was so delighted that when he heard the good news, he decided to free his slave-girl Thuwaiba who had brought him the news.
According to a saying of the Prophet and narrated by Imam Bukhari, because of this good deed Abu Lahab’s punishment in the grave is reduced every Monday, the day the Prophet was born.
The story inspired a scholar, Imam Shams al-Din al-Dimashqi to write:
If an unbeliever, condemned by the Quran to eternal pain, Can be relieved every Monday through his joy at Ahmad (Muhammad).
Then what must a true servant of God hope to gain, When with the truth of Tawhid he felt joy at Ahmad?
The Prophet was known to commemorate his birthday. He used to fast on this day.
He was also mindful of many other religious events of the past and called on his followers to observe them.
For example, on his migration to Medina, he found the Jews fasting on the Day of Ashoura. He was told that they did this to commemorate the day Prophet Musa or Moses was rescued by the Almighty, and his enemies drowned.
The Prophet promptly remarked: “We have even more right to Prophet Musa than have they!” Hence Muslims were ordered to fast on the day as well.
Thus on his birthday Muslims all over the world focus their thoughts on their beloved Prophet.
They do this by fasting, giving food and donations to the poor, gathering for the remembrance and thanking of the Almighty who had sent down a most magnificent human being, and listening to the story of his virtues and great accomplishments.
The milestones of his life and times make interesting reading. He lost his mother Aminah at the age of six. He actually started off his unique career as a young shepherd.
Later at the tender age of twelve, he was recruited into his uncle Abu Talib’s business entity that plied the deserts of the Arabian peninsula. For the following 13 years under the tutelage of Abu Talib, Muhammad grew to become an astute businessman.
When he attained the age of 25, he was offered a job by one of the most successful merchants of Mecca, Siti Khadijah. He was sent to trade in Syria. The first assignment proved to be a complete success.
Word of Muhammad’s impeccable handling of business got around to Siti Khadijah. He was not only skilful but also ethical. In this way he was able to attract more customers and generate a bigger profit.
The lady employer was so impressed with Muhammad’s ability to produce results that she asked for his hand. He duly agreed despite her being many years his senior. He was charmed by her ingenuity and honesty.
They had a wonderful life together. Siti Khadijah was the first woman to acknowledge Muhammad’s prophethood. She provided encouragement and support to her husband even on her deathbed.
As a young man in Mecca, Muhammad was known as al-Amin or the “Trusted”. A story was told about the time when the Black Stone was to be placed at its original position on the completion of the new Kaabah building.
The various tribes of Mecca claimed superiority over one another for the right to carry the stone. Their arguments did not lead them anywhere and they decided to request for arbitration from the first person to enter the vicinity.
To their relief it was Muhammad the “Trusted”. He calmly spread out his turban, placed the stone in it and asked the head of every tribe to hold on to the edge of the cloth. Together they carried the stone and the issue was amicably solved.
The most important event in the history of Islam was the story of Muhammad’s sojourn in the Hirak cave. Along came the angel Gabriel with the revelation from the Almighty, appointing him as His last prophet.
Then came the trials, tribulations and sufferings endured in calling men to the path of the Almighty.
The saddest part of the Prophet’s life was when his wife Khadijah and uncle Abu Talib passed away in succession.
To make up for these great losses, he was taken for a visit to heaven during the Night Journey.
When he did not make much headway in terms of the number of converts in Mecca, he was commanded to migrate to Medina. Here he was able to establish the first official Muslim administration.
From Medina he led many great and heroic battles against the pagans and heretics of his homeland Mecca, finally capturing the city that went on to become the focal point of Muslims’ congregations.
Then there was the Farewell Pilgrimage where the Prophet Muhammad proclaimed that the revelation had been completed and the religion of Islam perfected unto mankind. Shortly after this last pilgrimage the Prophet passed away, to be replaced by a long line of companions and followers who established a great civilisation that bridged the ancient Greek traditions with present-day modernity.
Thus, come Rabi al-Awwal Muslims are encouraged to carry out activities to revive the memory of the Prophet Muhammad.
For Malaysia, Rabi al-Awwal of 1421 Hejira brings a special meaning. The Organisation of Islamic Conference foreign ministers meeting will be held from June 27 to June 30 in Kuala Lumpur.
This gathering of some 2,000 delegates from 56 countries reflects the spirit of ummatic or comradeship that is the pillar of the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad.
To take a leaf out of the Prophet’s book on business, OIC members should work quickly and decisively toward achieving realistic targets.In short, they have to be result-oriented.
Also taking the cue from the Prophet’s insistence that Muslims master knowledge as a prerequisite to become a firm believer, IKIM has lined up two events in this month of Rabi al-Awwal.
From June 24-25, a seminar entitled “Institutionalising Research and Development Culture in the Islamic World” will be held. This is to find ways to impress on nations the vital role R&D plays in improving their competitiveness.
The second seminar, to be held from June 30 to July 2, will focus on enhancing the understanding of Islam for media, providing media movers and players with information on the real principles of Islam.
With this, it is hoped that the reporting of the religion will be less tainted with the many negative stereotypes that now prevail.
Through these activities, the memory of the struggle and success of the Prophet Muhammad will be revived for everyone to benefit. After all, the Almighty says in the Quran that He has sent Mohammad as a ‘mercy to the whole world.’