12 Rabi ul Awal and Top Sunnahs to Adopt
This article has been verified by our scholar Mufti Muhammad Zubair Nadeem (PhD in Islamic Studies and Finance, Takhusus from Jamia Ashrafia)
12 Rabi ul Awal or Eid Milad-un-Nabi is celebrated as the birthday of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) by Muslims all around the world. The day is a holiday in many parts of the world, including Pakistan. Many religious and social activities are held on the occasion to commemorate the life of the Prophet (ﷺ); however, it is a day that should remind us of our duty as Muslims. It is an ideal time to engage in Islamic teachings. In this article, we will discuss the importance of 12 Rabi ul Awal, and how to adopt the Sunnahs of the Prophet (ﷺ) to become better Muslims.
Forgiveness:
Forgiveness is a central theme in Islam. While humans seek forgiveness from Allah (SWT) for their sins and faults, they must also learn to forgive each other. Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) forgave the worst of his enemies.
On one occasion, he forgave a woman who tried to poison him. According to a Hadith:
“Narrated Anas bin Malik: A Jewess brought a poisoned (cooked) sheep for the Prophet (ﷺ), who ate from it. She was brought to the Prophet, and he was asked, “Shall we kill her?” He said, “No.” I continued to see the effect of the poison on the palate of the mouth of Allah’s Messenger (ﷺ)” (Sahih al-Bukhari, 2617)
He also forgave Wahshi ibn Harb, the person who killed the Prophet’s (ﷺ) Uncle, Hamza ibn ‘Abd al-Muttalib.
On the occasion of the conquest of Mecca, the Prophet (ﷺ) announced general amnesty, forgiving individuals like Safwan Ibn Umayah, who bitterly opposed Him and even tried to kill Him. Believers should follow this great sunnah and learn to let go of anger and vengeance. Allah (SWT) tells us in the Quran:
“Who spend [in the cause of Allah ] during ease and hardship and who restrain anger and who pardon the people – and Allah loves the doers of good” (Surat ‘Āli `Imrān, 3:134)
Rabi ul Awal is an excellent time for forgiving people for the sake of Allah (SWT), and to commemorate the Sunnah of the Prophet (ﷺ).
Character and Pleasant Mannerism:
The Prophet (ﷺ) had a charming demeanor, and His presence was always a source of comfort for others.
“Narrated Ibn Jaz: “I have not seen anyone who smiled more than the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ).” (Jami` at-Tirmidhi, 3641)
Smiling is a source of Sadaqah and a highly recommended Sunnah that helps us become more sociable and pleasant.
Jabir bin Abdullah narrated that the Messenger of Allah said: “Every good is charity. Indeed among the good is to meet your brother with a smiling face, and to pour what is left in your bucket into the vessel of your brother.” (Jami` at-Tirmidhi, 1970)
The Prophet (ﷺ) was very tolerant in His everyday conduct. He treated people with utmost kindness and respect, even when they treated Him harshly.
According to a Hadith narrated Anas bin Malik: “Once I was walking with Allah’s Messenger (ﷺ) and he was wearing a Najram Burd with thick margin. A bedouin followed him and pulled his Burd so violently that I noticed the side of the shoulder of Allah’s Messenger (ﷺ) affected by the margin of the Burd because of that violent pull. The Bedouin said, “O Muhammad! Give me some of Allah’s wealth which is with you.” Allah’s Messenger (ﷺ) turned and looked at him, and smiling, ‘he ordered that he be given something”.
Despite His great status, the Prophet (ﷺ) practiced great humility. He disliked people standing for Him out of respect.
Narrated Anas: “There was no person more beloved to them than the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ).” [He said: ] “And they would not stand when they saw him because they knew that he disliked that.” (Jami` at-Tirmidhi, 2754)
The Prophet (ﷺ) spoke jovially to His companions. According to the Hadith:
“They said: ‘O Messenger of Allah! You joke with us?’ He said: ‘Indeed I do not say except what is true.'” (Jami` at-Tirmidhi, 1990).
He also accepted all invitations and gifts. However, he reciprocated with greater gifts.
Narrated Abu Huraira: The Prophet (ﷺ) said, “I shall accept the invitation even if I were invited to a meal of a sheep’s trotter, and I shall accept the gift even if it were an arm or a trotter of a sheep.” (Sahih al-Bukhari, 2568)
Generosity:
The Prophet (ﷺ) was known for his compassion and generosity. Believers must follow His Sunnah. He never refused to help anyone and always prioritized the needs of others over His own.
“Anas (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: Whenever the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) was asked a thing by one who is about to accept Islam, he would give it. A man came to the Prophet (ﷺ) and he gave him a herd of sheep scattered between two mountains. When he returned to his people, he said to them: “O my people! Embrace Islam because Muhammad gives like one who has no fear of poverty.” Some people would embrace Islam only for worldly gains, but soon Islam becomes dearer to them than the world with all what it contains.” (Riyad as-Salihin, 552)
“Ibn ‘Abbas (May Allah be pleased with them) reported: The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) was the most generous of the men; and he was the most generous during the month of Ramadan when Jibril visited him every night and recited the Qur’an to him. During this period, the generosity of Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) waxed faster than the rain bearing wind.” (Riyad as-Salihin, 1222)
Believers are also expected to be generous. It is a great Sunnah and a key characteristic of a believer:
The Prophet (ﷺ) said: “The believer is simple and generous, but the profligate is deceitful and ignoble.” (Sunan Abi Dawud, 4790)
This 12 Rabi ul Awal, we should adopt the Sunnah of the Prophet (ﷺ) and be generous with our resources to assist deserving individuals.
Why Donate to Transparent Hands?
Transparent Hands is one of Pakistan’s leading non-profit organizations. We focus on providing surgical and medical treatments to deserving Pakistanis. Our unique online crowdfunding platform ensures that donors can make donations easily and securely with confidence.
Since 2014, we have assisted more than 260,000 needy patients across Pakistan. We also organize medical camps in low-income areas to help patients in need. Our medical camps offer free medical check-ups, diagnostic tests, and medicines. We also organized preventive healthcare sessions to educate the public about measures they can take to safeguard their health.
Transparent Hands operates under the guidance of an experienced Sharia expert, and we collect and utilize donations by Islamic guidelines. The month of Rabi ul Awal is an excellent time to make your Zakat, Sadaqah, or other donations.
Conclusion:
The Prophet (ﷺ) taught us to be tolerant, kind, and generous. He embodied the spirit of the Quran, and following His Sunnah is essential for every believer’s faith.
In this article, we discussed how the Prophet (ﷺ) epitomized kindness with a forgiving nature. We also discussed His daily conduct with people and how He preferred to be treated with humility and interacted with people. Compassion is one of His greatest Sunnahs. Helping needy patients is an excellent way to celebrate 12 Rabi ul Awal and commemorate His legacy. Donate to Transparent Hands now.
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