|
Rabi'ul-Awwal
The month of Rabi'ul-Awwal is the most
significant month in the Islamic history, because
humanity has been blessed in this month by the birth of
the Holy Prophet Muhammad j£ . Before the birth of the
Holy Prophet (SAW), not only the Arabian peninsula, but
also the so-called civilized nations of Rome and Persia
were drowned in the darkness of ignorance, superstitions,
oppression and unrest. The Holy Prophet (SAW) came with
the eternal truth of Tawhid (Oneness of Allah), the only
faith which provides a firm basis for the real concepts
of knowledge, equity and peace. It was this faith which
delivered humanity from ignorance and superstitions and
spread the light of true knowledge all over the
world.
Thus the birth of the Holy Prophet (SAW)
was the most significant and the most remarkable event in
human history. Had there been room in Islamic teachings
for the celebration of birthdays or anniversaries, the
birthday of the Holy Prophet (SAW) would have undoubtedly
deserved it more than the birthday of any other
person.
But the nature of Islamic teachings is such
that their main stress is directed towards practicalism
instead of formalism. That is why, unlike Judaism,
Christianity and Hinduism, there are very few festivals
in Islam which provides for only two Eids (Eid-ul-Fitr
and Eid-ul-Adha) during the whole year. The dates of
these two Eids do not correspond to the birth, day of any
of the outstanding persons of Islamic history, nor can
their origin be attributed to any particular event of
history which had happened in these dates.
Both of these two Eids have been prescribed
for paying gratitude to Allah on some happy events which
take place every year. The first event is the completion
of the fasts of Ramadan and the second event is the
completion of Hajj, another form of worship regarded as
one of the five pillars of Islam.
The manner prescribed for the celebration
of these two Eids (Festivals) is also different from
non-Islamic festivals. There are no formal processions,
illumination or other activities showing formal
happiness. On the contrary, there are prayer congregation
and informal mutual visits to each other which can give
real happiness instead of its symbols only.
On the other hand, Islam has not prescribed
any festival for the birthday of any person, however
great or significant be may be. The prophets of Allah are
the persons of the highest status amongst all human
beings. But the Holy Prophet (SAW) or his noble
companions never observed the birthday or anniversary of
any of them. Even the birthday of the Holy Prophet (SAW)
which was the most happy day for the whole mankind was
never celebrated by the Holy Prophet (SAW), himself, nor
by his blessed Companions.
The Companions of the Holy Prophet (SAW)
remained alive after him for about a century, but despite
their unparalleled and profound love towards the Holy
Prophet (SAW), they never celebrated the birthday or the
death anniversary of the Holy Prophet (SAW). Instead,
they devoted their lives for promoting the cause of
Islam, for bringing his teachings into practice, for
conveying his message to the four corners of the world
and for establishing the Islamic order in every walk of
life.
In fact, commemorating the birth of a
distinguished person has never been prescribed by any
religion attributing itself to divine revelation. It was
originally a custom prevalent in pagan communities only.
Even Christmas, the famous Christian feast commemorating
the birth of Jesus Christ finds no mention in the Bible
or in the early Christian writings. It was only in the
4th century after the ascension of Jesus Christ that
Christmas was recognized as a regular Christian feast. To
quote the Collier's Encyclopedia:
|