Rabi Al-Awwal: The Birth of our Beloved

The blessed month of Rabi Al-Awwal is an important month in the Islamic Calendar as it marks the birth of our beloved Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).

There are so many precious and beautiful aspects of the Sunnah of the blessed Prophet (PBUH) that we can benefit from and strive to embody all year round. For example, The Prophet (PBUH) was an orphan and looking after orphans is a highly rewarding Sunnah.

Rabi Al-Awwal is the third month in the Islamic calendar and a significant time for Muslims, as it is the birth month of the beloved Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), who would change the course of humanity forever.

The Messenger of Allah (SAW) was born an orphan, in Makkah in 570 CE, and is described by Allah (SWT) as a mercy to the worlds:

“It was only as a mercy that We sent you (Prophet) to all people.” (Qur’an, 21:107)

It has been relayed that the Prophet (PBUH) was born on a Monday, but there remain differing opinions on the exact birth date of the Prophet Muhammad (SAW). Some suggest he (SAW) was born on the 12^th day of Rabi Al-Awwal.

Whilst it is not obligatory to fast on Mondays, the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) recommended it as part of his Sunnah:

The Messenger of Allah (SAW) was asked about fasting on Mondays, whereupon he said: “On it, I was born and on it, revelation was sent down to me.” (Muslim)

Rabi Al-Awwal is sometimes spelt as Rabi Ul-Awwal, but the correct spelling should be Rabi Al-Awwal, as ‘Al’ most closely resembles the Arabic spelling of the month.

This year, the month of Rabi Al-Awwal is expected to begin on 25 August 2026, depending on the sighting of the moon.

The Islamic Hijri Calendar is based on the lunar calendar which consists of 12 lunar months. Each month begins when a new moon is sighted.

Rabi Al-Awwal is the third month in the Islamic calendar, after the sacred month of Muharram and Safar.

There are countless virtues that we have inherited from the life and teachings of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). The month of Rabi Al-Awwal also provides us the opportunity to reflect and take stock of the lessons we can derive from his precious life.

The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) was born in Mecca around 570 CE (also cited as 571 CE by some sources), during the Year of the Elephant.

The exact date of his noble birth was Monday, 12th Rabi’ al-Awwal. 

The 12th of Rabi’ al-Awwal 1448 AH is expected to fall on Tuesday, August 25, 2026.

Because the Islamic calendar is lunar, exact Gregorian equivalents shift by roughly 11 days each solar year and can vary by a day depending on local moon sightings. 

The Seerah (life story) of the Prophet (PBUH) is incredibly valuable, and an opportunity to learn from how the Prophet (PBUH) navigated through both momentous challenges and blessings. Importantly, it also situates a lot of the revelation provided to the Prophet (PBUH) by Allah (SWT).

What better time to embark on learning from the life of the Prophet (PBUH) than the month of his birth?

There are so many precious and beautiful Sunnah of the blessed prophet (PBUH) that we can benefit from and strive to embody all year round.

“The deeds are presented on Monday and Thursday. Thus, I love for my deeds to be presented while I am fasting.” (Tirmidhi).

“..Speak a good word or remain silent” (Bukhari).

“Feed the hungry, visit the sick, and set free the captives.” (Bukhari).

As well as marking the birth of our beloved Prophet (PBUH), the majority of scholars hold the view that he also passed away in this month, in the 10th year of Hijrah, following a period of illness.

This momentous month of the birth and death of our Prophet (PBUH) holds great significance in Islam, commemorated by many people worldwide as a time of gratitude and reflection on the life and teachings of the beloved.

Allah says in the Qur’an:

The Prophet (PBUH) was born an orphan, and in a famous hadith said:
“I and the one who cares for an orphan will be together in Paradise like this” and he (SAW) held his two fingers together to illustrate. (Bukhari). You can find out more about our orphan sponsorship programme here.