Prophet Muhammad’s birthday

by Ruzaik Farook

The Islamic month of Rabbiul Awwal has dawned and the 12th of Rabbiul Awwal is the birthday of Prophet Muhammad (Sal). It is a significant day for the Muslims throughout the world. While celebrating this solemn occasion we must follow the teachings of the Prophet in our day-to-day lives which will bring emancipation and salvation to mankind.

The birth of Prophet Muhammad was a blessing to the world and an example to humanity. He was also known as `Al Ameen’ during the early Meccan period due to his impeccable honesty and integrity.

Prophet Muhammad believed in leading by example and was known for being patient and even -tempered. There is a well-known story of a Meccan woman who despised the Prophet so much that she used to throw trash at him whenever he passed by.

Prophet Muhammad never scolded her or raised his voice against this mean action. He never even complained about it. He just ignored and walked away.

One day he walked by her house and she did not throw any trash. Finding this odd the Prophet entered her home and found her ill. The woman was so moved by Muhammad’s actions that she became his follower.

Muhammad was born in Mecca in 570 AD, according to the Gregorian calendar. Since his father died before his birth and his mother died shortly thereafter, Muhammed was raised by his uncle who was from the respected tribe of Quraish.

He was raised illiterate, unable to read or write and remained so till his death. His people, before his mission as a prophet, were ignorant of science and most of them were illiterate. As he grew up, he became known to be truthful, honest, trustworthy, generous, and sincere. He was so trustworthy that they called him the Trustworthy. Muhammad was religious and he had long detested decadence and idolatry of his society.

Muhammad was also known for controlling his emotions and anger. He was always calm under pressure. Muhammad was also well-known for being kind towards children and would often play with them and pay attention to them. He preached the religion of Islam after receiving divine messages from Allah.

On this significant day we pray for peace and prosperity in the country where people of all faiths can live happily and peacefully.

[Masjidun Nabawiyyah]

The heart of the mosque houses a very special area named ar-Rawdah an-Nabawiyah which is very small and extends from Muhammad’s tomb to his pulpit. Pilgrims visit and pray in ar-Rawdah, for there is a tradition that supplications and prayers uttered here are never rejected.

This mosque also includes a museum that displays ancient manuscript of the Quran and a library. The mosque is located in what was traditionally the center of Medina, with many hotels and old markets nearby.

It is a major pilgrimage site and many people who perform the Hajj in Mecca later come to Medina to visit the mosque.