Honoring the Birth of Prophet Muhammad: Inspiring Tales from the Past. Explore incredible stories of the wonders and virtues of celebrating the birth of the Prophet during the month of Rabi' al-Awwal.
The birth of Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him, marks the arrival of the final prophet who brought blessings to the entire world. He was born in the month of Rabi' al-Awwal, a month filled with blessings and goodness. Many Muslims celebrate the Prophet's birthday in various ways, such as reading his biography, sending blessings upon him, giving to charity, and hosting feasts.
Celebrating the Prophet's birthday is not an innovation but a tradition that brings rewards and blessings. This is evidenced by several inspirational stories from the past, demonstrating how Allah bestows grace and honor upon those who extol the Prophet's birthday.
The Tale of the Wayward Youth in Bashrah
During the era of Caliph Harun al-Rashid, there was a wayward youth in Bashrah known for his sinful deeds. The city's inhabitants despised him and considered him lowly.
Yet, there was one peculiar aspect about this young man. Every time the month of Rabi' al-Awwal arrived, he would wash his clothes, adorn himself with fragrances, and host a feast (walimah). During this gathering, he would recite the biography of Prophet Muhammad with great reverence.
This continued for a long time until the young man passed away. When people were preparing his funeral, they heard a voice from the unseen saying, "O people of Bashrah, come and witness the burial of a saint among Allah's chosen ones. Indeed, he is noble in My sight." The people were astonished and bewildered.
They followed the voice and buried the young man with respect. In their dreams, they saw him wearing splendid silk garments. They asked him, "How did you attain such nobility?" He replied, "By venerating the birthday of Prophet Muhammad."
The Tale of the Handsome Youth in Syria
In the land of Syria, during the reign of Caliph Abdul Malik bin Marwan, there lived a handsome youth who enjoyed riding his horse. One day, his horse ran wildly, leading him to a dead-end street. He couldn't control his horse, and it took him towards the palace gates where he collided with the caliph's son, who tragically died on the spot.
News of this incident reached Caliph Abdul Malik bin Marwan, who grew furious and ordered the young man to be brought before him. As the young man faced execution, he silently prayed, "O Allah, if You save me from this calamity, I will host a grand feast and recite the birth of Prophet Muhammad during it."
When the young man stood before the caliph, the caliph looked at his face and burst into laughter. He asked, "Young man, are you a sorcerer?" The youth replied, "No, by Allah, O Amir al-Mu'minin."
The caliph inquired again, "What did you say?" The youth responded, "I said: O Allah, if You save me from this calamity, I will host a feast in celebration of the birth of Prophet Muhammad."
The caliph declared, "I pardon you, and I grant you one hundred dinars to celebrate the Prophet's birthday. You are absolved of the penalty for my son's death."
Both of these stories, narrated by Sheikh Bakri Syatho in his book "I'anatut Thalibin," serve as inspiration and motivation for us to always honor the birth of Prophet Muhammad, particularly during the month of Rabi' al-Awwal.
In this month, we commemorate the birth of the Prophet who brought light and guidance to all creation. He taught noble character, a perfect code of conduct, and intercession of great value. May reading the Prophet's biography bring us blessings, honor, and intercession from him. Amen. Wallahu a'lam bissawab.
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