Muslims around the world anticipate the month of Rabi` Awwal to mark the birthday of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) and educate the world about his manners and teachings.
In Pakistan, a group of Muslims in the Hyderabad city are working on a petition to make the date a “Compassion Day.”
Although the exact date of Al-Mawlid (Prophet’s birthday) is unknown, the majority of Muslim scholars believe it occurs on the 12th of Rabi’ Al-Awwal.
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The initiative, started by Syed Abdullah Tarek and others, hopes to correct misconceptions about Islam and misunderstandings many non-Muslims hold about the Prophet.
It states that on the “World Compassion Day”, people will be inspired to perform at least one deed of compassion, sympathy, mercy, welfare, love or care for the living beings in his/her own way either collectively or individually.
Moreover, initiators hope Muslims will be able to offer their sincerest devotion towards the Prophet of Compassion by finally associating his name with love, compassion, and mercy, a right which belongs to him.
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Prophet’s Birthday
Historians agree that Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) was most probably born on the 12th of Rabi’ Al-Awwal around the year 570, as marked by the Gregorian calendar.
Many Muslims see the Prophet’s birthday as an important time to reflect on the life of Muhammad, peace, and blessings be upon him.
Around the world, the celebrations include stalls selling Islamic books, leaflets, clothing, prayer mats, and other materials.
While most denominations of Islam approve of the commemoration of Prophet Muhammad’s birthday, some denominations disapprove of this, considering it an unnecessary religious innovation (bid’ah).
Nevertheless, it is by no means commendable to fast on 12 Rabi` Awwal in celebration of the Prophet’s birthday. Rather, some people say that he (peace and blessings be upon him) was born on 9 Rabi` Awwal or even in Rajab, and there are still different views in this regard.