بِسْمِ اللهِ الرَّحْمٰنِ الرَّحِيْمِ
The Blessing of 12 Rabi ul Awwal
On Saturday, 6th September 2025, Pakistan will commemorate 12 Rabi-ul-Awwal, a day radiant with divine favour when Allah سبحانه وتعالى sent forth Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, the mercy for all realms of creation.
To the Muslim Ummah, this day is not confined to historical memory; it is a living reminder of the Prophet ﷺ, whose mercy, character, and timeless guidance forever reshaped the destiny of mankind.
Did the Birth of the Prophet ﷺ Occur on 12th Rabi-ul-Awwal?
The revered scholars of the past relayed diverse perspectives:
- Ibn Ishaq – 12th Rabi ul Awwal
- Ibn Hisham – 12th Rabi ul Awwal
- Ibn Kathir – 12th Rabi ul Awwal
- Contemporary Scholars lean towards the 9th of Rabi-ul-Awwal, a conclusion reached through astronomical evidence that aligns with the Monday of the Prophet’s ﷺ blessed arrival.
The heart of the lesson is not the day itself, but the greatness of the one (Prophet ﷺ) whose arrival made this month radiant.
Sacred Sunnahs to Embrace on 12 Rabi-ul-Awwal
This blessed occasion offers parents an opportunity to inspire their children to honour this day in the manner tempered by the teachings and approval of the Prophet ﷺ.
Send Durood-o-Salaam:
“Indeed, Allah and His angels send blessings upon the Prophet. O you who believe, send blessings upon him and salute him with peace.” (Surah Al-Ahzab 33:56)
Fast on Monday:
The Prophet ﷺ noted:
“It is the day on which I was born and the day on which revelation came to me.” (Sahih Muslim)
Pass On the Light:
Circulate Books on Seerah – Make it a family practice to gather together and immerse yourselves in authentic Seerah books, choosing simple, child-friendly versions that resonate with young hearts.
Offer Charity:
“Charity does not decrease wealth. Rather, it increases it.” (Sahih Muslim 2588)
Make the Sunnahs Part of Your Daily Routine:
Let your little ones learn the habit of greeting with Salam, choose words of sincerity, and extend kindness – simple Sunnahs that shape pure hearts.
The Value of Reading Books on Seerah for Young Muslims
One of the most timeless gifts parents can pass on to a child is cultivating the habit of reading Books on Seerah. Beyond stories, they are mirrors of noble character and ignite love for the Messenger of Allah ﷺ.
For little souls, the blessings of this path manifest as:
- Planting the seeds of devotion for the Prophet ﷺ – young hearts see him as their role model and the lantern of their lives.
- Teaching good character (akhlaq) – when drawn from the Seerah, virtues like honesty, compassion, and respect grow strong in tender souls.
- Rooting identity – Books on Seerah instill faith in children, growing pride in their deen, and stand tall in the richness of their culture.
- Inspiring young minds, Seerah stories are filled with tales of strength, mercy, and divine guidance.
- Nurturing prophetic role models – replacing shadows of fiction with the everlasting brilliance of Prophet ﷺ.
Suggestion: At bedtime, elders can feed children the love of Prophet ﷺ by reading from
authentic Books on Seerah and making it a nightly routine, sharing illustrated books for the youngest and guiding older readers towards simplified Seerah biographies.
A Call to Parents: Preserving Sunnah, Avoiding Bid’ah
In Pakistan, the hearts of millions beat with love for the Prophet ﷺ, but certain practices and customs on this day drift away from his Sunnah. The Messenger ﷺ cautioned:
“The most evil affairs are the newly invented matters [in religion], for every newly invented matter is an innovation, and every innovation is a misguidance.” (Sunan al-Nasā’ī, 1578)
Actions outside the Sunnah:
- Noisy spectacles like fireworks and restless parades
- Pouring wealth into decorations while neglecting the cries of the poor
- Fabricating acts of worship unknown to the Prophet ﷺ nor upheld by his companions
- Losing sight of the obligatory worship (5 prayers) under the weight of festivities.
Real devotion is expressed for the Prophet ﷺ through the embodiment of his Sunnah, not in pursuing practices beyond his teachings.
Final Reflections of Sunnah for Families
More than a day of mere celebration, 12 Rabi-ul-Awwal is an invitation for families to bring the light of the Beloved Prophet ﷺ within their homes.
Parents: Make Books on Seerah a family treasure by reading them together, discussing their wisdom, and turning them into an echo in your home each night.
Children: Honour the Messenger ﷺ through his Sunnah – spread Salam, uphold the truth, and fill your hearts with love.
Instead of limiting the lights to streets, let us illuminate our households, our hearts, and teach our children to walk in the guidance of the Prophet ﷺ.
FAQs
When is the blessed day of 12 Rabi-ul-Awwal 2025 observed?
Across Pakistan, the blessed day will be observed on Saturday, 6th September 2025.
Does the nation of Pakistan recognise 12 Rabi-ul-Awwal as an official holiday?
Indeed. The day is marked as a public holiday.
Is it permissible for Muslims to observe a fast on 12 Rabi-ul-Awwal?
Indeed. The Prophet ﷺ encouraged fasting on Mondays, and if 12 Rabi-ul-Awwal coincides with this day, it is considered especially a virtuous act.
Why should children be introduced to Books on Seerah?
Books on Seerah open a window for young hearts to learn about the blessed life of the Prophet ﷺ, absorb his akhlaq, and fortify their faith in a manner suited to their stage of growth.
