The most remarkable day in the history of mankind and the whole of this world is the 12th of Rabi ul-Awwal. The remarkability of this day is an accomplice with the nobility of the admirer who was born on this day. The admirer born on this day was the answer to Abraham’s solicitation. And He was the gladen that Allah gave to His people. His birth had been proclaimed in religious Books. The Jews recognized him as one who recognizes one’s child. They would even pray against their enemies through him. In short, He is a prestigious anodyne for the whole of humanity.
The 12th of Rabi ul-Awwal is particularly important to the Muslims because on this day the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) was born. This day takes them back to the retention of the one Who led humanity from darkness to light and who is delineated by Allah as “a blessing to all the worlds”.
The Muslims in East and West eulogize the Prophet’s (peace and blessings be upon him) birth centennial on the 12th of Rabi ul-Awwal. Such a milestone is meant to apprise people of How the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) lived his life. Allah Almighty directs us to emulate His Beloved Messenger: “Verily, in the Messenger of Allah, you have a good example for him who looks to Allah and the Last Day, and remembers Allah much.” (al-Qur’an, 33: 21)
Nowadays, the celebration of such a religious occasion is extremely important, especially for youth. Forgetful of such sacred events and their significance, they have indulged in other pleasures. When their hearts become abodes for the love of the Prophet, the best of the creation, they will emulate his practice who was an embodiment of love, sympathy, and peace. So the commemoration of the Prophet’s birthday should be cherished and maintained.
Such celebrations will instill in them the values, ethics and moral code practiced by the Prophet. This occasion serves a great purpose in that it brings the people closer to the teachings of Islam and to the Prophet’s way of life. It causes them to remember that the Prophet was a blessing for the whole universe, so they should also behave with others like him. His lesson of forbearance will motivate them to forgive even bitter enemies.
On this occasion, the Muslim parents should tell the stories of the Prophet to their children – stories that shed light on different aspects of his life: his birth, childhood, youth and adult life. This practice will kindle the flame of love in their hearts. And this message will serve as a beacon of light for future generations so that they will live together in peace, fraternity, and solidarity. His care for all of humanity sets the best example for humanity.
In recent times, a very commendable practice has begun. Mawlids are being organized in place of secular celebrations: they are organized to mark a child’s birthday, move into a new house, marriages and similar events. Today’s violence-stricken, the dark world can only be illuminated through the light of his teachings which show us how tolerant he was towards others. Mawlid celebrations aim at the promotion of the culture of love and fraternity, peace and harmony, justice and equality, restoration of human rights and denouncement of terrorism. Also, they give the message of human dignity, forgiveness, and accommodation. The Muslims congratulate one another on this day and salute and greet the Beloved Messenger of Allah.