The month of Rabiul Awwal of 1443 AH began today. The month is widely known and honoured among the Muslim ummah. Rabiul Awwal is the third month of the Hijri year, falling between Safar and Rabius Sani. It is also a month for believers to fulfil a special pledge. Ahlan wa sahlan, Rabiul Awwal.

Around the world Rabiul Awwal is widely known as the month in which Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) was born. That is why it is the month of the Muslim ummah's deepest emotion and love. A poet wrote in that spirit: "Rabiul Awwal has come, the moon of peace and joy has smiled; the image of Allah's contemplation has come, the Prophet of my heart has come."

Muslims in the Indian subcontinent and in many other countries are moved by respect and love for Rabiul Awwal as the month of the Prophet's (PBUH) birth and death. Through the month they hold discussions, seminars and symposiums, meetings and prayer gatherings (doa mahfil) under various names.

Eid-e-Miladunnabi: In many countries, including Bangladesh, the state holds programmes lasting a week, a fortnight or the whole month for Rabiul Awwal. Special events are held on 12 Rabiul Awwal to celebrate the Prophet's (PBUH) birth, and there is a public holiday for all. Many countries also hold Islamic book fairs and other programmes during the month.

Uswatun Nabi: In many places, including Bangladesh, the month is observed under the name Uswatun Nabi. Through the month the Prophet's (PBUH) whole life is discussed and prayer gatherings are held. To shape the Muslim ummah in the Prophet's lofty ideals, practical teaching through "khas talim" is also offered at Uswatun Nabi events.

Seeratun Nabi: Some hold month-long programmes under the name Seeratun Nabi on every aspect of the Prophet's (PBUH) life from birth to death: his birth, upbringing, prophethood, the Hijrah, the founding of a state, and his personal, family, political and international life and his social reforms.

Some also hold discussions under the name Majiun Nabi, and some continue Eid-e-Miladunnabi discussions for 63 days, beginning in Rabiul Awwal.

When Rabiul Awwal comes, the Muslim ummah is filled with love and emotion for the Prophet (PBUH); when it goes, that feeling fades. The poet Nazrul captured this when he wrote: "When Rabiul Awwal comes I sing your song; when Rabiul Awwal goes I forget you." The line is an important warning for the Muslim ummah, and it must not be so. To give real meaning to the month's programmes, it is essential to hold the Prophet's (PBUH) ideals in our lives not just all year but all our lives.

For the Prophet's (PBUH) life is the best example for humankind to follow, as Allah Himself has declared: "Indeed, in the Messenger of Allah you have an excellent example for whoever hopes in Allah and the Last Day and remembers Allah often." (Surah Al-Ahzab, verse 21)

So let Rabiul Awwal's call to humanity be to put the Prophet's (PBUH) ideals into practice in every sphere of life. Inspiring and striving to help others hold these ideals is also a duty of faith for the ummah of Muhammad. Only then will all the Uswatun Nabi events, the programmes to implement the ideals of the Prophet (PBUH), be worthwhile.

The writer calls on all who mark the month under whatever name, at Eid-e-Miladunnabi, Uswatun Nabi, Seeratun Nabi or Majiun Nabi programmes and gatherings, to present all of the Prophet's (PBUH) ideals; to present his life, lived according to the Quran and Sunnah, as a model for all humanity; and to play a proper part in implementing his ideals in the individual, society, family, state and the international arena.

Implementing the Prophet's (PBUH) matchless ideals in our own lives, and calling on and helping others to do the same, is the Muslim ummah's pledge in Rabiul Awwal. Amen.

Source: Jagonews24. First published in Bengali on The Agro News.