Today is the holy 12th of Rabiul Awwal, associated with the birth and passing of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), the messenger of God to the world. The day holds deep significance for the Muslim world. Muslims across various countries are observing the holy Eid-e-Miladunnabi (peace be upon him) with religious solemnity and due reverence.
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) was the final prophet and messenger of Islam. He came into the world bearing the message of monotheism. He called on people to believe in one God, to walk the path of justice and truth, and to refrain from wrongdoing and injustice. His teachings showed humanity the path to peace, brotherhood, compassion and human values.
According to Islamic historical accounts, the Prophet (peace be upon him) was born on 12 Rabiul Awwal in the year 570 CE, into the Quraysh tribe of Mecca, Saudi Arabia. He passed away in Medina on the same date in the year 632 CE. In memory of his birth and passing, the day holds special significance for the Muslim community.
A message of light amid the darkness of Jahiliyyah
The Prophet (peace be upon him) came into the world at a time when Arab society was mired in superstition, idolatry, tribal conflict, injustice and moral decline. History refers to that period as the Age of Jahiliyyah, or ignorance.
In this environment, the Prophet (peace be upon him) called on people to embrace monotheism. Through his preaching, the teachings of truth, justice, equality, compassion and human dignity spread. Islam’s message of peace and welfare gradually gained wide influence among the people. The Prophet’s father was Abdullah and his mother Amina. He lost his father before he was born, and his mother passed away when he was six years old. Though he grew up an orphan, from childhood his character showed a unique example of honesty, trustworthiness, restraint and humanity. For this reason, the people of Mecca called him “Al-Amin,” or the trustworthy one.
Revelation and the start of prophethood
At the age of 40, the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) received the first revelation in the Cave of Hira near Mecca, marking the beginning of his prophetic mission. He then called on people to believe in the oneness of God and to lead their lives on the path of truth and justice.
He took a stand against falsehood, oppression, exploitation, discrimination and injustice, while also teaching the importance of establishing the rights of the poor, orphaned, helpless and marginalized. His example placed special emphasis on human dignity, mutual love, forgiveness, tolerance and a sense of responsibility.
During the period of preaching Islam in Mecca, the Prophet (peace be upon him) and his followers faced severe persecution and numerous hardships. He later migrated to Medina on God’s command. There, he set an example of establishing an orderly society founded on mutual rights, responsibility, coexistence and justice.
Over 23 years of prophethood, the Prophet (peace be upon him) delivered God’s message to humanity. He passed away in Medina at the age of 63. His passing remains an occasion of deep mourning for the Muslim ummah.
Worship and religious programs
To mark the holy Eid-e-Miladunnabi (peace be upon him), devout Muslims are observing the day through various acts of worship. Alongside Quran recitation, durood recitation, voluntary prayers, supplications and charity, many are also observing voluntary fasts.
Milad gatherings, discussions, sermons and prayer gatherings have been organized by mosques, Islamic institutions and organizations across the country. These events feature discussions on the Prophet’s life, work and his teachings for humanity.
President’s message
In a message marking the holy Eid-e-Miladunnabi (peace be upon him), President Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir called on people to follow the Prophet’s (peace be upon him) example of peace, justice, tolerance, love and humanity.
The president said, “War, conflict, hatred, discrimination and intolerance are rising in today’s world. In such circumstances, the Prophet’s (peace be upon him) teachings of peace, justice and humanity are extremely important.” Following his example, the president emphasized building a society of peace, harmony and equality while shunning hatred, animosity, division and injustice. He called on everyone to follow the Prophet’s (peace be upon him) example of life to build a just and humane society and state.
Prime minister’s message
In his own message marking the holy Eid-e-Miladunnabi (peace be upon him), Prime Minister Tareque Rahman emphasized following the Prophet’s (peace be upon him) example of peace, justice, forgiveness, compassion and humanity.
The prime minister said, “Drawing lessons from the Prophet’s (peace be upon him) life and work, it is possible to build a peaceful, just and welfare-oriented society. He taught us to be responsible toward orphaned, poor, helpless and marginalized people.”
The prime minister called for following the importance the Prophet (peace be upon him) placed on protecting the rights of family, neighbors, women and children, and the weak and marginalized in society. He said the Prophet’s example strengthens brotherhood, harmony and mutual responsibility by removing divisions among people.
Islamic Foundation’s fortnight-long program
To mark the holy Eid-e-Miladunnabi (peace be upon him), the Islamic Foundation has begun a fortnight-long program of various activities in the capital. The programs were inaugurated Tuesday evening, after Maghrib prayers, at the eastern courtyard of Baitul Mukarram National Mosque.
The programs include gatherings, conferences, seminars, poetry readings, cultural competitions, publications and exhibitions, featuring discussions on various aspects of the Prophet’s life and work.
A month-long Islamic book fair has also been organized at the eastern and southern courtyards of Baitul Mukarram National Mosque, featuring the display and sale of Islamic books and religious literature from various publishers.
On the occasion of the holy Eid-e-Miladunnabi (peace be upon him), devout Muslims are reflecting on the life and teachings of the Prophet (peace be upon him). May establishing truth, justice, peace, compassion and human values in both individual and social life, inspired by his example, be among the day’s foremost hopes.
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