Historians differ as to the birthday of Rasulullah (Sallallaahu Alayhi
Wasallam). Many have preferred the view of it being 12 Rabi-ul-Awwal.
Rasulullah (Sallallaahu Alayhi Wasallam) passed away on 12 Rabi-ul-Awwal.
This has been recorded in authentic narrations.
Determination of dates is not dependent on printed calendars. The Islamic
calendar is lunar. Thus, by the sighting of the moon all the people know
that it is the first of the month, and based on this can determine which is
the 12 of the lunar month.
and Allah Ta’ala Knows Best
Moulana Imraan Vawda
FATWA DEPT.
CHECKED AND APPROVED CORRECT: Mufti Ebrahim Desai
Q: What is the correct view on the date of Rasulullah’s (Sallallaahu Alayhi
Wasallam) birth and demise?
A: According to the majority opinion, Rasulullah (Sallallaahu Alayhi
Wasallam) was born in the month of Rabi-ul-Awwal, in the year of the
elephant. The day of his birth was Monday.
Hadhrat Abu Qataadah (Radhiallaahu Anhu) narrates that Rasulullah
(Sallallaahu Alayhi Wasallam) was asked regarding the fast of Monday. He
replied, ‘It is the day I was born and also the day when the first
revelation was sent upon me.’ (Muslim vol1 pg.368; Deoband).
There are differences of opinion on the date of Rasulullah’s (Sallallaahu
Alayhi Wasallam) birth. Allaamah Kawthari (RA) prefers the 9th of
Rabi-ul-Awwal. (Maqaalaatul Kawthari pg.405 – 207). Allaamah Qastalaani (RA)
states that the majority of the Muhadditheen and historians have also
preferred the 9th of Rabi-ul-Awwal.
Rasulullah (Sallallaahu Alayhi Wasallam) passed away in Rabiul-Awwal on a
Monday. As regards the date of his demise, there are three opinions: 1, 2
and 12 Rabi-ul-Awwal (Bidaaya Wan Nihaaya vol.5 pg.275)
The 9th Dhul-Hijjah (day of Arafah) in the year 10AH (the year which
Rasulullah (Sallallaahu Alayhi Wasallam) performed Hajj) was a Friday. If
the months Dhul-Hijjah, Muharram and Safar, all were 30 days, or 29 days or
some 29 and others 30 days, the 12th Rabi-ul-Awwal did not fall on a Monday.
Therefore, the preferred view of the date of Rasulullah’s demise is the 1st
or 2nd Rabi-ul-Awwal. Ibn Jarir (RA) prefers the 1st Rabi-ul-Awwal while Ibn
Hajar prefers the 2nd Rabi-ul-Awwal. (Al-Mawaahib with Zarqaani vol.1
pg.131) – Al-Mahmood 15