Rabi' al-Awwal: The Third Islamic Month
Rabi al-Awwal is the third Hijri month, known for the birth of the Prophet Muhammad and the Hijrah to Madinah. See its meaning and dates.
- Position
- Month 3 of 12
- Meaning of the name
- The first spring
- Sacred month
- No
- Length
- 29 days in 1448 AH
Rabi' al-Awwal means "the first spring". It is the third month of the Hijri year and is closely tied to the life of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).
The Prophet was born in this month in Makkah. The 12th is the date most widely observed, though early historians gave other dates as well and many Shia Muslims mark the 17th. The Prophet also reached Madinah at the end of his Hijrah in Rabi' al-Awwal, and he passed away in the same month in 11 AH.
In many countries the 12th is a public holiday marked with gatherings that recall his life and character. Practices vary, and some scholars do not regard the day as a religious festival. All agree that sending blessings on the Prophet and following his example are encouraged throughout the year.
Begins on
| Year | Starts | Ends | Days |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1448 AH | 29 | ||
| 1449 AH | 30 |
Gregorian dates are based on the Umm al-Qura calendar and may differ by a day where months are fixed by local moon sighting.
Notable days
- 12Mawlid an-Nabi, the date commonly observed as the birth of the Prophet (peace be upon him).
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- Hijri to GregorianEnter a Hijri date and get the matching Gregorian date and weekday straight away.
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- Hijri CalendarEvery month of the current and coming Islamic year with its Gregorian dates.
- Islamic EventsThe main occasions of the Islamic year and when they fall in the Gregorian calendar.