Rabi’ al-Awwal, the third month in the Islamic Hijri calendar, is anticipated to commence on Wednesday, September 4, based on astronomical predictions. However, Islamic teachings emphasize that Muslims should not depend solely on these calculations; instead, the sighting of the moon is required to confirm the start of any Hijri month.
To give context, “On September 3, the moon will be visible through a high-powered telescope in the Americas. On September 4, it might be challenging to spot in the Far East and Southern Europe, but it should be easily observable in Africa and the Americas.”
The statement further mentioned, “By September 5, the moon will be visible worldwide.”
One of the most significant events in this month is the celebration of the birth of Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him).
While the exact date is not definitively known, a majority of Muslim scholars agree that the Prophet, peace, and blessings be upon him, was born on the 12th of Rabi’ al-Awwal.
The Hijri calendar is lunar-based, beginning its months with the sighting of the new moon’s first crescent. As a result, the Hijri lunar year is approximately 11 to 12 days shorter than the solar year, causing Rabi’ al-Awwal and other Hijri months to shift through different seasons.
This year, the date recognized as al-Mawlid (the birthday of Prophet Muhammad, peace, and blessings be upon him) falls on Tuesday, September 16.
