When Is 12 Rabi ul Awwal? Date, Significance, and Global Practices

12th of Rabi’ al-Awwal — why does this date matter to us? Simply because it is the birth date of the dearest human to our hearts, the one who showed us the greatest mercy among all of Allah’s servants. Every year, Muslims around the world ask, “When is 12 Rabi ul Awwal?” because it marks the occasion to remember and honor the birth of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, the last messenger of Allah. This day has a deep spiritual meaning and is celebrated in many different ways all over the world.

In this article, we will explore the significance of 12 Rabi’ al-Awwal in Islam, historical reports about the date, variations in global practices,and  how the Islamic calendar aligns with the Gregorian calendar.

Significance of 12 Rabi’ al-Awwal in Islam

Our Prophet ﷺ was born on a Monday, without dispute. The majority of scholars hold that it was on the twelfth night of the month of Rabi‘ al-Awwal. It is unanimously agreed that he ﷺ was born in the Year of the Elephant, and his birth took place in the house of Abu Talib in the valley of Banu Hashim. By His Divine wisdom, Allah Almighty willed that our Prophet ﷺ be born and raised as an orphan.

While some may ask “when is 12 Rabi ul Awwal” only to mark a date on the calendar, for the people of knowledge, this day is about spiritual reflection. For example: Imam Jalal al-Din al-Suyuti taught us that the remembrance is not about extravagance or innovations but about reviving the love of the Prophet ﷺ in the hearts of Muslims through commemorating the Prophet’s birth with Qur’an recitation, feeding the poor, and teaching the seerah is praiseworthy.

Accordingly, Imam Al-Suyuti explained in his book Husn al-Maqṣad fī ‘Amal al-Mawlid that the significance of celebrating the Mawlid can be summarized in the following points:

1. The Mawlid is an annual commemoration that reminds Muslims of their Prophet ﷺ and his efforts to save the world from moral decay and ignorance, encouraging them to adhere to his teachings and increase their love for him.

2. Knowing the noble lineage of the Prophet ﷺ. Some argue that this is not a logical reason since we should remember our Prophet throughout the year. The response to this is that while this is true, there are those who do not remember him at all during the year and are absorbed in their daily concerns, so this day serves as an opportunity to remind them.

3. The Mawlid provides an opportunity to give food to others, which is among the most beloved deeds the Prophet ﷺ recommended.

4. Gathering to remember Allah and read the Qur’an. Some also claim that this is a blameworthy innovation (bid‘ah). Imam Al-Suyuti agrees with them if the gathering involves collective chanting in unison or the use of inappropriate songs that do not align with Shariah. However, if the gathering takes place in mosques for beneficial lessons in knowledge and understanding, there is no objection.

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When is 12 Rabi ul Awwal? Historical reports

The exact date of the Prophet’s birth has been debated by historians. Some narrations mention the 9th of Rabi’ al-Awwal, others the 10th and others the 12th. Scholars agreed that the strongest view is the 12th of Rabi’ al-Awwal in the Year of the Elephant (570 CE) as classical historians like Ibn Ishaq and Ibn Hisham recorded. 

Interestingly, the same date is also linked with the Prophet’s passing from this world. Many historians state that the Prophet ﷺ left this world on 12th Rabi’ al-Awwal, which adds another layer of solemn reflection.

Therefore, for Muslims, when is 12 Rabi ul Awwal is both a question of joy and reverence: joy for the Prophet’s birth and reverence in remembering his departure.

Variations in global celebrations

Muslims around the world celebrate the 12th day of Rabi’ al-Awwal in different ways, but the main thing they all share is their love for the Prophet ﷺ. When someone asks “when is 12 Rabi ul Awwal” in one country, the way people celebrate it might be a little different from how it’s observed in another country.

Egypt and Al-Azhar influence: In Egypt, under the guidance of Al-Azhar, this day is marked with Qur’an recitations, lectures about the Prophet’s life, and gatherings of dhikr. Sweets known as halawiyat al-mawlid are also widely shared as a symbol of joy.

South Asia (Pakistan, India, Bangladesh): Processions, public speeches, and naat recitations fill the streets, emphasizing the greatness of the Prophet.

Turkey and Bosnia: Cultural programs, conferences, and poetry about the Prophet are common.

In countries like the United States and the United Kingdom:  Muslim communities commemorate the Mawlid by organizing mosque gatherings, educational talks about the life of the Prophet ﷺ, and interfaith activities that emphasize his teachings of peace and compassion. 

Indonesia and Malaysia: Muslims organize community feasts, mosque gatherings, and competitions for children to memorize hadith and Qur’an.

Even though the forms of expression differ, the question “when is 12 Rabi ul Awwal” unites Muslims around the globe in anticipation of the beloved Prophet’s remembrance. Regarding these different forms of celebrating the Prophet’s birthday, Imam Al-Suyuti says:

“As for what should be avoided, these are the superstitions created for us by the Fatimid and Mamluk eras, such as making special sweets for the Mawlid and holding feasts enjoyed by the wealthy rather than the poor, among other disliked practices.

One should also avoid dance sessions that cloud the mind and create disorder in the minds of Muslims. Thus, the matter is very simple if we refrain from those actions that are not approved by religion or reason, and adhere to what our great religion permits.

Let us hasten, on this great occasion, to pause and reflect upon ourselves, and draw lessons from the Prophet’s noble life that guide and inspire us.”

Connection between Islamic calendar and Gregorian calendar

One common reason Muslims ask “when is 12 Rabi ul Awwal” is because the Islamic calendar (Hijri) is lunar, while the Gregorian calendar is solar. Each year, the date shifts approximately 10 to 11 days earlier in the Gregorian calendar.

For example, last year (2024)  12 Rabi’ al-Awwal was on September 15, this year (2025) – 12 Rabi’ al-Awwal will be on September 6. This shifting nature means Muslims need to check moon sightings and official announcements from Islamic authorities to know when is 12 Rabi ul Awwal in their region.

This connection also shows how beautiful the Islamic calendar is, encouraging Muslims to stay connected to the moon’s cycle, which helps determine not just 12 Rabi’ al-Awwal but also Ramadan, Eid al-Fitr, and Eid al-Adha.

Educational events by Ulum Al-Azhar Academy on this day

Ulum Al-Azhar Academy plays a vital role in teaching the true significance of this day. Instead of limiting the observance to cultural expressions, Al-Azhar-trained scholars focus on:

Lectures on the Seerah: Exploring how the Prophet’s life provides guidance for today’s challenges.

Learning more about Important Islamic events : as Haj and Umrah.

Sessions about Holy months: To gain a closer understanding of these holy months and what we should do in them.

Qur’an and Hadith Circles: Encouraging students and the community to reconnect with the Prophet’s message.

Let  this day give us a chance to refresh our connection with his teachings and to show his mercy in how we live our lives by knowing His prophet deeply

Conclusion

The question “when is 12 Rabi ul Awwal” goes beyond just checking the Islamic calendar. It reminds us of Allah’s kindness in sending His beloved Prophet ﷺ. This day should be celebrated through remembering, learning, and being thankful—not through overdoing things or following practices that go against what Islam teaches.

No matter where Muslims are—whether in Cairo, Jakarta, Karachi, or London—asking “when is 12 Rabi ul Awwal” brings them together in a shared tradition of loving the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ. 

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FAQs

When is 12 Rabi ul Awwal in 2025CE?
It is expected that 12 Rabi’ al-Awwal 1447H will be on September 6,2025.

Why do Muslims ask “when is 12 Rabi ul Awwal”?
Because it marks the Prophet’s birth and, according to some narrations, his passing. It is a day of remembrance, reflection, and love.

Do all Muslims celebrate 12 Rabi’ al-Awwal the same way?
No, cultural practices vary, but the correct way is for the celebration to be free from religious violations such as gathering for dhikr in unison and from extravagance in food and sweets..

How can we know in advance when is 12 Rabi ul Awwal?
By following the Islamic lunar calendar and announcements from local Islamic authorities.