Salafi Research Institute SRI
Compiled, Translated & Annotated
Abu Hibbaan & Abu Khuzaimah Ansaari
PART 2
We have already talked about the varying opinions of the scholars of Islaam in relation to the actual birth date of the Messenger of Allaah (Sallalahu Alayhee Wasallam) in Part 1 so,
The well known expert of astronomy from Egypt, Mr Mahmood Pashaa has established the following points in his book,‘at-Taqweem al-Arabee Qabl al-Islaam Waa Taareekh Milaad ar-Rasool Waa Hijrati’ based on his mathematical findings as well as numerous other factors. He said
“On the basis and in light of the event of the Elephants (of the army of Abraha) occurring on the Monday in the month of Rabee ul-Awwal and also on the basis of the Solar eclipse that occurred at the time of the death of the Prophets (Sallalahu Alayhee Wasallam) son, Ibraahim, the Prophets correct birth date corresponds to the 9th of Rabee ul-Awwal. With regards to the Christian Gregorian calendar this correlates to 20th of April 571ce which was on a Monday morning.”(Hadaa’iq al-Anwaar (1/29) printed with ‘at-Taqweem al-Arabee (pg.36-39)
Mr Mahmood Pashas research is spread over a number of pages and this can be summarised as follows
(1) The Saheeh of Imaam Bukhaari mentions at the time of the death of the younger son of the Messenger of Allaah (Sallalahu Alayhee Wasallam) there was a solar eclipse. This solar eclipse occurred in the year 10 Hijree and the Messenger of Allaah (Sallalahu Alayhee Wasallam) at the time was 63 years old.
(2) Using the principles of mathematics and calculating the time of the solar eclipse that occurred in 10 Hijree, this corresponds to the 7th of January 632ce at approximately 8.30 in the morning.
(3) This calculation also establishes that if we subtracts these 63 lunar years (from 632ce) we get 571ce which in specific relates to the 12th of April, which in turn correlates to the 1st of Rabee ul-Awwal.
(4) There are differences of opinion relating to the birth date of the Messenger of Allaah (Sallalahu Alayhee Wasallam) however what is universally agreed upon is that it was on a Monday in the Islamic month of Rabee ul-Awwal and this date is restricted between the 8th and 12th of Rabee ul-Awwal.
(5) In the month of Rabee ul-Awwal (in the year 571ce), Monday only falls on the 9th between these restricted dates ie between the 8th and 12th. So on this basis the birth date seems to be unequivocally on the 20th of April 571ce corresponding to the 9th of Rabee ul-Awwal 632H. Furthermore although the report of 12th of Rabee ul-Awwal is culturally famous it is not by any means correctly established via the appropriate calculations. (cited from Seeatun-Nabee (1/171-172) of Shiblee)
So we find from the aforementioned discussion and details that the Messenger of Allaah (Sallalahu Alayhee Wasallam) was not born on the 12th of Rabee ul-Awwal, rather what is correct is that he was born on the 9th of Rabee ul-Awwal. Yet, what we do find and what we known is correct is that the Messenger of Allaah (Sallalahu Alayhee Wasallam) passed away on the 12th of Rabee ul-Awwal which is well documented in the books of History and Biographies and this is not the place for such details or discussion.
At this instance our intention is just to mention the day our brothers allegedly celebrate the birth day of the Messenger of Allaah (Sallalahu Alayhee Wasallam) is not the day of his birthday but in actual fact it is really the day that he died. The 12th of Rabee ul-Awwal is generally famously known as the date of the demise of the Messenger of Allaah (Sallalahu Alayhee Wasallam) so then we must pose and ask the question what is all this happiness and celebrations on the day that he died? May Allaah the most High grant us understanding and comprehension. Ameen
From his book ‘Celebrating Milaad On the Day Of Messenger of Allaah (Sallalahu Alayhee Wasallam) Died’ (pg.12-14)
