1-17-2012

Episode 9: Birth of the Messenger Pt 1

Welcome to Seerah Pearls, which aims to highlight some tantalising learning points from each episode of the Seerah- Life of the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam).

This episode discusses the birth of the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam). The majority of scholars say he was born during Rabbi Al-Awwal. The date has a variety of narrations, including the 2nd, 8th, 10th and 17th. The 12th is the popularly known date mentioned by Ibn Ishaaq. His birthday corresponds to the date 25th April 571 CE.

Narrations are explored of miraculous events that occurred during the pregnancy and birth. Amina reports that throughout her pregnancy, she did not feel any discomfort: even the labour was pain-free. She saw a dream where light from her uterus was illuminating the palaces of Syria and Sham.

After the birth, Abdul Muttalib took his grandson to the Kaba and made dua for him. He named him Muhammad, 'the abundantly praised', which at the time was a rare name. The Prophet's (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) other names are also discussed.

Finally there are discussions around the circumcision of the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) and also about celebrating the Prophet's birthday (sallallahu alayhi wasallam).