islamic calendar 2016 shia rabi awal 2016

Islamic Calendar 2016: A Look into Rabi' Al-Awwal and Its Significance

The Islamic calendar, also known as the Hijri calendar, has been an essential part of Islamic history and tradition for centuries. With its lunar cycle, the months of the Islamic calendar vary in length, causing the dates to shift each year compared to the solar year. Among these 12 months is Rabi' Al-Awwal, a significant month that holds great importance in Islamic history.

Rabi' Al-Awwal is often referred to as the 'month of the birth' because it was during this time that the Holy Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) was born. This event marks a turning point in human history, as it brought forth a messenger who would guide humanity towards the straight path and bring them closer to their Creator.

Apart from being the month of the Prophet's birth, Rabi' Al-Awwal is also associated with the deaths of several notable figures in Islamic history. These include ibn Arabi, a renowned philosopher from Spain; Ahmad Sirhindi; Habib Abu Bakr al-Haddad; Abdul-Qadir Gilani, known as the 'saint of saints'; and Fatimah bint Musa.

In addition to these events, Rabi' Al-Awwal is also notable for being the month when the Eleventh Imam Hasan al-Askari was born. The estimated start and end dates for this month vary depending on the lunar calendar used, but in general, it falls between late January or early February and mid-March.

The Islamic calendar is a purely lunar calendar, meaning that months begin when the first crescent of a new moon is sighted. As a result, Rabi' Al-Awwal migrates throughout the seasons, making its position in the solar year different each year. The word 'Rabi'' means 'spring' in Arabic, and 'Al-Thani' means 'the second,' so literally, Rabi' Al-Awwal translates to 'the second spring.'

In modern Turkish, this month is referred to as Rebiülahir or Rebiülsani, while in the Ottoman Empire, it was known as Rèbi' ul-a her. The significance of Rabi' Al-Awwal is not limited to its historical events; it also marks a time for reflection and spiritual growth, as Muslims around the world come together to celebrate the birth of their beloved Prophet.

In conclusion, Rabi' Al-Awwal is a month that holds great importance in Islamic history and tradition. From the birth of the Holy Prophet to the deaths of notable figures, this month is filled with significant events that have shaped the course of human history. As Muslims, it is essential to understand and appreciate these events, using them as an opportunity for spiritual growth and reflection.

Islamic calendar 2016 shia rabi awal 2016