The Eid-e-Miladunnabi will be observed in Bangladesh on Wednesday (26 August). The day falls on 12 Rabi al-Awwal, traditionally regarded as the birth and death anniversary of Prophet Muhammad (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam).

The day is observed in Bangladesh with religious significance in remembrance of the Prophet. Many may wonder what acts of worship should be observed on Eid-e-Milad-un-Nabi and whether Islam prescribes any special prayers, fasting or supplications for the occasion.

The Quran and Hadith make one point clear: there is no authentic evidence prescribing any special obligatory prayer, fast, supplication, or fixed number of recitations of Zikr or blessings upon the Prophet specifically for 12 Rabi al-Awwal.

Following the Prophet is most important

The most important expression of love for Prophet Muhammad (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) is to follow his teachings and example.

In verse 21 of Surah Al-Ahzab, the Quran presents the Prophet as an excellent example for believers.

Similarly, verse 31 of Surah Al Imran links following the Prophet with the love and forgiveness of Allah.

In other words, remembering the Prophet on a particular day is not enough. Emulating his truthfulness, justice, compassion, forgiveness, respect for people’s rights and obedience to Allah in everyday life is a central expression of love for him.

Sending blessings and peace upon the Prophet

The Quran explicitly instructs believers to send blessings (Durud) and peace (Salam) upon the Prophet.

Verse 56 of Surah Al-Ahzab commands believers to invoke blessings and peace upon Prophet Muhammad (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam).

There are also authentic hadiths regarding the virtue of doing so. Abu Hurairah reported that the Prophet said whoever sends blessings upon him once will receive ten blessings from Allah.

Therefore, believers may send blessings and peace upon the Prophet frequently on Eid-e-Milad-un-Nabi. However, no specific number has been prescribed for the day.

Learning about the Prophet’s life

Rabi al-Awwal can be an opportunity to learn about the life and teachings of Prophet Muhammad (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam). Reading his biography, teaching family members and children about his life, and discussing his teachings can all be beneficial.

Learning how the Prophet treated his family, neighbours, the poor, the vulnerable, women, children and different sections of society—and trying to follow his example in daily life—can make one’s love for him more meaningful.

Reciting the Quran, remembering Allah, seeking forgiveness and making supplications are virtuous acts encouraged in Islam at all times. They may therefore also be performed on this day.

One may pray for guidance, forgiveness and well-being for oneself and one’s family. Prayers may also be offered for the country, the nation and people facing hardship.

However, there is no specific supplication known as the “special Eid-e-Milad-un-Nabi prayer” prescribed in the Quran or authentic Hadith. Therefore, before considering any supplication obligatory specifically on 12 Rabi al-Awwal, its reliable religious source should be verified.

Is there a special fast for 12 Rabi al-Awwal?

An authentic hadith in Sahih Muslim is often discussed in this regard. “Abu Qatadah al-Ansari reported that the Prophet was asked about fasting on Mondays. He replied that it was the day on which he was born and the day on which revelation was sent down to him.”

The hadith concerns fasting on Mondays. Therefore, it would not be appropriate to conclude from it that fasting specifically on 12 Rabi al-Awwal every year is a Sunnah.

This year, 12 Rabi al-Awwal will fall on Wednesday, 26 August, in Bangladesh. Therefore, the hadith concerning Monday fasting cannot be presented as an instruction to observe a special fast on Wednesday, 12 Rabi al-Awwal.

What should you do on this day?

On Eid-e-Miladunnabi, Muslims can observe their regular obligatory acts of worship properly while also sending blessings and peace upon the Prophet. They can recite the Quran, engage in remembrance of Allah and make supplications.

They can also read the Prophet’s biography and teach family members about his life and teachings.

Helping vulnerable people, giving charity and feeding those in need are also virtuous acts that can be performed.

However, no special prayer, specific supplication, fixed number of recitations or special fast for 12 Rabi al-Awwal should be presented as obligatory, mandatory or a specially prescribed Sunnah without reliable evidence.

The essence of love for Prophet Muhammad (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) is not confined to the formal observance of a single day. The Quran presents him as an excellent example for humanity. The most meaningful expression of love for him lies in following his teachings and embodying his character in everyday life.