Let’s fast on Mondays for Yaum un Nabi (saw)

Yaum un Nabi SAW literally means “THE DAY OF THE PROPHET(SAW)”. The day that was peculiar to the prophet Muhammad SAW was Monday. It is reported on the authority of Sahih Muslim that the beloved prophet SAW was asked about why he used to fast on Mondays? He answered: “Because I was born on a Monday, and also it was on a Monday that I had my first revelation.”(Muslim) So the prophet SAW was being thankful to Allah Ta’ala for favours bestowed upon him by keeping fast.

The beloved prophet SAW was born on a Monday of the month of Rabi`ul Awal, during the year of elephant.(Muslim, Ibn Hibbaan et Tirmizi) During the year of elephant, Allah Ta`ala sent swallow birds(Ababeel) in rescue of the holy Ka`bah against Yemen invaders. The account of the history is given by the Qur-aan in surah the Elephant. In his book Al Talqeeh, Ibn Jawzi r.a. mentions four possible dates on the birth of the beloved prophet SAW: 2nd of Rabi`ul Awal, 8th Rabi`ul Awal, 9th Rabi`ul Awal and 12th Rabi`ul Awal. Although the 12th is the most famous, but well versed ulamas concluded the 9th Rabi`ul Awal as the most probable date of the birth of the beloved Nabi SAW. The corresponding solar date is the 22nd April of year 571(Al Raheeq).

The beloved prophet SAW was born during an era that barbarism and monarchs reign the world. He came as blessings to the world and introduced the concept of democracy and equity to the East and the West. He encouraged social security and promoted the poor and needy to have a right of status and fulfilment of their basic needs. An revolution to the world that would not spare any baked bricks house or unbaked ones. Thomas Carlyle said: ‘’How one man single handedly, could weld warring tribes and wandering Bedouins into a most powerful and civilized nation in less than two decades.’’ Some have mentioned his name as the most influential man in history. Muslims know that the beloved prophet Muhammad SAW is the Key person of humanity and he would still be the Key to unlock major difficulties on the day of judgement. He is the most beloved and favored servant of Allah that has ever existed. Sallallahou ‘alaihi wasallam. May Allah Ta’ala send His salutation and blessings on him. Ameen. He is the seal of all prophets. There is no prophet after him.

So enough for us to follow his sunnah in our clothing, our habits, our prayers and also his worry and concern for the faith of the humanity. Because the beloved prophet SAW said: “The one who revives my sunnah, he has indeed loved me.”Tirmizi.

Also note that it is reported in Bukhari on account of the hijrah or emmigration, that the beloved prophet SAW reached Madinah on a Monday during the month of Rabi’ul Awwal. Ibn Hibbaan, Mustadrak Hakim and Tabrani reports that it was a Monday, the 12th of Rabi’ul awwal.

When asked on why he used to fast both on Mondays and Thursdays, he said:”On these two days, the actions of faithful are presented to Allah Ta’ala. So I wish that my actions are presented in the state that I am fasting.”(Abu Dawood and Tirmizi)

In a narration of Muslim, the beloved prophet SAW said that every Mondays and Thursdays the doors of jannah are opened and Allah Ta’ala forgives every muslim except the one who broke ties with his brother. So their forgiveness are suspended until they resume their relationship.

Furthermore, the beloved prophet SAW left this world on a Monday during the month of Rabi’ul Awwal in the year 11th Hijri (Ibn Hibbaan). The dates reported are 12th Rabiul Awwal(Kanzul Ummaal) or a more precise riwayat: on the 2nd Rabi’ul Awwal (Sharhe Shamail, Dalailun Nubuwah).

In any case, the sahabas did not mourn on the death of the beloved prophet SAW in later years nor did they celebrate the Miladun Nabi(Birth of Nabi SAW). This is enough to deter any majalis, celebration or innovation to this aspect.

But if one want to honour the DAY OF THE PROPHET(Yaum un Nabi SAW), then do fast on Mondays. Sunnah to fast on Mondays and Thursdays. Wallahu a’lam. Mufti Mackoojee