1 Rabī‘ al-Awwal

1st Night of Rabī’ al-Awwal

At the first night of Rabī’ al-Awwal, 12 years after the outset of his Divine Mission, the Holy Prophet migrated from Makkah to al-Madinah. On this night, he hid in Cave Thawr. Imam Ali (﵇) sacrificed himself for the Holy Prophet (ﷺ) on this night, when he spent the night in the place of the Holy Prophet so as to give the latter enough time to leave Makkah safely and to arrive at his destination.

Imam Ali (﵇) challenged the polytheists who had plotted to assassinate the Holy Prophet (ﷺ) by attacking him in his bed. Thus, everybody confessed to Imam Ali’s bravery and courage, as well as his love for and fraternity with the Holy Prophet (ﷺ). Immortalizing this event, Almighty Allah revealed the following holy verse 2:207: “And among men is he who sells himself to seek the pleasure of Allah; and Allah is Affectionate to the servants.”

1st Day of Rabī’ al-Awwal

Scholars maintain that it is recommended to observe fasting on this day to express gratitude to Almighty Allah for His Favor of having saved the Holy Prophet and Imam Ali - peace be upon them and their Household. It is also appropriate to visit their holy shrines on this day. In Iqbal al-A’mal, Sayyid Ibn Tawus has mentioned a supplication to be said on this day.

According to Shaykh al-Tusi and al-Kaf’ami, Imam al-Hasan al-’Askari (﵇) departed life on this day. Yet, the most familiar report is that the Imam (﵇) departed life on the 8th of Rabī’ al-Awwal. It is possible that his ailment began on this day.