From Darkness to Light: The Birth that Rebirths the World

The month of Rabi' Al-Awal is a time of immense blessing for Muslims and humanity alike, for it marks the birth of the Messenger of Allah, Prophet Muhammad ﷺ. His arrival was not merely the birth of a man; it was the rebirth of the world and a turning point in human history. In an era overshadowed by ignorance, oppression, and moral decay, his birth brought light, guidance, and hope. The phrase I am using here "the birth that rebirth the world" captures the profound significance of this moment, a divine intervention that renewed faith, justice, and mercy across humanity.

Before the Prophet ﷺ appeared, the entire Arab world was steeped in darkness. Tribalism, blood feuds, and oppression dominated life. Idolatry surrounded the Kaabah, women were dehumanized, and the weak were exploited. Beyond Arabia, great empires were riddled with corruption and injustice. Humanity had lost its moral and spiritual compass, and the light of guidance seemed distant. The birth of Muhammad ﷺ was not simply a historical event; it was the beginning of a spiritual revival that would reshape the destiny of nations and restore humanity's connection with their Creator.

His birth was accompanied by signs that foretold the transformation he would bring. Historical accounts describe a radiant light emanating from his mother, Aminah Bint Wahb, illuminating distant lands, and extraordinary events, such as the extinguishing of the sacred fire in Persia, signalling the decline of falsehood. Yet, the true miracle lay not in these signs but in what his life represented: the completion of divine guidance and the mercy that would envelop the world. As the Quran states, "Indeed, Allah conferred a great favour upon the believers when He sent among them a Messenger from themselves, reciting to them His verses, purifying them, and teaching them the Book and Wisdom, although before that they were in manifest error" (3:164).

Through his life and mission, the Prophet ﷺ transformed society and restored humanity's moral compass. The fragmented tribes of Arabia became a united community under the banner of Tawḥid. Spiritually, he reconnected humanity with its Creator, ending the worship of idols and false deities. Morally, he abolished injustices such as female infanticide and exploitation, replacing them with mercy, justice, and compassion. Intellectually, he nurtured a love for knowledge, reflection, and learning, laying the foundations for a civilization renowned for its contributions to science, philosophy, and the arts. Socially, he established equality and brotherhood; Br. Bilil, an Abyssinian former slave, stood equal to Qurayshi nobles, while Br. Salman Al-Farisi was embraced as "one of us, the People of the Household". This was a complete rebirth, turning darkness into light, division into unity, and oppression into justice.

Further, the Quran describes him ﷺ as "a mercy to the worlds" (21:107), and his birth indeed brought mercy and guidance to all humanity. For the oppressed, he was liberation; for the ignorant, enlightenment; and for seekers of truth, guidance. His life revived humanity's covenant with Allah and established a world illuminated by moral and spiritual excellence. His birth is not only a historical milestone but a living source of inspiration and renewal.

The relevance of his birth continues today. Just as pre-Islamic Arabia faced disunity, injustice, and spiritual emptiness, the modern world confronts wars, corruption, sectarianism, materialism, and moral decline. Remembering the Prophet's birth in Rabi Al-Awal reminds us that revival is always possible. His example demonstrates that even in the darkest times, guidance, mercy, and reform can transform hearts and societies.

Indeed, the birth of the Prophet ﷺ also invites personal reflection. Celebrating him is not limited to public observances; it demands a rebirth within our hearts. Do we embody his honesty, compassion, humility, and dedication to justice? Are we agents of mercy and reform in our homes, communities, and societies? The rebirth of the world begins with individuals who live according to his example, spreading his values through their actions and character.

Thus, as we commemorate his birth in Rabi Al-Awal, we recognize that it was more than the start of a life. It was the dawn of a mission that continues to shape humanity. The Prophet ﷺ came to revive a broken world, restore faith, and establish a community destined to carry light, justice, and mercy to all nations. Last but not least, I would like to assert that today, as we face challenges within our societies in the era of digitality, his birth remains a timeless reminder that Allah's mercy is ever near and that through adherence to his guidance, renewal is always possible. Certainly, the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ is the birth that rebirth the world of yesterday, today, and forever.

Hamoud Yahya Ahmed Mohsen Assistant Professor of Literature at the Department of English Language and Literature, AbdulHamid AbuSulayman Kulliyyah of Islamic Revealed Knowledge and Human Sciences, International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM). Malaysia