The Prophet Muhammad died annually on the 28th day of the Islamic month of Safar, which falls on September 14 this year. The date of the Iranian public holiday changes annually dependent on moon sightings. This day commemorates both the death of the Prophet Muhammad and the martyrdom of Imam Hassan. Both are significant occasions for Shi’a Muslims.
The day is commemorated with a simple dinner, followed by mosque-based prayers and a sermon. The observance provides believers with an opportunity to reflect on the Prophet’s vital teachings. The fundamental teachings are to be and do good and to refrain from corrupt behaviour and vices.
The background of Death of Prophet Muhammed
The Prophet Muhammad is the progenitor of Islam and the proponent of the “Quran.” It is said that he was born in Mecca in 570 A.D. and died in Medina on June 8, 632 A.D. There is no record of the cause of mortality, but it is presumed to have been fever.
He was born in Mecca into the Quraish tribe. They were prosperous traders who controlled the trade routes along the west coast of Arabia, from Syria to Yemen. He worked as a merchant for several years before being employed by Khadija, a wealthy widow whom he ultimately wed. Around the age of 40, he began having visions and hearing voices. During his meditation on Mount Hira near Mecca, the archangel Gabriel appeared and instructed him to recite “in the name of [your] Lord.” This was the beginning of the succession of revelations that formed the basis of the Islamic holy book, the “Quran.”
His revelations and teachings regarding a single deity infuriated many Meccan merchants. In 622 A.D., due to his unstable position within the tribe, he moved to Medina. He continued to impart his revelations and established a community of disciples. They continued to engage in conflict with the Quraish tribe until Mecca finally capitulated and Muhammad seized control of the city.
Prior to his passing, he had not appointed a successor. This resulted in the formation of the Shi’a and Sunni branches of Islam. The Shi’a believed that only those with a direct lineage to the Prophet could guide the Muslim community, and the Sunnis believed that the Prophet’s successor should be determined by consensus. The Sunni and Shi’a branches of Islam are still divided.
5 FACTS REGARDING ISLAM
Islam is the second-largest religion in the world, after Christianity, with approximately 1,8 billion Muslims worldwide.
It is believed that Islam was founded in the seventh century, making it the youngest of the world’s main religions.
Muslims venerate Allah, the one, omniscient God.
The Haji is an annual pilgrimage to Mecca that every Muslim must make at least once in his or her lifetime.
These rituals are also referred to as Salat. Every Muslim is required to worship five times per day at prescribed times.
DEATH OF PROPHET MUHAMMED DATES
Year | Date | Day |
---|---|---|
2022 | September 25 | Sunday |
2023 | September 14 | Thursday |
2024 | September 2 | Monday |
2025 | August 22 | Friday |
2026 | August 11 | Tuesday |