The First Night of Rabi' al-Awal (Rabīʿ al-awwal)

At the first night of Rabi’ al-Awwal, twelve years after the outset of his Divine Mission, the Holy Prophet migrated from Makkah to al-Madinah. At this night, he hid in Cave Thawr. Imam Ali(a.s.) sacrificed himself for the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.) at 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(a.s.) challenged the polytheists who had plotted to assassinate the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.) by attacking him in his bed collectively. Thus, everybody confessed of Imam Ali’s bravery and courage, as well as his love for and fraternity with the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.). Immortalizing this event, Almighty Allah revealed the following holy verse: “And among men is he who sells himself to seek the pleasure of Allah; and Allah is Affectionate to the servants. 2/207”

وَمِنَ النَّاسِ مَنْ یَّشْرِیْ نَفْسَہُ ابْتِغَآءَ مَرْضَاْتِ اللّٰهِ۔