Faculty of Tarbiyah and Teacher Training – Rabiul Akhir, also known as Rabi’ al-Thani, is the fourth month in the Hijri calendar, which is a lunar-based calendar. In the pre-Islamic era, this month was known as Wubshan or Wabshan. Meanwhile, the month of Rabi’ al-Awwal was referred to as Khawwan or Khuwwan, and Jumada al-Awwal was called al-Hanin (as referenced in Abu Bakr Muhammad, Jamhartul Lughah, [Beirut: Darul ‘Ilmi] 1987, vol. 3, p. 1311). Alma Ata University can be a relevant place to delve deeper into the historical and linguistic aspects of the naming of months in the Hijri calendar.
Here is the meaning of the name of the month of Rabiul Akhir and three significant events:
The Revelation of Surah al-Hashr
The name Rabi’ al-Akhir was given by the fifth great-grandfather of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), Kilab bin Murrah. This name is related to the natural spring season in the Arabian Peninsula, where green grass, lush plants, and fruit-bearing trees abound. This season generally lasts for two months, which are now known as Rabi’ al-Awwal and Rabi’ al-Akhir.
Besides being the name of a month, the word “rabi'” also denotes a season among the six existing seasons, including ar-rabi’ al-awwal (the first spring) and al-rabi’ al-thani (the second spring). The Arabs always begin the mention of this name with the word “shahr,” which means “month.” Its pronunciation can be either “shahru rabi’in al-akhir” or “shahru rabi’il akhir” with idhafat.
Several major events occurred in the month of Rabi’ al-Akhir, including the revelation of Surah al-Hashr (The Exile), triggered by the assassination attempt on the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) by the Jewish tribe of Banu Nadhir. This tribe was the first to be gathered and expelled from Madinah, as mentioned in Surah al-Hashr (59:2). This event is considered Allah’s punishment for them in this world and Hell in the Hereafter (Surah al-Hashr [59]: 3). (Reference: Abu Muhammad ‘Ali, Jawami’ al-Sirah [Cairo-Egypt: Darul Ma’arif], 1900, vol. 1, p. 145).
The Mission of Khalid ibn al-Walid
In the month of Rabi’ al-Akhir, the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) sent Khalid ibn al-Walid to the tribe of Bani al-Harith ibn Ka’b. Through Khalid’s efforts, they embraced Islam in the presence of the Prophet. This event took place in the month of Rabi’ al-Akhir in the 10th year of Hijrah. According to Ibn Ishaq, the Battle of Dhat al-Riqa also occurred in the month of Rabi’ al-Akhir in the fourth year of Hijrah, shortly after the battle against the Banu Nadhir.
The Battle of al-Ghabah
The third notable event in the month of Rabi’ al-Akhir is the Battle of al-Ghabah, led directly by the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) in the sixth year of Hijrah. Following this, there was the Battle of al-Ghamr led by ‘Ukasha ibn Mihshan. An expeditionary force under the leadership of Muhammad ibn Maslamah was also sent to the region of Dhu al-Qassah (Reference: al-Waqidi, Maghazi al-Waqidi, [Beirut: Darul A’lami], 1989, vol. 1, p. 4).
Source:
- https://lampung.nu.or.id/keislaman/makna-nama-bulan-rabiul-akhir-dan-3-peristiwa-penting-di-dalamnya-OtSuK
- https://www.freepik.com/free-ai-image/digital-lavender-natural-landscape_48115613.htm#fromView=search&term=Ilustrasikan+bulan+dan+padang+pasir+yang+menakjubkan&track=ais_ai_generated®ularType=ai&page=1&position=5&uuid=eb3f6b79-ff5c-4516-864a-193b9264af43
