Surah for month Rabi ul Awal

[Lala]

Is there a Surah in the Quran that is especially read in the current month of Rabi-ul-Awal, the month of the Prophet’s birthday as at present?

[N. Truth Seeker]

As you would know, 12th Rabi al Awal is the Prophet Muhammad’s (pbuh) birthday, the celebration of which is called Mawlid or Milad.  During these gatherings people usually discuss the history of the Prophet’s (pbuh) life.  One can recite any Surah from the Quran on this occasion;  usually at the closing they recite the three Quls -  At-Tawheed, Al-Falak and An-Nas.   But I don’t know if any particular Surah is meant to be recited during Mawlid celebration..

[Lala]

Yes, right.   I mean, some Surah revealed which refers to the period of the prophet’s birth.

[Heba E. Husseyn]

I suppose you mean Surah Al-Fil (‘the Elephant’), Surah 105, which mentions the incident of the destruction of disbelieving forces that happened close to the year of the Prophet’s (pbuh) birth. 

[Lala]

Yes exactly     Thanks.  Isn’t this Surah especially recited during the Mawlid celebration?

[Heba E. Husseyn]

I don’t know of any practice of specifically reciting Surah Al-Fil in this occasion.  As the brother mentioned, one can recite any Surah which includes Surah Al-Fil.  Often during the Mawlid presentation the incident briefly described in Surah Al-Fil is narrated with more details by the presenters.   This incident involved an Abyssinian military commander of Yemen who marched to Makkah in his elephant with his army.  His intention was to destroy the Kaa’ba.  But his plan was severely thwarted.  He and his forces were badly defeated after being pelted with stones by swarms of flying creatures .. probably birds, but Allah knows best.  Also check guest Q&A "Ababeel."

[Lala]

Thanks very much for the information and clarification.