When was the Prophet Muhammad born?

Question

The question pertains to the date of the birth of the Prophet Muhammad, specifically the month and year. [AR_ID:5930]

Answer 1

Peace be upon you. There is a difference of opinion between Shia and Sunni scholars regarding the birth of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). The common belief among us is that he was born on the 17th of Rabi' al-Awwal, although Sheikh Al-Kulayni, a trusted scholar, stated that his birth was on the 12th. Our scholars have noted that those we have encountered believed that the Prophet was born on Friday, the 17th of Rabi' al-Awwal in the Year of the Elephant. In 'Qisas al-Anbiya', it is narrated that he was born on the 17th of Rabi' al-Awwal, and Allama Majlisi mentioned this in 'Bihar al-Anwar'. The majority of the Imami scholars agree, with some exceptions, that his birth was on the 17th of Rabi' al-Awwal, while most of the opposing scholars believe it was on the 12th. Sheikh Al-Mufid in 'Masa'ir al-Shi'a' also chose the 17th of Rabi' al-Awwal as the date of his noble birth. It is widely accepted that the Prophet was born in Mecca in the Year of the Elephant, which was 40 years before his prophethood. The common belief among the Imami and some others is that he was born on the 17th of Rabi' al-Awwal, while others, including Al-Kulayni, believe it was 12 days before that date. There are other opinions, but they are not necessary to mention here. It is noted that Al-Tabarsi and Al-Kulayni stated he was born on a Friday, while others claim it was a Monday. It has also been reported that his mother was pregnant with him during the days of Tashriq, which are the 11th, 12th, and 13th of Dhul-Hijjah. This raises some questions regarding the duration of pregnancy, as it would imply either a three-month or a fifteen-month pregnancy, which contradicts the common understanding of pregnancy duration. However, it has been suggested that this discrepancy is based on the practice of 'Nasi' in the sacred months among the Arabs. Ultimately, if we do not accept that the Prophet's pregnancy was uniquely four months, we cannot accept that narration, even if its chain of transmission is sound, as it relies on a concept that requires proof. We have not encountered expressions from the infallibles based on 'Nasi', which is considered an increase in disbelief, nor have we seen this in the words of narrators and historians, especially without any supporting evidence. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of the worlds. May you be successful in all good deeds.