Dr. Ali Gomaa, a member of Al-Azhar’s Council of Senior Scholars, discussed several narrations concerning the birth of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ and accounts describing what his mother, Aminah bint Wahb, reportedly witnessed during his blessed birth.

Traditional biographies contain various accounts about the night of the Prophet’s birth, including reports of a light appearing at his birth and other signs associated with the event.

What Happened to Aminah When the Prophet Was Born?

According to the account cited by Dr. Ali Gomaa, Aminah said that when labor began, she was alone and heard a tremendous sound that frightened her.

She then reportedly saw what appeared to be the wing of a white bird touching her heart, after which her fear and pain disappeared.

She also described seeing a white drink, which she took, followed by a great light. The narration further describes several tall women surrounding her, identified in the account as Asiya, the wife of Pharaoh, Maryam, daughter of Imran, and women from among the heavenly maidens.

The narration also mentions a white silk cloth stretched between heaven and earth and a voice saying:

“Take him away from the eyes of those watching.”

The Light That Appeared at the Prophet’s Birth

Some traditional narrations cited in the source describe a great light appearing at the Prophet’s birth and illuminating the area between the East and West.

Another account attributed to Aminah says that when the Prophet ﷺ was born, a light emerged with him and illuminated the region between East and West. He then reportedly fell to the ground, supporting himself with his hands.

Another narration states that Aminah saw a light illuminating the palaces of Syria.

It is important to note that the narrations concerning the detailed signs surrounding the Prophet’s birth do not all have the same level of authenticity. Therefore, reports established by authentic hadith should be distinguished from accounts found in historical and biographical literature.

What Did Aminah Say About the Prophet’s Birth?

The narration states that Aminah saw three banners: one in the East, one in the West, and another over the Kaaba.

When labor intensified, she gave birth to Prophet Muhammad ﷺ and reportedly saw him prostrating, with his finger raised toward the sky.

The account also mentions a white cloud descending from the sky and covering him, followed by a voice describing his being taken to different parts of the world so that people would recognize his name and description.

The Narration of Al-Shifa at the Prophet’s Birth

Another narration states that Al-Shifa, the mother of Abd al-Rahman ibn Awf, was present at the Prophet’s birth.

According to the report, the newborn fell into her hands and cried out, while she heard a voice saying:

“May Allah have mercy upon you.”

The narration further states that a light illuminated the area between East and West, allowing her to see some of the Roman palaces.

According to the account, these events remained in her memory until the Prophet ﷺ began his mission, after which she became one of the earliest people to embrace Islam.

Extraordinary Events Reported at the Prophet’s Birth

Among the reports that became famous in traditional biographies are:

• The shaking of the palace of Khosrow and the fall of fourteen of its balconies.
• The receding of Lake Tiberias.
• The extinguishing of the Persian fire, which was reportedly kept burning for a very long period.
• A light appearing at the Prophet’s birth and illuminating the region between East and West.

These reports vary in authenticity, and therefore they should not all be presented as definitively established authentic hadith.

When Was Prophet Muhammad Born?

Traditional biographies generally state that Prophet Muhammad ﷺ was born in the Year of the Elephant, on a Monday during the month of Rabi al-Awwal.

Historians and scholars have differed regarding the exact day of the month. The 12th of Rabi al-Awwal is the most widely known traditional date, although other dates have also been proposed.

What is firmly established in an authentic hadith is that the Prophet ﷺ was born on Monday. When asked about fasting on Monday, he said:

“That is the day on which I was born.”

Al-Busiri’s Poetry About the Prophet’s Birth

Imam Al-Busiri expressed the joy associated with the Prophet’s birth in his famous poem, writing:

“With a face bright like the sun, radiant from you,
a splendid night was illuminated by his light.”

He also wrote:

“The night of the birth, which brought joy to religion,
a day of happiness and celebration.”

Other famous verses praising the Prophet ﷺ have also been attributed to his uncle Al-Abbas, including the well-known lines describing the earth and horizons as illuminated by his light.

Conclusion

The birth of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ holds a deeply significant place in Islamic memory, and numerous narrations have been transmitted describing the light, joy, and signs associated with his blessed birth.

The most important focus, however, remains the authentic account of his life and message—a message through which, according to Islamic belief, humanity was guided from darkness to light and received the mercy of the Messenger sent to all worlds.

What did Aminah reportedly see when Prophet Muhammad was born?

Some narrations state that she saw a great light, women surrounding her, and other extraordinary scenes associated with his birth.

Is the report about the light reaching the palaces of Syria authentic?

It appears in traditional reports, but narrations concerning the detailed signs of the Prophet’s birth vary in authenticity and should be evaluated individually.

In which year was Prophet Muhammad born?

The widely accepted traditional account places his birth in the Year of the Elephant.

On which day was Prophet Muhammad born?

An authentic hadith establishes that he was born on Monday.

Was Prophet Muhammad born on the 12th of Rabi al-Awwal?

This is the most commonly cited traditional date, but the exact day of his birth is disputed among historians and scholars.