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{{quran
{{quran
|text = وَلَقَدْ بَعَثْنا فی کُلِّ اُمَّةٍ رَسُولاً اَنِ اعْبُدُوا اللهَ وَ اجْتَنِبُوا الطَّاغُوتَ...
|text = وَلَقَدْ بَعَثْنَا فِي كُلِّ أُمَّةٍ رَسُولًا أَنِ اعْبُدُوا اللَّهَ وَاجْتَنِبُوا الطَّاغُوتَ...
|translation = Certainly We raised an apostle in every nation [to preach:] ‘Worship Allah, and shun fake deities.’
|translation = Certainly We raised an apostle in every nation [to preach:] ‘Worship Allah, and shun fake deities.’
|sura = Sura al-Nahl (16)
|verse = 36
}}
}}


== Hijaz Before Bi'tha ==
== Hijaz Before Bi'tha ==
The [[Quran]] describes the state of affairs before the Prophet's mission as "clear misguidance."<ref>Sura Al-Jumua, Verse 2</ref> This era is referred to in Islamic sources as the Age of Ignorance (Jahiliyya). According to [[Imam Ali (a)]], people were religiously fragmented and scattered; some likened God to phenomena, while others attributed valuable names and virtuous attributes to idols.<ref>Nahj al-Balagha, Sermon 1</ref> The most common practice among the Arabs was idol worship, and it was so popular that the number of idols quickly increased, and up to 360 idols were installed and maintained in the [[Ka'ba]]. The idols of Manat,<ref>Al-Asnam, p. 13</ref> Lat,<ref>Al-Asnam, p. 16</ref>  Uzza,<ref>''Tarikh-i 'Arab-i qabl az Islam'', p. 379</ref> and Hubal<ref>Al-Asnam, p. 27</ref> held a high position among the polytheists. In addition to idol worship, [[Judaism]], [[Christianity]], and [[Dualism]] were among the common religions among the Arabs at the time of the Prophet's mission.
The [[Quran]] describes the state of affairs before the Prophet's mission as "clear misguidance."<ref>Sura Al-Jumua, Verse 2</ref> This era is referred to in Islamic sources as the Age of Ignorance (Jahiliyya). According to [[Imam Ali (a)]], people were religiously fragmented and scattered; some likened God to phenomena, while others attributed valuable names and virtuous attributes to idols.<ref>Nahj al-Balagha, Sermon 1</ref> The most common practice among the Arabs was idol worship, and it was so popular that the number of idols quickly increased, and up to 360 idols were installed and maintained in the [[Ka'ba]]. The idols of Manat,<ref>‘’Al-Aṣnām’’, p. 13</ref> Lat,<ref>‘’Al-Aṣnām’’, p. 16</ref>  Uzza,<ref>''Tarikh-i 'Arab-i qabl az Islam'', p. 379</ref> and Hubal<ref>‘’Al-Aṣnām’’, p. 27</ref> held a high position among the polytheists. In addition to idol worship, [[Judaism]], [[Christianity]], and [[Dualism]] were among the common religions among the Arabs at the time of the Prophet's mission.


=== Propehecies of Bi'tha ===
=== Propehecies of Bi'tha ===
According to Quranic verses, the attributes of the Islamic Prophet were foretold in the earlier scriptures, namely the Old Testament and the New Testament.<ref>Sura al-Saff:6; Sura al-Baqara:142; Sura al-An'am:20</ref> This made it crucial for the followers of these religions to recognize and witness the arrival of this prophet.<ref>Ibn Hisham, ''al-Sira al-Nabawiyya'', vol. 1, p. 117; ''It'haf al-wara'', vol. 1, p. 187-190.</ref> Additionally, Arab seers had also prophesied the coming of a prophet in the Hijaz.<ref>Ibn Hisham, ''al-Sira al-Nabawiyya'', vol. 1, p. 123; Ibn Kathir, ''al-Sira al-Nabiyya'', vol. 1, p. 286.</ref>
According to Quranic verses, the attributes of the Islamic Prophet were foretold in the earlier scriptures, namely the Old Testament and the New Testament.<ref>Sura al-Saff:6; Sura al-Baqara:142; Sura al-An'am:20</ref> This made it crucial for the followers of these religions to recognize and witness the arrival of this prophet.<ref>Ibn Hisham, ''al-Sira al-Nabawiyya'', vol. 1, p. 117; ''Itḥāf al-warā'', vol. 1, p. 187-190.</ref> Additionally, Arab seers had also prophesied the coming of a prophet in the Hijaz.<ref>Ibn Hisham, ''al-Sira al-Nabawiyya'', vol. 1, p. 123; Ibn Kathir, ''al-Sira al-Nabiyya'', vol. 1, p. 286.</ref>


== Religion of Muhammad (s) Prior to His Prophethood ==
== Religion of Muhammad (s) Prior to His Prophethood ==
There are several perspectives on the religious beliefs of Prophet Muhammad (s) before his prophetic mission began. Some scholars suggest that he did not follow any specific religious law during that period.<ref>''Al-Mu'utamad fi usul al-fiqh'', vol. 1, p. 276. ''Subul al-huda'', Vol. 8, pp. 70-71. ''Al-Shifa' bi-ta'arif huquq al-Mustafa'', vol. 2, p. 148.</ref> Others remain neutral on the issue, refraining from making a conclusive statement.<ref>''Al-Shifa' bi-ta'arif huquq al-Mustafa'', vol. 2, p. 148; ''Al-Mankhul'', p. 319; ''Al-Ahkam'', vol. 4, p. 137; ''Al-Dhari'a'', vol. 2, p. 597; ''Al-Ibtihaj'', vol. 2, p. 275.</ref> Another viewpoint holds that the Prophet may have followed the religious teachings of earlier prophets, such as [[Noah]],<ref>''Al-Mankhul'', p. 318</ref> [[Abraham]],<ref>''Majma' al-bayan'', vol. 6, p. 209.</ref> Moses,<ref>''Tafsir al-Qurtubi'', vol. 16, p. 57; ''Al-Mustasfa'', vol. 1, p. 165.</ref> Jesus,<ref>''Tafsir al-Qurtubi'', vol. 16, p. 57; ''Al-Mankhul'', p. 319.</ref> or a group of prophets,<ref>Ruh al-Ma'ani, vol. 7, p. 217.</ref> or that he adhered to a righteous but undefined shari'a.<ref>''Tafsir al-Qurtubi'', vol. 16, p. 57.</ref>
There are several perspectives on the religious beliefs of Prophet Muhammad (s) before his prophetic mission began. Some scholars suggest that he did not follow any specific religious law during that period.<ref>''Al-Mu'utamad fi usul al-fiqh'', vol. 1, p. 276. ''Subul al-huda'', Vol. 8, pp. 70-71. ''Al-Shifa' bi-ta'arif huquq al-Mustafa'', vol. 2, p. 148.</ref> Others remain neutral on the issue, refraining from making a conclusive statement.<ref>''Al-Shifa' bi-ta'arif huquq al-Mustafa'', vol. 2, p. 148; ''Al-Mankhul'', p. 319; ''Al-Ahkam'', vol. 4, p. 137; ''Al-Dhari'a'', vol. 2, p. 597; ''Al-Ibtihaj'', vol. 2, p. 275.</ref> Another viewpoint holds that the Prophet may have followed the religious teachings of earlier prophets, such as [[Noah]],<ref>''Al-Mankhul'', p. 318</ref> [[Abraham]],<ref>''Majma' al-bayan'', vol. 6, p. 209.</ref> Moses,<ref>''Tafsir al-Qurtubi'', vol. 16, p. 57; ''Al-Mustasfa'', vol. 1, p. 165.</ref> Jesus,<ref>''Tafsir al-Qurtubi'', vol. 16, p. 57; ''Al-Mankhul'', p. 319.</ref> or a group of prophets,<ref>Ruh al-Ma'ani, vol. 7, p. 217.</ref> or that he adhered to a righteous but undefined shari'a.<ref>''Tafsir al-Qurtubi'', vol. 16, p. 57.</ref>


It is said that the angel of revelation spoke with Muhammad (s) before Bi'tha.<ref>''Haqq al-yaqin'', vol. 1, p. 179.</ref> The Prophet of Islam held the position of prophethood before the age of forty<ref>''''Bihar al-anwar'''', vol. 26, p. 75; vol. 18, p. 278.</ref>, and religious rulings were revealed to him, and he worshiped God in the same way.<ref>''Bihar al-anwar'', vol. 18, p. 278.</ref> When he saw the angel of revelation at the age of forty, he was obliged to preach the new Sharia.<ref>Tarikh al-Khamis, vol. 1, p. 254.</ref>
It is said that the angel of revelation spoke with Muhammad (s) before Bi'tha.<ref>''Haqq al-yaqin'', vol. 1, p. 179.</ref> The Prophet of Islam held the position of prophethood before the age of forty<ref>‘’Biḥār al-anwār’’, vol. 26, p. 75; vol. 18, p. 278.</ref>, and religious rulings were revealed to him, and he worshiped God in the same way.<ref>‘’Biḥār al-anwār’’, vol. 18, p. 278.</ref> When he saw the angel of revelation at the age of forty, he was obliged to preach the new Sharia.<ref>’Tārīkh al-khamīs’’, vol. 1, p. 254.</ref>


==Objectives of Bi'tha==
==Objectives of Bi'tha==
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== Events of Bi'tha ==
== Events of Bi'tha ==
Around 40 years after the [[Year of the Elephant]], the Prophet Muhammad (s) was divinely appointed by God to lead humankind.<ref>Imta' al-Asma', vol. 1, p. 32; Tarikh al-Islam, vol. 1, p. 24; Al-Bidaya wa al-Nihaya, vol. 2, p. 321.</ref> According to widely accepted reports, the initiation of his prophethood and the first revelation occurred when he was 40 years old,<ref>Tarikh al-Yaqoubi, vol. 2, p. 22.</ref> although some sources suggest it happened when he was 43.<ref>Sirat Ibn Ishaq, p. 114.</ref>
[[file:غار حراء.png|200px|thumb|Hira' Cave]]
Narratives about the first revelation differ among various companions, leading to some inconsistencies in the details. Nonetheless, a consistent element across these reports is that the first divine revelation began with the descent of several verses of the Holy Qur'an while the Prophet was in seclusion in the [[Cave of Hira]] for worship and reflection.<ref>Al-Sira al-Nabawiyya, by Ibn Hisham, vol. 1, p. 154; Tārīkh al-Ṭabarī, vol. 2, pp. 48-49.</ref><ref>Tārīkh al-Ṭabarī, vol. 2, p. 47.</ref><ref>Ansāb al-Ashrāf, vol. 1, pp. 104-105.</ref> Additionally, some accounts describe the initial phase of this divine communication as the Prophet receiving truthful dreams prior to his formal appointment as a prophet.<ref>Sahīh al-Bukhārī, vol. 1, p. 3.</ref>
 
== The Day of Bi'tha ==
Around 40 years after the [[Year of the Elephant]], Muhammad (s) was appointed by God to guide humanity.<ref>‘’Imtāʿ al-asmāʾ’’, vol. 1, p. 32; ''Tārīkh al-Islām'', vol. 1, p. 24; ‘’Al-Bidāya wa l-nihāya’’, vol. 2, p. 321.</ref> According to widely accepted reports, the initiation of his prophethood and the first revelation occurred when he was 40 years old,<ref>''Tarikh al-Yaqubi'', vol. 2, p. 22.</ref> although some sources suggest it happened when he was 43.<ref>''Sira Ibn Ishaq'', p. 114.</ref>
For most Shia Muslims, the 27th of Rajab is observed as the Day of Bi'tha,<ref>Bihār al-Anwār, j. 18, p. 190; al-Ṣaḥīḥ min Sīrat al-Nabī, j. 2, p. 64-65.</ref> while Sunni Muslims commemorate it on the 17th of [[Ramadhan]].<ref>Al-Sīrah al-Nabawiyyah, Ibn Hishām, j. 1, p. 158; al-Ṭabaqāt, j. 1, p. 193-194.</ref> This day marks the initiation of the prophetic mission of Prophet Muhammad (S), a pivotal and crucial event in the history of Islam. It is reported that [[Umar ibn al-Khattab]] once suggested that the [[bi'thah]] should serve as the starting point of the Islamic calendar. However, this proposal was not accepted. Instead, on the recommendation of [[Ali (a.s)]], the Prophet's migration ([[Hijrah]]) was chosen as the defining moment to begin the [[Islamic calendar]].<ref>Tārīkh Yaʿqūbī, j. 2, p. 145.</ref>
 
== The First Revealed Verses ==
Narratives about the first revelation differ among various companions, leading to some inconsistencies in the details. Nonetheless, a consistent element across these reports is that the divine revelation began with the descent of several verses of the Holy Qur'an while the Prophet was in seclusion in the [[Cave of Hira]] for worship and reflection.<ref>''Al-Sira al-Nabawiyya'', Ibn Hisham, vol. 1, p. 154; ''Tārīkh al-Ṭabarī'', vol. 2, pp. 48-49; ‘’Ansāb al-ashrāf’’, vol. 1, pp. 104-105.</ref> Additionally, some accounts describe the initial phase of this divine communication as the Prophet (s) receiving truthful dreams prior to his formal appointment as a prophet.<ref>''Sahīh al-Bukhārī'', vol. 1, p. 3.</ref>
It is widely narrated that the first five verses of Sura Al-Alaq were the initial revelations to Prophet Muhammad (S).<ref>Al-Sīrah al-Nabawiyyah, Ibn Hishām, j. 1, p. 155; Tafsīr Qummī, j. 2, p. 428.</ref> However, some sources suggest that the first revealed verses originated from Sura Al-Muddaththir,<ref>Ṣaḥīḥ al-Bukhārī, j. 6, p. 74; al-Awāʾil, p. 43.</ref> while others contend that Sura Al-Fatiha was the first revelation.<ref>Al-Kashāf, j. 4, p. 270; Majmaʿ al-Bayān, j. 10, p. 398; al-Ittqān, j. 1, p. 77.</ref>
 
== The First Believers ==
== Day of Bi'tha ==
With the revelation of the first divine verses, Prophet Muhammad (s) embarked on his prophetic mission. His wife, Khadijah bint Khuwaylid al-Asadi, was the first woman to accept Islam, a fact universally acknowledged by historians.<ref>Tārīkh Yaʿqūbī, j. 2, p. 23.</ref> According to the prevailing consensus among both [[Shia]] and [[Sunni]] scholars,<ref>Al-Sīrah al-Ḥalabiyyah, j. 1, p. 382.</ref> the first man to embrace Islam was [[Imam Ali]] (a.s).<ref>Al-Ghadīr, j. 3, s. 95; Al-Sīrah al-Nabawiyyah, Ibn Hishām, j. 1, s. 162.</ref>
For most Shia Muslims, the 27th of Rajab is observed as the Day of Bi'tha,<ref>‘’Biḥār al-anwār’’, vol. 18, p. 190; ''al-Ṣaḥīḥ min sīrat al-Nabī'', vol. 2, p. 64-65.</ref> while Sunni Muslims commemorate it on the 17th of [[Ramadhan]].<ref>''Al-Sīra al-Nabawiyya'', Ibn Hishām, vol. 1, p. 158; al-Ṭabaqāt, vol. 1, p. 193-194.</ref>  
 
The Prophet Muhammad's Bi'tha was the first important event in the history of Muslims, and 'Umar b. al-Khattab suggested that it be the starting point of the Muslim calendar; but with Ali's (a) suggestion, the emigration of the Prophet (s) was chosen as the starting point of the Muslim calendar.<ref>''Tārīkh al-Yaʿqūbī'', vol. 2, p. 145.</ref>
 
== First Revealed Verses ==
It is widely narrated that the first five verses of Sura al-'Alaq were the initial revelations to Prophet Muhammad (s).<ref>''Al-Sīra al-Nabawiyya'', Ibn Hishām, vol. 1, p. 155; ''Tafsīr al-Qummī'', vol. 2, p. 428.</ref> However, some sources suggest that Sura al-Muddaththir,<ref>''Ṣaḥīḥ al-Bukhārī'', vol. 6, p. 74; ‘’Al-Awāʾil’’, p. 43.</ref> or Sura Al-Fatiha were the first verses.<ref>''Al-Kashshāf'', vol. 4, p. 270; ''Majmaʿ al-bayān'', vol. 10, p. 398; ''al-Itqān'', vol. 1, p. 77.</ref>
 
== First Believers ==
With the revelation of the first verses, Prophet Muhammad (s) started his prophetic mission. His wife, Khadijah bt. Khuwaylid al-Asadi, was the first woman to accept Islam, a fact universally acknowledged by historians.<ref>''Tārīkh al-Yaʿqūbī'', vol. 2, p. 23.</ref> According to the prevailing consensus among both [[Shia]] and [[Sunni]] scholars,<ref>''Al-Sīrah al-Ḥalabiyya'', j. 1, p. 382.</ref> the first man to embrace Islam was [[Ali (a)]].<ref>''Al-Ghadīr'', vol. 3, s. 95; ''Al-Sīra al-Nabawiyya'', Ibn Hishām, vol. 1, p. 162.</ref>


==Notes==
==Notes==
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==References==
==References==
{{References}}
{{References}}
*Al-Ibhaj fi Sharhi al-Minhaj: Taqi al-Din al-Subki (d. 756 AH), edited by a group of scholars, Beirut, Dar al-Kutub al-Ilmiyyah, 1404 AH.
*Ithaf al-Wara: Umar ibn Muhammad ibn Fahd (d. 885 AH), edited by Abdul Karim, Mecca, Jamiat Umm al-Qura, 1408 AH.
*Ithaf al-Wari: Umar ibn Muhammad ibn Fahd (d. 885 AH), edited by Abdul Karim, Mecca, Jamiat Umm al-Qura, 1408 AH.
*Al-Ittqan: al-Suyuti (d. 911 AH), edited by Sa'id, Lebanon, Dar al-Fikr, 1416 AH.
*Al-Ittqan: al-Suyuti (d. 911 AH), edited by Sa'id, Lebanon, Dar al-Fikr, 1416 AH.
*  Al-Aṣnām (Tankīs al-Aṣnām): Hishām ibn Muḥammad al-Kalbī (d. 204 AH), ed. by Aḥmad Zakī, Tehran, Taban, 1348 SH.
*  Al-Aṣnām (Tankīs al-Aṣnām): Hishām ibn Muḥammad al-Kalbī (d. 204 AH), ed. by Aḥmad Zakī, Tehran, Taban, 1348 SH.
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