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== '''The Verse of the Qur'an about Bi'itha''' ==
== Hijaz Before Bi'tha ==
"'''وَلَقَدْ بَعَثْنَا فِي كُلِّ أُمَّةٍ رَسُولًا أَنِ اعْبُدُوا اللَّهَ وَاجْتَنِبُوا الطَّاغُوتَ'''"
The [[Quran]] describes the state of affairs before the Prophet's mission as "clear misguidance."<ref>Surah 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.
"And We have certainly sent into every nation a messenger, [saying], 'Worship Allah and avoid Taghut."


== '''The Condition of the Hijaz Before Prophethood (Bi'itha)''' ==
=== Propehecies of Bi'tha ===
In the [[Holy Quran]], the period before the advent of Prophethood is described using the term "manifest error". <ref>Surah Al-Jumua, Verse 2</ref> This era is referred to in Islamic sources as the "Jahiliyya" (جاهلية), or the Age of Ignorance. According to [[Imam Ali]] (a.s), religious beliefs during this time were highly diverse; some individuals equated God with physical objects, while others associated divine attributes and revered names with idols. <ref>Nahj al-Balagha, Sermon 1</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; ''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>
During this period, idol worship was prevalent among the Arabs, with a large number of idols present, reaching up to 360 within the [[Kaaba]]. Idols such as [[Manat]], <ref>Al-Asnam, p. 13</ref> [[Lāt]], <ref>Al-Asnam, p. 16</ref> [['Uzzā]], <ref>History of Pre-Islamic Arabia," p. 379</ref> and [[Hubal]] <ref>Al-Asnam, p. 27</ref> were particularly venerated among the polytheists. In addition to idol worship, religions such as [[Judaism]], [[Christianity]], and [[Zoroastrianism]] were also known among the Arabs during the era preceding the Prophethood.


== '''The Prophecies of Prophethood in Other Religions''' ==
== Religion of Muhammad (s) Prior to His Prophethood ==
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>Surah Saf, verse 6; Surah Baqarah, verse 142; Surah An'am, verse 20</ref> This made it crucial for the followers of these religions to recognize and witness the arrival of this divine Prophet. <ref>Al-Sirah al-Nabawiyya, Ibn Hisham, vol. 1, p. 117; It'haf Alwara, Vol. 1, p. 187-190.</ref> Additionally, Arab seers had also prophesied the coming of a prophet in the Hijaz. <ref>Al-Sirah al-Nabawiyya, Ibn Hisham, vol. 1, p. 123; Al-Sirah al-Nabiyyah, Ibn Kathir, vol. 1, p. 286.</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>


== '''The Religion of Prophet Muhammad (S) Prior to His Prophethood''' ==
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>
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. Subulu Al-Hadi, Vol. 8, pp. 70-71. Al-Shifa, Bita'arifi Huquqi Al-Mustafa, vol. 2, p. 148.</ref> Others remain neutral on the issue, refraining from making a conclusive statement. <ref>Al-Shafa Bita'arifi Huquqi al-Mustafa's, vol. 2, p. 148; Al-Mankhul, p. 319; Al-Ahkam, vol. 4, p. 137; Al-Dhari'ah, 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'u Al-Bayan, vol. 6, p. 209.</ref> Moses, <ref>Tafsir Qurtubi, vol. 16, p. 57; Al-Mustasfa, vol. 1, p. 165.</ref> Jesus, <ref>Tafsir Qurtubi, vol. 16, p. 57; Al-Mankhul, p. 319.</ref> or other figures, <ref>Ruh al-Ma'ani, vol. 7, p. 217.</ref> or that he adhered to a righteous but undefined spiritual path. <ref>Tafsir al-Qurtubi, vol. 16, p. 57.</ref>
It is also mentioned that even before his formal prophethood, [[Prophet Muhammad]] (s) had interactions with the Angel of Revelation. <ref>Haq al-Yaqeen, vol. 1, p. 179.</ref> By the age of forty, he had reached the status of prophethood, <ref>Bihar al-Anwar, vol. 26, p. 75; vol. 18, p. 278.</ref> receiving divine guidance and worshipping God according to the instructions given to him. <ref>Bihar al-Anwar, vol. 18, p. 278.</ref> However, it was only upon reaching the age of forty and encountering the Angel of Revelation that he was tasked with proclaiming the new religious law. <ref>Tarikh al-Khamis, vol. 1, p. 254.</ref>  


<ref>Objectives of Prophethood</ref>
==Objectives of Prophethood==
The Holy Qur'an outlines several key objectives for the sending of prophets. One primary goal is to fulfill God's argument against humankind, ensuring that no one can claim ignorance of divine guidance. <ref>Surah An-Nisa, verse 165; Min Huda al-Qur'an, vol. 2, p. 257; Tafsir al-Noor, vol. 2, p. 213.</ref> The following objectives and purposes are also highlighted in various Qur'anic verses and narrations include:
The Holy Qur'an outlines several key objectives for the sending of prophets. One primary goal is to fulfill God's argument against humankind, ensuring that no one can claim ignorance of divine guidance.<ref>Surah An-Nisa, verse 165; Min Huda al-Qur'an, vol. 2, p. 257; Tafsir al-Noor, vol. 2, p. 213.</ref> The following objectives and purposes are also highlighted in various Qur'anic verses and narrations include:
# Education and Guidance: To impart knowledge and provide moral and spiritual instruction to the people. <ref>Surah Al-Jumu'ah, verse 2.</ref>
# Education and Guidance: To impart knowledge and provide moral and spiritual instruction to the people.<ref>Surah Al-Jumu'ah, verse 2.</ref>
# Resolution of Disputes: To mediate and resolve conflicts among individuals and communities. <ref>Al-Mizan, vol. 2, pp. 131-132.</ref>
# Resolution of Disputes: To mediate and resolve conflicts among individuals and communities.<ref>Al-Mizan, vol. 2, pp. 131-132.</ref>
# Just Judgement: To deliver fair and impartial decisions in matters of justice. <ref>Al-Mizan, vol. 3, p. 198.</ref>
# Just Judgement: To deliver fair and impartial decisions in matters of justice.<ref>Al-Mizan, vol. 3, p. 198.</ref>
# Freedom from Oppression: To emancipate people from the tyranny and exploitation of oppressive rulers. <ref>Al-Kafi, vol. 8, p. 386; Al-Mizan, vol. 12, p. 243.</ref>
# Freedom from Oppression: To emancipate people from the tyranny and exploitation of oppressive rulers.<ref>Al-Kafi, vol. 8, p. 386; Al-Mizan, vol. 12, p. 243.</ref>


== '''The Events of the Prophethood''' ==
== '''The Events of the Prophethood''' ==
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>
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>
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>
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 ==
== The Day of Bi'tha ==
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>
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 ==
== The First Revealed Verses ==
It is widely narrated that the first five verses of Surah 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 Surah Al-Muddaththir, <ref>Ṣaḥīḥ al-Bukhārī, j. 6, p. 74; al-Awāʾil, p. 43.</ref> while others contend that Surah 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>
It is widely narrated that the first five verses of Surah 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 Surah Al-Muddaththir,<ref>Ṣaḥīḥ al-Bukhārī, j. 6, p. 74; al-Awāʾil, p. 43.</ref> while others contend that Surah 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 ==
== The First Believers ==
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>
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>


==Notes==
==Notes==

Revision as of 09:42, 3 February 2025

Bi'tha (Arabic: البعثة), is the appointment of Muhammad b. 'Abd Allah as a prophet by God which marked the beginning of Islam.

In the fortieth year after the Year of the Elephant, while seeking solitude in the Hira Cave near Mecca, the revelation was bestowed upon Muhammad. This marked the beginning of his prophethood, accompanied by miracles, as foretold in previous scriptures. Muhammad was around forty years old at the time.

There is a difference of opinion regarding the exact date of the Prophet's mission; the 27th of Rajab is more commonly accepted by Shia Muslims, while the 17th of Ramadan is more widely accepted by Sunnis. According to traditions, the first revelation was the first five verses of Sura al-'Alaq. The first to believe in the Prophet(s) were Khadija(a) and Ali(a).

Concept

The term Bi'tha originates from the Arabic root letters "ب-ع-ث" (b-'a-th), which carry the meanings of "to send forth," " to raise," or "to dispatch." This root encapsulates the dual notions of selection and mission, emphasizing the idea of appointing someone for a specific purpose. In Islamic theology, Bi'tha specifically refers to God's divine appointment of prophets to guide humankind. This concept is supported by several Quranic verses, such as verse 36 of Surah An-Nahl and verse 15 of Surah Al-Isra, where God speaks of sending prophets to deliver His message and the consequences faced by those who reject it.

Bi'tha, derived from the root "ba-'ayn-tha",[1] signifies sending,[2] awakening,[3] or dispatching.[4] In its various usages, this root encompasses the concepts of selection and sending, collectively understood as 'awakening.'[5] In Islamic theology, bi'tha specifically refers to God appointing prophets to guide humanity.[6] This concept is rooted in Quranic verses such as 16:36 and 17:15, where God emphasizes belief in Him, the sending of prophets, and the punishment for those who disbelieve."

Hijaz Before Bi'tha

The Quran describes the state of affairs before the Prophet's mission as "clear misguidance."[7] 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.[8] 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,[9] Lat,[10] Uzza,[11] and Hubal[12] 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

According to Quranic verses, the attributes of the Islamic Prophet were foretold in the earlier scriptures, namely the Old Testament and the New Testament.[13] This made it crucial for the followers of these religions to recognize and witness the arrival of this prophet.[14] Additionally, Arab seers had also prophesied the coming of a prophet in the Hijaz.[15]

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.[16] Others remain neutral on the issue, refraining from making a conclusive statement.[17] Another viewpoint holds that the Prophet may have followed the religious teachings of earlier prophets, such as Noah,[18] Abraham,[19] Moses,[20] Jesus,[21] or a group of prophets,[22] or that he adhered to a righteous but undefined shari'a.[23]

It is said that the angel of revelation spoke with Muhammad (s) before Bi'tha.[24] The Prophet of Islam held the position of prophethood before the age of forty[25], and religious rulings were revealed to him, and he worshiped God in the same way.[26] When he saw the angel of revelation at the age of forty, he was obliged to preach the new Sharia.[27]

Objectives of Prophethood

The Holy Qur'an outlines several key objectives for the sending of prophets. One primary goal is to fulfill God's argument against humankind, ensuring that no one can claim ignorance of divine guidance.[28] The following objectives and purposes are also highlighted in various Qur'anic verses and narrations include:

  1. Education and Guidance: To impart knowledge and provide moral and spiritual instruction to the people.[29]
  2. Resolution of Disputes: To mediate and resolve conflicts among individuals and communities.[30]
  3. Just Judgement: To deliver fair and impartial decisions in matters of justice.[31]
  4. Freedom from Oppression: To emancipate people from the tyranny and exploitation of oppressive rulers.[32]

The Events of the Prophethood

Around 40 years after the Year of the Elephant, the Prophet Muhammad (s) was divinely appointed by God to lead humankind.[33] According to widely accepted reports, the initiation of his prophethood and the first revelation occurred when he was 40 years old,[34] although some sources suggest it happened when he was 43.[35] 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.[36][37][38] 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.[39]

The Day of Bi'tha

For most Shia Muslims, the 27th of Rajab is observed as the Day of Bi'tha,[40] while Sunni Muslims commemorate it on the 17th of Ramadhan.[41] 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.[42]

The First Revealed Verses

It is widely narrated that the first five verses of Surah Al-Alaq were the initial revelations to Prophet Muhammad (S).[43] However, some sources suggest that the first revealed verses originated from Surah Al-Muddaththir,[44] while others contend that Surah Al-Fatiha was the first revelation.[45]

The First Believers

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.[46] According to the prevailing consensus among both Shia and Sunni scholars,[47] the first man to embrace Islam was Imam Ali (a.s).[48]

Notes

  1. Mufradat, Volume 1, p. 132, the term "Ba'th/بعث"
  2. Al-'Ayn, Volume 2, p. 112, the term "Ba'atha/ بعث"
  3. Al-Tahqiq, Volume 1, p. 295, the term "Ba'atha"
  4. Mufradat, Volume 1, p. 133
  5. Al-Tahqiq, Volume 1, p. 295
  6. Farhang-e Shi'a, p 159
  7. Surah Al-Jumua, Verse 2
  8. Nahj al-Balagha, Sermon 1
  9. Al-Asnam, p. 13
  10. Al-Asnam, p. 16
  11. Tarikh-i 'Arab-i qabl az Islam, p. 379
  12. Al-Asnam, p. 27
  13. Sura al-Saff:6; Sura al-Baqara:142; Sura al-An'am:20
  14. Ibn Hisham, al-Sira al-Nabawiyya, vol. 1, p. 117; It'haf al-wara, vol. 1, p. 187-190.
  15. Ibn Hisham, al-Sira al-Nabawiyya, vol. 1, p. 123; Ibn Kathir, al-Sira al-Nabiyya, vol. 1, p. 286.
  16. 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.
  17. 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.
  18. Al-Mankhul, p. 318
  19. Majma' al-bayan, vol. 6, p. 209.
  20. Tafsir al-Qurtubi, vol. 16, p. 57; Al-Mustasfa, vol. 1, p. 165.
  21. Tafsir al-Qurtubi, vol. 16, p. 57; Al-Mankhul, p. 319.
  22. Ruh al-Ma'ani, vol. 7, p. 217.
  23. Tafsir al-Qurtubi, vol. 16, p. 57.
  24. Haqq al-yaqin, vol. 1, p. 179.
  25. 'Bihar al-anwar', vol. 26, p. 75; vol. 18, p. 278.
  26. Bihar al-anwar, vol. 18, p. 278.
  27. Tarikh al-Khamis, vol. 1, p. 254.
  28. Surah An-Nisa, verse 165; Min Huda al-Qur'an, vol. 2, p. 257; Tafsir al-Noor, vol. 2, p. 213.
  29. Surah Al-Jumu'ah, verse 2.
  30. Al-Mizan, vol. 2, pp. 131-132.
  31. Al-Mizan, vol. 3, p. 198.
  32. Al-Kafi, vol. 8, p. 386; Al-Mizan, vol. 12, p. 243.
  33. Imta' al-Asma', vol. 1, p. 32; Tarikh al-Islam, vol. 1, p. 24; Al-Bidaya wa al-Nihaya, vol. 2, p. 321.
  34. Tarikh al-Yaqoubi, vol. 2, p. 22.
  35. Sirat Ibn Ishaq, p. 114.
  36. Al-Sira al-Nabawiyya, by Ibn Hisham, vol. 1, p. 154; Tārīkh al-Ṭabarī, vol. 2, pp. 48-49.
  37. Tārīkh al-Ṭabarī, vol. 2, p. 47.
  38. Ansāb al-Ashrāf, vol. 1, pp. 104-105.
  39. Sahīh al-Bukhārī, vol. 1, p. 3.
  40. Bihār al-Anwār, j. 18, p. 190; al-Ṣaḥīḥ min Sīrat al-Nabī, j. 2, p. 64-65.
  41. Al-Sīrah al-Nabawiyyah, Ibn Hishām, j. 1, p. 158; al-Ṭabaqāt, j. 1, p. 193-194.
  42. Tārīkh Yaʿqūbī, j. 2, p. 145.
  43. Al-Sīrah al-Nabawiyyah, Ibn Hishām, j. 1, p. 155; Tafsīr Qummī, j. 2, p. 428.
  44. Ṣaḥīḥ al-Bukhārī, j. 6, p. 74; al-Awāʾil, p. 43.
  45. Al-Kashāf, j. 4, p. 270; Majmaʿ al-Bayān, j. 10, p. 398; al-Ittqān, j. 1, p. 77.
  46. Tārīkh Yaʿqūbī, j. 2, p. 23.
  47. Al-Sīrah al-Ḥalabiyyah, j. 1, p. 382.
  48. Al-Ghadīr, j. 3, s. 95; Al-Sīrah al-Nabawiyyah, Ibn Hishām, j. 1, s. 162.

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