The Beginning of the Prophetic Mission
The Beginning of the Prophetic Mission (al-Biʹtha) occurred 1459 years ago on the 27th of Rajab 13 years before Hijra (609 A.D.). At that magnificent night, Gabriel, the angel of Revelation, was appointed to read some verses of the holy Qur’an to Muhammad and to honor him with Prophethood. Muhammad was forty at this time, when was demanded by Gabriel to recite these verses in Hirā cave.
اقْرَأْ بِاسْمِ رَبِّكَ الَّذِي خَلَقَ. خَلَقَ الْإِنسَانَ مِنْ عَلَقٍ. اقْرَأْ وَرَبُّكَ الْأَكْرَمُ. الَّذِي عَلَّمَ بِالْقَلَمِ. عَلَّمَ الْإِنسَانَ مَا لَمْ يَعْلَمْ.
"(O Muhammad!) Read in the name of your Lord, who created; created man from a clinging mass. Read, and your Lord is the Most Generous, Who taught by the pen, taught man what he did not know." (the Quran: 96, 1-5)
The Prophet started the call to Islam from his own home. First, his wife, Khadīja, and his cousin, Ali acknowledged their faith in the Prophet. The first call was totally secret.
After three years, the Prophet declared his Prophethood to the public and firstly initiated with announcing to his close relatives. Now, after more than 1450 years, his Divine .mission is spread all over the world
The 27th of Rajab is the blessed time on which Prophet Muhammad was given the mission of promulgating the religion. According to Sheikh al-Tūsī in Misbāh al-Mutahajjid, the best act at this night is to visit the holy tomb of Imam Ali bin Abī Tālib. Also, it is recommended to make major ablution at this night.
