Commencement of the Prophetic Mission (Mabʻath)

The Mab’ath, the commencement of Prophetic mission by Hazrat Muhammad (PBUHH) , is a foundational event in Islamic history, signifying the beginning of divine revelation and the transformation of humanity’s spiritual and societal trajectory. This paper explores the Mab’ath, emphasizing its historical and theological dimensions.

It examines the Prophet’s early life, the pre-Islamic socio-political context, the details surrounding the first revelation, the Prophet’s moral and spiritual preparedness, and the early reception of his message. By delving into these perspectives, the study highlights the enduring relevance of Mab’ath as a source of divine guidance and inspiration for Muslims.

Historical Context

The commencement of Prophet Muhammad’s (PBUH) mission unfolded against the backdrop of pre-Islamic Arabia, a time marked by social fragmentation, moral decline, and pervasive idolatry. Known as the Age of Ignorance (Jahiliyya), this era was characterized by tribal conflicts, economic exploitation, and deep social inequalities. The Meccan society, in particular, had become a hub of materialism and idolatrous practices, with the Kaaba surrounded by idols and devoid of its original monotheistic sanctity[1]. Spiritual stagnation, coupled with ethical disarray, created an environment ripe for transformation, making the arrival of divine guidance through Prophet Muhammad (PBUHH) both urgent and momentous.

According to what is mentioned in Nahj al-Balagha, Imam Ali (a.s) described Arabs before the beginning of the Prophet’s (PBUHH) mission as follows: “Verily, Allah sent Muhammad (s) as a warner (against vice) for all the worlds and a trustee of His revelation, while you people of Arabia were following the worst religion and you resided among rough stones and venomous serpents. You drank dirty water and ate filthy food. You shed blood on each other and cared not for the relationship. Idols were fixed among you and sins were clinging to you”[2]

His Early Life

The early life of Prophet Muhammad (PBUHH) stands as a testament to divine preparation for his eventual role as the Seal of Prophets. Born into the noble Hashimite clan of Quraysh in 570 CE[3]. His father was Abdullah ibn Abdul-Muttalib and his mother was Amina bint Wahb[4]. According to the majority of Shia narratives, the date of his birth is Rabi’ Awwal 17th while Rabi’ Awwal is 12th according to Sunnis.

Prophet Muhammad (PBUHH) grew up in a period marked by moral and spiritual decline. Orphaned at an early age, Muhammad was raised first by his grandfather Abdul Muttalib, and later by his uncle Abu Talib[5]. In the house of Abu Talib, the Prophet was lovely and taken care of by Lady Fatimah bint Asad [Abu Talib’s wife] to the extent that he so much loved her and when she passed away, the Prophet (PBUHH) said, “Today, my mother has died![6]”

Despite these challenges, his life was marked by exceptional moral virtues, honesty, and an innate aversion to the idolatrous practices of his society, portraying him as an exemplar of integrity and trustworthiness, earning him the title Al-Amin (the Trustworthy) long before his prophetic mission.

Amid this societal chaos, Muhammad ibn Abdullah (PBUHH) stood out as a paragon of virtue, known among his people as Al-Amin (the Trustworthy). Throughout his youth, Muhammad exhibited a profound awareness of the flaws in Meccan society and a natural inclination toward monotheism. Shia narratives often emphasize how the Prophet’s moral character, profound wisdom, and natural inclination towards monotheism set him apart, even prior to receiving divine revelation.

This period of preparation, which included significant events like his frequent retreats to the Cave of Hira, signified not only a personal spiritual ascent but also divine planning for humanity’s guidance. These retreats were not mere acts of contemplation but an integral part of his spiritual and intellectual preparation for receiving divine revelation.

The Divine Call: First Revelation

According to Islamic traditions, the first revelation to Prophet Muhammad (PBUHH) in the Cave of Hira occurred when he was forty years[7] and this event marked the defining moment when he was officially appointed as the Seal of Prophets.

According to numerous reports, when the Prophet (PBUHH) was contemplating and praying in the Hira’ Cave he received the first verses of Qur’an 96: “Read in the Name of your Lord who created; (1) created man from a clinging mass. (2) Read, and your Lord is the most generous, (3) who taught by the pen, (4) taught man what he did not know. (5) Indeed, man becomes rebellious.” (Qur’an 96:1-5)

These were the first verses to be revealed, and the date was the 27th of Rajab, the 40th year of the elephant (610 C.E.). Ayatollah Faqih Imani said: “As it was mentioned in the description of the content of this Surah, the majority of commentators believe that this is the first Surah that came to the heart of the holy Prophet (S). Some have even said that all the commentators believe that the first five verses, of the Surah, were the first direct Revelation to the holy Prophet (S). Their contents confirm this idea, too[8].”

After receiving the inaugural verses of the Qur’an in the Cave of Hira, the Prophet returned home, deeply moved by the extraordinary encounter. The Islamic traditions recount that Lady Khadija (AS), his loyal wife, was the first to affirm his Prophethood. Her immediate belief in the revelation and her unwavering support reflects her elevated spiritual status and profound insight.

Ali ibn Abi Talib (a.s), though a young boy at the time, is universally recognized as the first male to accept Islam. Together, Lady Khadija and Imam Ali formed the core of the earliest Muslim community, playing indispensable roles in bolstering the Prophet as he began his divine mission to guide humanity.

Prophetic Message and Its Themes

The initial revelations of the Mab’ath carry profound themes that form the foundation of Islam. The Islamic narratives place great emphasis on the early verses of the Qur’an, which outline essential principles of divine guidance, human purpose, and spiritual awakening. The first revealed verses emphasize the relationship between humanity and the Creator. It also refers to the development of Man, who is taught from the bounty and by the Grace of Allah; the soul in him reaching out to knowledge sublime, and the instrument of it, the sanctified Pen[9].

Themes such as monotheism (Tawheed), accountability, and the inherent dignity of humanity resonate in these initial messages, signifying a call to transcend idolatry and moral corruption. The Islamic narratives also emphasize the compatibility of revelation with reason, urging humanity to seek knowledge and truth as acts of devotion. This divine message, with its profound ethical and spiritual dimensions, initiated a transformative mission that sought to replace ignorance and injustice with knowledge, faith, and equity.

Theological Implications of Mab’ath

In Islamic thought, the Mab’ath carries profound theological implications, establishing the cornerstone of divine guidance in human history. Muslim scholars view the commencement of Prophet Muhammad’s (PBUHH) mission as more than the introduction of a message—it represents the continuation of a divine covenant with humanity to uphold justice, monotheism, and moral integrity. The revelation at the Mab’ath highlights Allah’s mercy and justice, affirming that humanity is not left without divine guidance.

In some of the historical messages of the Leader of the Islamic Revolution in Iran, Imam Khomeini, he explained some of the purposes of the Mab’ath: “The purpose of the bi‘that is the descent of Divine Inspiration and the Qur’an; and the purpose of recitation and pondering upon the Qur’an is to guide man to attain self-purification and the purification of the souls from the darkness that is present within them so that man’s soul and mind gains the preparedness for understanding the Book and its Wisdom[10].”

In addition, he said: “The purpose of the bi‘that was to purify the soul of man and the soul gets purified when it gets rid of selfishness, egotism, lust for power, and greed for other worldly things and replaces it with (pure love for) God Almighty[11].”

Likewise, he said: “The purpose of the bi‘that is to let God rule over the hearts and the society. Unless the upper rungs purify themselves, we cannot expect to see any rectification within this country and the other countries[12].”

Impact of Mab’ath on Islamic History

The Mab’ath stands as a transformative event in Islamic history, shaping the spiritual, intellectual, and social trajectory of humanity. The Islamic narratives emphasize its profound impact by highlighting how the revelation of divine guidance initiated a paradigm shift in the beliefs and practices of an entire civilization. Prophet Muhammad (PBUHH) not only confronted the idolatry, tribalism, and moral decay of pre-Islamic Arabia but also laid the foundation for a comprehensive way of life rooted in monotheism (Tawheed), justice (Adl), and compassion.

This mission catalyzed profound societal reforms, redefining concepts of equality, governance, and human rights. By addressing issues such as economic exploitation, oppression, and corruption, the Prophet’s message introduced a system that prioritized accountability, ethical conduct, and the defense of public interests. The Mab’ath also had a lasting impact on Islamic scholarship, serving as the genesis of Qur’anic sciences, jurisprudence, and theology.

In Islamic traditions, the Mab’ath is more than the commencement of Prophet Muhammad’s (PBUHH) mission—it is the cornerstone of divine guidance and the transformative event that reshaped humanity’s spiritual and societal framework. It marked the beginning of a comprehensive message rooted in monotheism, justice, and morality, addressing the deep-seated issues of pre-Islamic Arabia and laying the foundation for a just and ethical civilization.

Conclusion

The Mab’ath, the commencement of Prophet Muhammad’s (PBUHH) mission, is a pivotal event in Islamic history, signifying the dawn of a new era of divine guidance for humanity. It represents the transition from ignorance to enlightenment, with the Prophet’s message of monotheism, justice, and compassion challenging deeply rooted societal flaws and initiating profound moral and social reforms. This event not only transformed the spiritual landscape of Arabia but also laid a universal framework for ethical governance and human development, making it an enduring source of guidance and inspiration for all generations.

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References

[1] Sayyed Ali Ashgar Razwy, A Restatement of the history of Islam and Muslims, p. 21.

[2] Imam Ali, Nahj al-Balagha, Sermon 26.

[3] Shahīdī, Sayyid Jaʿfar, Tārīkh-i taḥlīlī-yi Islām, p. 38.

[4] Āyatī, Muḥammad Ibrāhīm, Tārīkh-i payāmbar-i Islām, p. 42.

[5] Shahīdī, Sayyid Jaʿfar, Tārīkh-i taḥlīlī-yi Islām, p. 38.

[6] Āyatī, Muḥammad Ibrāhīm, Tārīkh-i payāmbar-i Islām, p. 49; Yaʿqūbī, Aḥmad ibn Abī Yaʿqūb, Tārīkh al-Yaʿqūbī, vol. 1, p. 369.

[7] Āyatī, Muḥammad Ibrāhīm, Tārīkh-i payāmbar-i Islām, p. 49; Yaʿqūbī, Aḥmad ibn Abī Yaʿqūb, Tārīkh al-Yaʿqūbī, vol. 1, p. 369.

[8] Imani, Sayyid Kamal Faqih, An Enlightening Commentary into the Light of the Holy Qur’an, vol. 20, p. 123.

[9] Ibid, vol. 20, p. 121.

[10] Imam Khomeini, Ruhullah, Sahifeh-ye-Imam, Vol.14, p. 335.

[11] Ibid, Vol.14, p. 338.

[12] Ibid, Vol.14, p. 339.