Mission of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH)

The *Mission of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH)* marks the day when Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), the Messenger of Islam, was chosen by God for prophethood. This significant event in Islamic history marked the beginning of his divine mission and the revelation of the Holy Quran.

*Date of the Mission:*

*Boraq Hamim Art News Agency*, based on well-known narrations, the mission of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) took place on the 27th of Rajab, in the 40th year of the Year of the Elephant, thirteen years before the Hijra (migration), in the cave of Hira near Mecca.

While the Prophet (PBUH) was engaged in deep thought and worship in the cave of Hira, his mission began with the revelation of the first verses of Surah Al-Alaq and continued with the initial verses of Surah Al-Muddathir. The Prophet (PBUH) first informed his wife Khadijah (SA) and his cousin Ali (AS) about his prophethood. Three years later, with the revelation of the verse “And warn your closest relatives” (Quran 26:214), he made his mission known to his close family. In the same year, with the revelation of the verse “So proclaim what you are commanded and turn away from the polytheists” (Quran 15:94), he publicly declared his prophethood. The Prophet (PBUH) first openly proclaimed his message at the market of Ukaz, a gathering place for trade and poetry recitation. Abu Lahab and his followers harassed the Prophet (PBUH), but Abu Talib defended him and punished them.

*The Prophet’s Reaction to the Revelation:*

*Abolghasem Payandeh* writes:
“At the age of forty, he rose against idolatry, the corruption, and injustice prevalent among his people. He called upon the Arabs, who were constantly engaged in conflict like wild beasts, to unite. He urged them to abandon the worship of idols and to worship the One God, who has no partner, who is neither born nor gives birth, and who has no equal. He called for brotherhood and equality among people, with no distinction except through piety…”

The first revelation, accompanied by awe and the weight of the immense responsibility of prophethood, was delivered to the Prophet (PBUH) by the Angel Gabriel. From his childhood, due to his inner purity and aversion to the corrupt environment of Mecca at the time, the Prophet (PBUH) had a tendency toward solitude and withdrawal. His month-long retreats in the mountains around Mecca, his dreams with a spiritual essence, hearing the voice of the Angel of Revelation before his mission, and his twenty-year connection with Gabriel were all preparations that readied him for the responsibility of prophethood. However, there are other narrations that suggest the Prophet (PBUH) was initially unfamiliar with the experience of revelation and communication with angels. These narrations describe his disbelief and fear of madness or possession, his consultation with Khadijah, and his reassurance through the confirmation of Waraqah ibn Nawfal, who testified to his prophethood. These accounts are considered inconsistent with the Prophet’s (PBUH) spiritual growth, insight, and understanding of his heavy responsibility.

*Significance of the Mission:*

The Mission is a turning point in the history of Islam and the world. On this day, Almighty God chose His final messenger to guide humanity and convey the message of Islam. The Holy Quran, the eternal miracle of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), began its revelation during this time, becoming a guide for Muslims throughout the ages.

*Acts of Worship on the Day of the Mission:*

The Day of the Mission is one of the great Islamic celebrations, and Muslims rejoice on this day. Recommended acts include ritual bathing (ghusl), prayer, fasting, supplication, and recitation of the Quran.

*Celebrations of the Mission:*

Muslims around the world celebrate the Day of the Mission with various ceremonies. These events include religious speeches, recitations of devotional poetry (mawlid and madih), and reflections on the life and virtues of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).

*The Mission in Poetry:*

*Hafez:*
*A star shone, and the moon became the gathering’s light,
Our wandering hearts found a companion and solace in the night.
My beloved, who never went to school nor wrote a line,
With a glance, taught a hundred teachers wisdom divine.*

*Julideh Nishaburi:*
*That night, the silence of Hira’s cave was broken,
With that break, the idols of Lat and Uzza were forsaken.
A call came to the Seal of the Prophets: “Read!”
The seal of silence on humanity’s ruby was shaken.
By reading the unread alphabet, the spell of ignorance,
In the land of Rukn and Maqam, was shattered and taken.*

*Hamid Reza Barqei:*
*Humanity found the true faith tonight,
God revealed His hand from the sleeve tonight.
The ring of monotheism found its gem tonight,
The sun of religion rose, its light so bright.
The emergence of the “Best of Creation’s” school is blessed,
The rise of light from Hira’s cave is blessed.
Good news to all daughters buried alive,
Muhammad has come, the reign of tyranny is dismissed.*