27th of Rajab: Anniversary of Prophetic Mission of Messenger of God (peace and blessings be upon him and his family)
The 27th of Rajab is a momentous day in human history and a turning point in Islamic history. It marks the day when the Holy Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him and his family) was officially appointed to prophethood in the Cave of Hira, and the divine mission for the guidance of humanity began.
Muslims commemorate this day with supplications, prayers, and recommended devotional acts, regarding it as a divine blessing and a source of grace for the world.
The anniversary of the Prophet’s mission holds a special place in Islamic history and Muslim culture. Bi‘that (the prophetic commissioning) refers to the raising of prophets to guide humankind, and in the Holy Qur’an this event is described as a great divine favor—an immense and precious blessing bestowed upon humanity.
According to Islamic sources, on the 27th of Rajab in the Year of the Elephant (around 609 CE), when the Prophet was about forty years old and engaged in reflection and worship in the Cave of Hira, the first verses of the Holy Qur’an from Surah al-‘Alaq were revealed to him. The Archangel Gabriel conveyed the first divine command, “Read,” a call to knowledge, guidance, and enlightenment.
“In the Name of God, the Most Merciful, the Most Compassionate. Read in the Name of your Lord who created; created man from a clinging form. Read, and your Lord is the Most Generous, who taught by the pen, taught man what he did not know.”
After the revelation, the Messenger of God (peace and blessings be upon him and his family) first shared the event of the mission with his noble wife Lady Khadijah (peace be upon her) and his cousin Imam Ali (peace be upon him). These three devoted their lives, wealth, and efforts to laying the foundations of Islam. In the early years, the Prophet invited first his close relatives and later the wider community of Mecca.
Historical sources recount that, despite threats and opposition from the Quraysh, the Prophet continued his mission with courage and patience. Following the migration to Medina and the establishment of an Islamic society, the message of Islam gradually spread across the world.
For Muslims, the Day of Bi‘that is not only a commemoration of the beginning of the Prophet’s mission, but also an opportunity to perform recommended acts of worship, renew faith, and reaffirm hope in divine guidance. The prophetic mission stands as a symbol of mercy, guidance, and enlightenment for all humanity, reminding believers of the enduring values of ethics, justice, and faith in both individual and social life.
