ভূমিকা

Shiavault - a Vault of Shia Islamic Books Prophethood and the Prophet of Islam Ministry of the Holy Prophet The Holy (S) was appointed as a prophet on 27th Rajab in the year 610 A.D. at the age of forty years.[^1] It is mentioned in history that before his appointment also, he often used to see signs in his sleep and wakefulness; he saw Jibraeel and heard his voice; so much so that he sometimes addressed him as the Messenger of Allah (S).

Bulazari writes: When Almighty Allah wanted to exalt the status of Muhammad (S) and to begin his prophethood, it so happened that he came out of the town to answer the call of nature and retired into the passes and caves and he did not pass a single tree, but that it greeted him saying: Peace be on you, O Messenger of Allah (S).

Thus His Eminence looked here and there but could see no one.[^2] Sometimes during sleep and wakefulness, he used to see a person who said to him: Peace be on you, O Messenger of Allah (S). He asked him: Who are you? He replied: I am Jibraeel. Allah has sent me so that I may select you for prophethood.

The Messenger of Allah (S) witnessed such incidents, but he did not speak about them to anyone.[^3] Sometimes he mentioned the matter to his wife, Khadija and she told him that she was hopeful that it would be as such.[^4] Bulazari writes: The first stage of revelation was a true dream. He never dreamed except that it was clear to him like daylight. Thus he became inclined to seclusion and retired to Hira Cave and remained there in seclusion, worshipping his God.

He stayed there in Etekaf for some nights. After that he came back to Khadija and continued to lead his family life.

Till the time that in the Cave of Hira, he realized the truth and Jibraeel spoke to him.[^5] The life history of the Messenger of Allah (S) was such that every year for a period of at least one month, he remained in the cave of Hira engrossed in worship.[^6] Ubaid ibn Umair says: The Messenger of Allah (S) retired to the cave of Hira for a month every year and remained there engrossed in worship. During those days he fed the poor.

When the period of his stay was over he returned to Mecca and before entering his house circled the Kaaba seven or more times.[^7] Hira is a tall mountain to the north of Mecca having elevations towards Mina. Previously it was at a distance of one Farsakh from the city, but today the city has expanded to reach within the vicinity of this mountain.