Why the 27th of Rajab Matters: Understanding the Day the Prophet’s (saww) Mission Began

Some days in history do not introduce something new, they reveal what was always divinely intended. 

The 27th of Rajab, known as the Day of Mab‘ath (Eid al-Mab‘ath), marks the moment when Prophet Muhammad (saww) was commanded to publicly proclaim the divine mission that had always been entrusted to him. 

The Prophet (saww) was chosen, guided, and protected by Allah (swt) throughout his entire life. 

Eid al-Mab‘ath does not signify the beginning of his divine purpose, but rather the point at which that purpose was openly declared to humanity. 

It was the formal commencement of his public mission, when revelation emerged into the world and the call to guidance began openly. 

On the Day of Mab‘ath, Allah (swt) commanded His Prophet (saww) to recite the first revealed verses, marking a turning point for humanity:   

“Read (these Quranic verses) in the name of your Lord who created (the universe). He (specifically) created the human being from a blood clot (and gradually made him into a full person with the ability to understand and speak). Read (these verses) and your Lord is (indeed) the most generous (who blesses without asking; His greatest blessing is the ability to acquire knowledge). He is the one who taught by ‘the pen.’ He taught the human being what he did not know.”

Surah Al-Alaq, Verses 1-5

These verses called humanity toward knowledge, reflection, and a life shaped by divine awareness. 

A World That Easily Forgets Sacred Days 

In a world filled with constant movement and distraction, sacred days can easily pass without reflection. 

Their deeper meaning risks being lost beneath the demands of everyday life. 

Yet Eid al-Mab‘ath invites believers to pause and remember that faith is not meant to be symbolic alone, it is a lived responsibility. 

Allah (swt) defines the essence of the Prophet’s (saww) mission: 

“We have not sent you, (O Muḥammad,) but as a mercy for the universe.” 

Surah Anbiya, Verse 107

This mercy challenged injustice, restored dignity, and reshaped societies rooted in inequality. 

It uplifted the vulnerable and anchored humanity to ethical truth. 

Remembering the Day of Mab‘ath renews our sense of purpose: to live with integrity, serve others, and reflect mercy within the global community. 

Honour This Day of Mercy Through Action 

The significance of Eid al-Mab‘ath is not confined to reflection alone; it calls for action. 

Imam Ali (as) described the moment revelation was publicly proclaimed: 

“I heard the moan of Shaitan when the revelation descended on him (saww). I said, ‘O Prophet of Allah (saww), what is this moan?’ and he (saww) replied, ‘This is Shaitan who has lost all hope of being worshipped. O Ali (as), you see all that I see and you hear all that I hear, except that you are not a Prophet, but you are a vicegerent and you are surely on the path of virtue.’” 

Nahjul Balagha, Sermon 192

With revelation came the unraveling of falsehood’s power. 

Humanity was offered a clear path, one grounded in faith, moral responsibility, and service to others. 

Honouring this day means responding through worship, generosity, and conscious intention. 

Living the Prophet’s (saww) Mission Today 

Prophet Muhammad (saww) articulated the heart of his mission with clarity: 

“Verily I was deputed to perfect noble moral traits.”

Kanz al-Ummal, n.5217

Eid al-Mab‘ath reminds believers that faith is expressed through conduct. 

Eid al-Mab‘ath reminds believers that faith is reflected in conduct. 

Compassion, honesty, patience, and generosity are not optional virtues, they are the foundation of the prophetic path. 

Imam Ali (as) further reminds us of this responsibility: 

“Be pleased with Muhammad (saww) as your guide (and role model) and as the one who will lead you to salvation.” 

Ghurar al-Hikam, n.2447

Marking this sacred day through prayer, fasting, remembrance, and charitable giving allows believers to realign their lives with the Prophet’s (saww) guidance and recommit to carrying his mission forward. 

The Zahra Trust Movement: Mercy in Practice 

At The Zahra Trust, the meaning of Eid al-Mab‘ath is reflected through action. 

Through humanitarian relief, education initiatives, orphan care, and long-term development, The Zahra Trust Movement works to transform compassion into meaningful support for communities across the globe. 

Supporters help sustain this work through Footsteps of Zahra (sa), The Zahra Trust’s monthly giving program. 

By giving consistently, donors ensure that mercy is not limited to moments of crisis, but continues day after day, reaching those who need it most. 

This sustained generosity mirrors the enduring nature of the Prophet’s (saww) mission, mercy that is lived, reliable, and transformative. 

How to Mark the 27^th of Rajab 

Eid al-Mab‘ath is an opportunity to spend the day consciously, with gratitude and intention. 

Believers may choose to: 

• Engage in additional prayer and remembrance 
• Fast as an act of devotion 
• Give charity in gratitude for divine guidance 
• Reflect on personal character and service to others 

Even a single sincere act becomes part of the legacy that began on this sacred day. 

Honor the Prophet’s (saww) Mission

Give in gratitude. Live with intention.  Let your mercy reflect his. 

By supporting Footsteps of Zahra (sa), you help sustain mercy every day, ensuring the mission publicly proclaimed on the Day of Mab‘ath continues to bring hope, dignity, and relief to those in need. 

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