Classical and Contemporary Islamic Studies

Classical and Contemporary Islamic Studies

Revisiting the Challenge of the "First Revealed Surah or Verses" and Presenting a Novel Solution Based on the Distinction between Prophethood and Mission in the Thought of Ayatollah Khamenei

Document Type : Scholary

Author
Department of Islamic Studies, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Iran
10.22059/jcis.2026.413516.1479
Abstract
There has long been disagreement in exegetical and hadith sources about the first revelation to the Prophet (PBUH). Four main views propose Surahs 'Alaq, Hamd, Mudaththir, or the Basmalah. This research aims to resolve this conflict by applying Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei's thought through a descriptive‑analytical method. He offers a novel solution by distinguishing between Nubuwwah (Prophethood: an inner station before social mission) and Biʿthat (Mission: inner resurrection and start of external movement). Accordingly, Surah Hamd is the first revealed during Prophethood, focusing on praise and worship, while Surah 'Alaq is the first during Messengership, with the command "Read" initiating the Prophet's social mission. Thus, the apparent contradiction is resolved, and both groups of narrations are affirmed as truthful.
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Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript
Available Online from 19 September 2026