From the beginning, bayʿah was taken by Muhammad as an oath of allegiance. Anybody who wanted to join the growing Islamic community did so by reciting the basic creed expressing faith in the oneness of God and the prophethood of Muhammad. However, this differed from the proclamation of faith necessary to become an individual Muslim.
Bayʿah, initially, was considered an oath of allegiance by Muhammad. Individuals wishing to join the expanding Islamic community pledged their loyalty through a basic creed affirming belief in God's oneness and Muhammad's prophethood. This differed from the declaration of faith required for individual Muslim status.