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.
From the outset, bayʿah was considered an oath of allegiance by Muhammad. Anyone wishing to join the expanding Islamic community pledged their loyalty through a basic creed affirming belief in God's oneness and Muhammad's prophethood. However, this differed from the declaration of faith necessary for individual Muslim status.