The First Revelation to Prophet Muhammad ﷺ

The first revelation to Prophet Muhammad ﷺ marks a profound and transformative event in human history.

It was the divine moment when Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى) chose Muhammad ﷺ as His final messenger, delivering the message of Islam to humanity through the Qur’an.

This significant occurrence took place in the cave of Hira on Jabal al-Noor (the Mountain of Light) near Makkah. In this blog, we will explore the circumstances, Qur’anic and Hadith references, and the spiritual significance of the first revelation.

Background: Pre-Islamic Arabia

 

Before diving into the revelation itself, it is essential to understand the social and religious landscape of pre-Islamic Arabia.

This period, referred to as Jahiliyyah (ignorance), was marked by idol worship, tribalism, moral decline, and societal inequality. The Arabs worshipped hundreds of deities, including idols placed in the Ka’bah.

Amidst this chaos, Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, born in 570 CE into the noble Quraysh tribe, grew up with remarkable character. Even before prophethood, he was known as Al-Amin (the trustworthy) and As-Sadiq (the truthful). His honesty, kindness, and introspection set him apart.

By the age of 40, the Prophet ﷺ began seeking solitude in the Cave of Hira. The mountain retreat became his place of contemplation, where he would reflect upon the Creator, humanity, and the deteriorating moral values of society.

The First Revelation: The Divine Encounter

 

It was during the blessed month of Ramadan in the year 610 CE, that the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ experienced the first divine revelation. He was alone in the cave of Hira, deeply immersed in meditation, when the angel Jibreel (Gabriel) appeared to him with Allah’s words.

The account is narrated in Sahih al-Bukhari and other authentic Hadith collections. Here is the famous narration:

Narrated Aisha (رضي الله عنها):

_”The commencement of the Divine Inspiration to Allah’s Messenger ﷺ was in the form of good dreams which came true like bright daylight. Then the love of seclusion was bestowed upon him.

He used to go in seclusion in the cave of Hira where he used to worship (Allah alone) continuously for many days before his desire to see his family.

He used to take with him food for the stay and then come back to (his wife) Khadijah (رضي الله عنها) to take more food until suddenly the Truth descended upon him while he was in the cave of Hira. The angel came to him and asked him to read.

The Prophet ﷺ replied, ‘I do not know how to read.’ The Prophet ﷺ added, ‘The angel caught me (forcefully) and pressed me so hard that I could not bear it any longer.

He then released me and again asked me to read, and I replied, ‘I do not know how to read.’ Thereupon he caught me again and pressed me a second time till I could not bear it any longer. He then released me and again asked me to read, but again I replied, ‘I do not know how to read?’ (or ‘What shall I read?’).

Thereupon he caught me for the third time and pressed me, and then released me and said:**

اقْرَأْ بِاسْمِ رَبِّكَ الَّذِي خَلَقَ. خَلَقَ الْإِنسَانَ مِنْ عَلَقٍ. اقْرَأْ وَرَبُّكَ الْأَكْرَمُ. الَّذِي عَلَّمَ بِالْقَلَمِ. عَلَّمَ الْإِنسَانَ مَا لَمْ يَعْلَمْ

“Recite in the name of your Lord who created – Created man from a clinging substance. Recite, and your Lord is the most Generous – Who taught by the pen – Taught man that which he knew not.”
(Surah Al-Alaq 96:1-5)

[Sahih al-Bukhari 3]

The first five verses of Surah Al-Alaq (Chapter 96) were revealed, marking the beginning of the Qur’an and prophethood of Muhammad ﷺ.

Qur’anic Reference of the First Revelation to Prophet Muhammad

 

The Qur’an itself highlights this monumental event in Surah Al-Alaq, where the words revealed emphasize the themes of creation, knowledge, and the exaltation of Allah:

بِسْمِ اللَّهِ الرَّحْمَنِ الرَّحِيمِ
اقْرَأْ بِاسْمِ رَبِّكَ الَّذِي خَلَقَ. خَلَقَ الْإِنسَانَ مِنْ عَلَقٍ. اقْرَأْ وَرَبُّكَ الْأَكْرَمُ. الَّذِي عَلَّمَ بِالْقَلَمِ. عَلَّمَ الْإِنسَانَ مَا لَمْ يَعْلَمْ

“Recite in the name of your Lord who created – Created man from a clinging substance. Recite, and your Lord is the Most Generous – Who taught by the pen – Taught man that which he knew not.”
(Surah Al-Alaq 96:1-5)

These verses highlight several fundamental aspects:

  • Allah as the Creator – He created man and everything in existence.
  • The Gift of Knowledge – Allah taught humanity through the pen, a tool of writing, knowledge, and education.
  • Man’s Humility – Man is created from a “clinging substance” (blood clot), showing human dependence on Allah.

First Revelation to Prophet Muhammad

Prophet Muhammad’s ﷺ Reaction to the Revelation

 

The revelation overwhelmed Prophet Muhammad ﷺ. It was his first encounter with divine communication, delivered through the mighty angel Jibreel (عليه السلام). The Prophet ﷺ felt physically and emotionally shaken by the experience.

He rushed home to his beloved wife, Khadijah bint Khuwaylid (رضي الله عنها), trembling and fearful. He said:

زَمِّلُونِي زَمِّلُونِي

“Cover me! Cover me!”

Khadijah رضي الله عنها wrapped him in a cloak, comforting him and reassuring him with kind words. She recognized his noble character and moral integrity and did not believe harm would come to him.

She said:

كَلَّا وَاللَّهِ مَا يُخْزِيكَ اللَّهُ أَبَدًا، إِنَّكَ لَتَصِلُ الرَّحِمَ، وَتَحْمِلُ الْكَلَّ، وَتَكْسِبُ الْمَعْدُومَ، وَتَقْرِي الضَّيْفَ، وَتُعِينُ عَلَى نَوَائِبِ الْحَقِّ

“Never! By Allah, Allah will never disgrace you. You keep good relations with your kin, help the poor and destitute, serve your guests generously, and assist those afflicted by calamities.”
(Sahih al-Bukhari 4953)

Consultation with Waraqah ibn Nawfal

 

After this, Khadijah رضي الله عنها took the Prophet ﷺ to her cousin Waraqah ibn Nawfal, a learned man who was well-versed in the Scriptures of the Torah and Injil.

When Waraqah heard the account, he recognized the event as divine revelation. He said:

هَذَا النَّامُوسُ الَّذِي أُنْزِلَ عَلَى مُوسَى

“This is the same angel (Jibreel) who was sent to Musa (Moses).”

Waraqah foretold the trials the Prophet ﷺ would face, including rejection and opposition from his people.

“Would that I were young and could live until the time when your people would drive you out.”

The Prophet ﷺ asked:

“Will they drive me out?”

Waraqah replied:

“Yes, anyone who came with something similar to what you have brought was treated with hostility. If I were to remain alive till your day (of prophethood), I would support you strongly.”

This encounter confirmed to the Prophet ﷺ that he was chosen for a divine mission.

Spiritual and Historical Significance of the First Revelation

 

  • The Beginning of Prophethood: The revelation marked the beginning of the final phase of divine guidance for humanity. Prophet Muhammad ﷺ was now tasked to convey Allah’s message to the world.
  • The Centrality of Knowledge: The first word revealed was “Iqra” (Read), highlighting the importance of knowledge, education, and literacy in Islam.
  • The Role of Jibreel (عليه السلام): Jibreel served as the medium of divine communication, connecting the heavens and earth.
  • The Prophetic Mission: Prophet Muhammad ﷺ was chosen to reform a morally corrupt society and lead people to worship Allah alone.

Lessons from the First Revelation

 

  • Knowledge Leads to Faith: Islam places immense importance on seeking knowledge, as shown by the first command, “Read.”
  • Patience in the Face of Fear: The Prophet ﷺ, though initially frightened, embraced his role with courage and trust in Allah.
  • Support of Righteous Companions: Khadijah رضي الله عنها played a pivotal role in comforting and supporting the Prophet ﷺ, showing the importance of a strong support system.
  • Humility Before Allah: Man is reminded of his humble origins and dependence on Allah for knowledge and guidance.

Conclusion

 

The first revelation to Prophet Muhammad ﷺ was a momentous event that changed the course of history. It was the starting point of the Qur’an, which serves as a timeless guide for humanity. From the solitary cave of Hira, a message of truth, monotheism, and knowledge emerged to enlighten the world.

The Prophet’s ﷺ initial reaction of humility, the reassurance of Khadijah رضي الله عنها, and the wisdom of Waraqah ibn Nawfal collectively highlight the significance of this divine encounter. As Muslims, we are reminded of the transformative power of the Qur’an, urging us to seek knowledge, trust Allah, and strive for moral excellence.

May Allah guide us to reflect upon and act upon the Qur’an’s teachings, as it was revealed to the best of creation, Prophet Muhammad ﷺ.

وَآخِرُ دَعْوَانَا أَنِ الْحَمْدُ لِلَّهِ رَبِّ الْعَالَمِينَ

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Internal Resources and Services

 

External Resources

 

  • For a comprehensive understanding of the Prophet’s lineage and early life, visit this resource.
  • Understand the Prophet’s role as a leader and reformer by exploring this detailed analysis.
  • To learn more about the Qur’anic miracles associated with Prophet Muhammad, read this article.
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