Before the Revelation
Prophet Muhammad (SAW) was born and raised in Mecca. He (SAW) used to spend many hours alone in prayer and contemplation of the aspects of creation. Before heading straight into a cave on Mount An-Nur called Hira, Prophet Muhammad (SAW) used to prepare some basic food and drink for himself. Where the Prophet (SAW) received the first revelation. The cave was small, measuring approximately 2 miles from Makkah, and was only 4 yards long and 1.75 yards wide.
Quick Overview: Prophet Muhammad (SAW) received his first Quranic revelation at age 40 in the Cave of Hira, when Angel Jibril (AS) commanded “Read!” The verses, now Surah Al-Alaq 1-5, marked the start of prophethood and the beginning of Islam’s revelation.
During the holy month of Ramadan, in the third year of his solitude in the cave of Hira, he (SAW) was 40 years old, the age of absolute perfection at which Prophets (SAW) were always required to reveal their message. Following this tradition, Allah Almighty bestowed prophetic status upon Prophet Muhammad (SAW) and revealed some verses of the Quran to him. This marked the beginning of a new era in Islamic history and set the stage for spreading Allah’s mercy worldwide.
Read More about the month of Ramadan:
- What is Ramadan, and why is it Important for Muslims?
- Fasting in Ramadan: Answers to Your Common Questions
- The Do’s and Don’ts During Ramadan for Muslims
- The Three Ashras of Ramadan: Mercy, Forgiveness, and Salvation
- Understanding Suhoor and Iftar: Health and Wellness in Ramadan
- Taraweeh Prayer in Ramadan: Your Ultimate Guide
- The Do’s and Don’ts of Itikaf in Ramadan: A Detailed Overview
- Laylat-ul-Qadr and the Last Ten Nights of Ramadan
Story of the First Revelation
On the sixteenth night of Ramadan, Prophet Muhammad (SAW) was in the cave of Hira when he received the first Revelation. It was the 17th night of Ramadan on Monday when the angel Jibril (AS) appeared before him and said, “Read!” The Prophet of Allah (SAW) replied, “I am not a reader.” Jibril (AS) grabbed and squeezed him so tightly that he could not bear it. He released him and again said, “Read!” The Prophet (SAW) repeated his earlier reply. For the third time, Jibril (AS) squeezed him, and when he let go, he commanded him, “Read!” The Prophet (SAW) once again replied, “I am not a reader.” Three times, he squeezed me till I couldn’t bear it anymore. He let go of me and stated,
Read! In the Name of your Lord Who has created۔ Created humans from a clinging clot. Read! And your Lord is the Most Generous. Who taught by the pen. Taught humanity what they knew not. (Surah Al-Alaq: 1-5)
The Prophet (peace be upon Him) repeated these verses while fearfully trembling.
After Revelation
After receiving a revelation, the Prophet (SAW) made his way back. His heart was darting, and the Prophet of Allah (SAW) came to Hazrat Khadeejah (RA and said, “Cover me!” Protect me! He kept him covered till his terror subsided. He (SAW) told Hazrat Khadeejah (RA) what had happened and stated, “O Khadeejah, I fear for myself.” Never, Hazrat Khadeejah (RA) replied. Allah Almighty won’t ever let you down. You protect family ties, speak the truth, aid the needy, show generosity in serving your visitors, and help those who are affected by disaster. You maintain solid relationships with your family.
Waraqah’s Confirmation
Hazrat Khadeejah sent him to Waraqah ibn Nawfal, her paternal uncle’s son, who was a pre-Islamic convert to Christianity. He was old and blind. Hazrat Khadijah said, “My cousin! Listen to your nephew!” Waraqah said, “O my nephew! What did you see?” The Prophet (Peace be Upon Him) told him what had happened to him.
Waraqah replied,
Waraqah responded, “This is the angel that Allah Almighty sent to reveal the Divine Secrets to Moses (RA). I wish I could be younger. Will people drive me out when they reject you?” Allah’s Messenger (Peace be upon Him) asked.
Yes, Waraqah replied. There has never been a man who has brought what you have delivered without suffering criticism. You have my full support if I survive to see that day. A few days later, Waraqah passed away, and the Revelation temporarily stopped. At this point, the Messenger of Allah (Peace be upon Him) was overcome with sorrow.
After a forty-day break, revelations resumed coming to the Holy Prophet (SAW). He continues, “One day, I heard a sound in the sky while walking. I looked up towards the sky and saw the angel who had come to me, Jibril, seated on a throne halfway between the earth and the heaven. I lost my balance and fell to the ground.
When I returned home, I said, “Cover me.”! Cover me!” Upon this, God the Exalted sent down this Revelation:
O you covered up in your clothes!. Arise and warn all. Revere your Lord alone. Purify your garments. Continue to shun idols. (Surah Al-Muddaththir: 1-5)
Conclusion
The Cave of Hira witnessed a momentous historical turning point as Prophet Muhammad (SAW) received his First Revelation in solitude. The arrival of Angel Jibril, the initial fear experienced by Prophet Muhammad (SAW), and the unwavering support of Hazrat Khadeejah (RA) and Waraqah all played a critical role in laying the foundation for the birth of Islam. This pivotal event marked the beginning of a spiritual journey that would transform the world, leaving an indelible mark on Islamic history and shaping the faith that continues to guide millions today.
Frequently Asked Questions
The Quran was revealed gradually over approximately 23 years, from the first revelation in Makkah to shortly before the Prophet’s (SAW) passing in Madinah. This staged revelation allowed guidance to address real events and questions as they arose.
This gap is known as the Fatrah, a pause of around 40 days that left the Prophet (SAW) in distress before revelation resumed with Surah Al-Muddaththir. Scholars view this period as a test of patience and firmness in early prophethood.
Laylat al-Qadr, the Night of Decree, is widely associated with the night the Quran’s revelation began, described in the Quran as better than a thousand months. It falls within the last ten nights of Ramadan, making the month central to the Quran’s revelation.
Muslims believe Allah chose Prophet Muhammad (SAW) as the final messenger to humanity, with Jibril (AS) serving as the appointed intermediary for delivering divine revelation. This role of Jibril (AS) is consistent with his function in conveying messages to earlier prophets as well.
No, Prophet Muhammad (SAW) was unlettered (ummi), meaning he could not read or write. This is considered significant by Muslims as evidence that the Quran’s precise language and content could only have come from divine revelation, not from his own composition.
Waraqah ibn Nawfal passed away a short time after confirming the nature of the revelation to Prophet Muhammad (SAW). His early recognition and support are remembered as an important, though brief, moment of validation during the earliest days of prophethood.
