The story of the first revelation of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) is one of the most pivotal moments in Islamic history, marking the beginning of his prophetic mission and the birth of Islam. This event took place in the year 610 CE, when the Prophet was around 40 years old.
Before the revelation, Prophet Muhammad was known as a man of deep reflection and honesty, earning the titles of "Al-Amin" (the trustworthy) and "As-Sadiq" (the truthful) from the people of Mecca. Although he lived in a society rife with idolatry and corruption, he was always disturbed by the injustices, superstitions, and moral decay of the world around him. Seeking peace, clarity, and solitude, the Prophet often retreated to a small cave in the mountain of Jabal al-Nour, called the Cave of Hira, just outside of Mecca.
It was here, in the stillness of the cave, that Prophet Muhammad would spend days meditating and reflecting on the creation and the Creator. He pondered over the world, seeking answers to the spiritual and moral questions that troubled him. He had not yet received any divine guidance, but he felt drawn to these spiritual retreats, hoping for clarity.
During one of these periods of isolation, in the month of Ramadan, while the Prophet was deep in thought and meditation, an extraordinary event occurred that would change the course of history. It was the night of Laylat al-Qadr (The Night of Decree), when the heavens opened, and the angel Jibril (Gabriel) descended upon the cave to deliver the first message from Allah.
Suddenly, Jibril appeared before Prophet Muhammad in the form of a man. The Prophet was terrified, as this was unlike anything he had ever experienced. The angel embraced him tightly and commanded, "Read!" (Iqra). The Prophet, trembling and confused, replied, "I cannot read." This exchange happened three times, with Jibril embracing him tightly each time and repeating the command, "Read!"
Finally, Jibril revealed the first verses of the Qur'an, beginning with the command to "Read," as the Prophet listened in awe and fear:
“Read in the name of your Lord who created, created man from a clinging substance. Read, 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 revealed profound truths: the power of knowledge, the importance of seeking it in the name of the Creator, and the reminder that mankind was created by Allah from a mere clot of blood, yet given the ability to learn and develop through the gift of knowledge.
After receiving these words, the Prophet, overwhelmed and shaken by the experience, fled the cave and descended the mountain, his heart racing with fear and confusion. He did not fully comprehend what had just occurred, but he knew that something divine had taken place.
When he arrived home, he was trembling and afraid. His beloved wife, Khadijah, immediately saw his distress and comforted him. He said to her, "Cover me! Cover me!" She wrapped him in blankets to calm him down. After a while, he told her about the strange and terrifying encounter with Jibril and expressed his fear. He feared that something terrible might have happened to him, saying, "I fear for myself."
However, Khadijah, knowing the integrity and noble character of her husband, reassured him with comforting words. She told him, “By Allah, Allah will never disgrace you. You keep good relations with your family, you bear the burden of the weak, you help the poor and the needy, you entertain guests generously, and you assist those deserving."
To provide further assurance, Khadijah took Prophet Muhammad to her cousin, Waraqah ibn Nawfal, a learned Christian scholar who was well-versed in the scriptures. Waraqah listened carefully to the Prophet’s account of the event. After hearing the details, Waraqah’s face lit up with recognition. He confirmed that the being who visited Muhammad was indeed Jibril, the same angel who had brought revelations to Moses and other prophets before him.
Waraqah said, “This is the Namus (the same Angel Jibril who brought revelation to Moses). I wish I were young and could live up to the time when your people would turn you out." Surprised, the Prophet asked, "Will they really drive me out?" Waraqah replied, “Yes, no man has ever come with something similar to what you have brought, except that he was opposed. If I should live to see that day, I will support you strongly."
This affirmation from Waraqah gave the Prophet some comfort, but it also foreshadowed the great trials and opposition he would face in the future.
For a time after this first encounter, the revelations ceased, and the Prophet was left in deep contemplation. The period of silence, known as fatrah, lasted for a few months, during which the Prophet continued to reflect on his experience, awaiting further guidance from Allah.
Eventually, the revelations resumed, and the Prophet was charged with delivering Allah's message to humanity. These revelations would continue for the next 23 years, forming the Qur'an, the holy book of Islam, and guiding millions to the path of faith.
The first revelation in the Cave of Hira marked the beginning of the final and complete message from Allah to humanity. It was a moment of divine intervention that set the stage for the establishment of Islam. Prophet Muhammad’s life from this point forward was dedicated to conveying this message to the world, even in the face of immense challenges. This profound event illustrates the power of faith, the importance of knowledge, and the start of a journey that would transform the spiritual landscape of the world.
The Cave of Hira remains a symbol of spiritual awakening and reflection, and the Night of Laylat al-Qadr is commemorated by Muslims every year during Ramadan as a night of immense blessing and mercy.