The first revelation to Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) was a transformative event that marked the beginning of his prophethood and the restoration of monotheism. This event is pivotal in Islamic history and serves as a profound example of divine communication.

The Cave Hira: A Place of Solitude

In the year 610 CE, the 40-year-old Muhammad frequently sought solitude in the Cave Hira, located on the outskirts of Mecca. It was during one of these solitary retreats in the month of Ramadan that a momentous event occurred.

The Revelation of the Angel Gabriel

As Muhammad was meditating and seeking solace in the cave, the Angel Gabriel suddenly appeared before him. Gabriel, a celestial messenger, delivered a powerful command from God: “Iqra!” meaning “Read!” Muhammad was startled and responded that he could not read. This exchange occurred three times, each time with Gabriel delivering the same command.

The First Verses of the Quran

After this initial exchange, Gabriel conveyed the first verses of the Quran to Muhammad, which were the opening verses of Surah Al-Alaq (The Clot). They are as follows:

1. “Read in the name of your Lord who created.”
2. “Created man from a clinging substance.”
3. “Read, and your Lord is the most Generous—”
4. “Who taught by the pen—”
5. “Taught man that which he knew not.”

These verses emphasized the importance of knowledge, reading, and the Creator, and they were a call to monotheism—the worship of the one true God, Allah.

Khadija’s Support and Comfort

After receiving the revelation, Muhammad left the Cave Hira, filled with awe and uncertainty about what had just transpired. He returned to his home and sought the comfort and counsel of his wife, Khadija bint Khuwaylid (may Allah be pleased with her). Khadija, a woman of great wisdom and faith, listened attentively to Muhammad’s account of the event.

Khadija, recognizing the significance of the revelation, reassured her husband. She affirmed her belief in the message and in his prophethood, offering unwavering support. Her response was a source of immense comfort and strength for the Prophet during this time of uncertainty and awe-inspiring revelation.

Muhammad’s Initial State: Shivering and Overwhelmed

The experience of receiving divine revelation was intense for Muhammad. When the Angel Gabriel first appeared and conveyed the divine command, Muhammad was overwhelmed by the magnitude of the encounter. He shivered and felt a sense of physical and emotional weight.

The Significance of the First Revelation

The first revelation to Prophet Muhammad in the Cave Hira marked the beginning of his prophetic mission and the restoration of monotheism in a society marked by idolatry and polytheism. These initial verses emphasized the importance of knowledge, reading, and the recognition of the one true God. They were a call to monotheism and a testament to the enduring message of Islam.

Khadija’s unwavering support and comfort during this pivotal moment in Islamic history underscore the importance of a strong and supportive partnership in the face of adversity. Her belief in Muhammad’s prophethood and the message he received set a powerful example of faith and trust in divine guidance.

In summary, the first revelation to Prophet Muhammad, delivered by the Angel Gabriel in the Cave Hira, was a momentous event emphasizing monotheism and the importance of knowledge. It marked the beginning of Muhammad’s prophethood and the restoration of faith in one God, Allah. Khadija’s support and comfort played a crucial role in strengthening the Prophet’s resolve to convey this divine message to the world, setting the stage for the spread of Islam and its monotheistic legacy.