The First Revelation

Even before his prophethood, Muhammad (SAW) would seek the peace of isolation in the cave of Hira in Mount An-Nour two miles from Mecca. He would spend his time meditating, occupying his mind in deep contemplation and reflection on all aspects of creation surrounding him. He always wondered about the people of Mecca and how it was a city full of greedy and dishonest people believing in superstitions, worshiping idols and using magic. He always had his people’s best interest at heart and wanted to show them a better way of life.

It was there in Cave Hira and at age 40 during the month of Ramadan that Muhammad (SAW) received his first revelation. The Angel Gabriel unexpectedly appeared to Muhammad (SAW) and said: “Read!” But as Muhammad was illiterate, having never received any instruction in reading or writing, he said to Angel Gabriel: “I am not a reader.” The angel took a hold of him and squeezed him as much as he could bear, and then said again: “Read!” Then Muhammad (SAW) said: “I am not a reader.” The Angel again seized Muhammad (SAW) and squeezed him and said:

“Read! In the Name of Your Lord, Who has created (all that exists), has created a man from a clot (a piece of thick coagulated blood). Read! And your Lord is the Most Generous, Who has taught (the writing) by the pen, has taught man that which he knew not.”
[Al-Qur’an 96:1-3]

Muhammad (SAW) repeated these verses with a trembling heart, and hurried back to his wife Khadijah telling her “Cover me! Cover me!” He was overwhelmed and in a state of fear. He told her what had occurred and was afraid he was going mad, but Khadijah assured him that Allah is going to take care of him.

After receiving Khadijah’s (RAA) support and several other Angelic visits, Muhammad (SAW) was sure that Allah (SWT) chose him to be his messenger and he began delivering the message of Islam.

Muhammad’s (SAW) message to the people was to invite them to worship Allah (SWT) , the one true God and to let them know that he is His messenger, delivering what he receives from Allah (SWT) through Angel Gabriel.

It is clear to see why Muhammad (SAW) was chosen to be the final messenger of Allah (SWT) . His personality and noble qualities prove him to be a man fit to guide people on the right path. Even before his prophethood, he was kind, polite, generous, sincere and trustworthy to everybody around him. With such noble qualities as a man, it is obvious to see why he was chosen to take up the honorable task of spreading the message of Islam.

In Islam, the Prophet Muhammad (SAW) is not known to be the creator of a new religion, but a restorer of a faith that had been introduced in the time of the many messengers before him. It is because of the efforts of this noble prophet that we, as one people, maintain such a beautiful faith.