The first revelation marks the beginning of Prophet Muhammad’s ﷺ mission as the final Messenger of Allah. It is one of the most important events in human history, as it introduced the Qur’an, the final divine guidance for all of mankind.
The first verses revealed were from Surah al-ʿAlaq (Chapter 96:1–5):
> “Read (or Recite) in the name of your Lord who created – Created man from a clot. Read, and your Lord is the Most Generous – Who taught by the pen – Taught man that which he knew not.”
These verses set the foundation of Islam and established knowledge, learning, and connection to Allah as the pillars of the new message.
Before prophethood, Muhammad ﷺ often withdrew from society to reflect and worship. Makkah was filled with idol worship, injustice, and corruption, and he could not accept these practices. He would spend long periods in the Cave of Ḥirā’, located on the mountain of Nūr, just outside Makkah.
There, he would meditate, reflect on creation, and worship Allah in the pure way of Abraham (Ibrahim عليه السلام).
It was during one of these retreats, in the month of Ramaḍān, that the angel Jibrīl (Gabriel) descended with the first revelation.
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The Event of the First Revelation
The Prophet ﷺ was about 40 years old when it happened. One night in the Cave of Ḥirā’:
1. The angel Jibrīl appeared before him and commanded: “Iqra’!” (Read/Recite).
2. The Prophet ﷺ, who was unlettered, replied: “I am not a reader.”
3. The angel embraced him tightly and repeated the command. Again, he replied the same.
4. On the third time, the angel recited the first five verses of Surah al-ʿAlaq.
This was the beginning of revelation. The Prophet ﷺ was overwhelmed by the experience. He hurried back home to his wife Khadijah (RA), trembling, saying: “Cover me, cover me!”
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Khadijah’s Support:
Khadijah (RA) comforted him with words of reassurance, reminding him of his noble character and assuring him that Allah would never abandon him. She then took him to her cousin Waraqah ibn Nawfal, a learned Christian who had studied earlier scriptures.
Waraqah confirmed that what Muhammad ﷺ experienced was the same angel that came to Musa (Moses عليه السلام). He foretold that Muhammad ﷺ was the final prophet, though he warned that his people would oppose him.
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The Meaning of the First Revelation-
The first verses carried deep messages:
1. “Read in the name of your Lord who created” – Knowledge must begin with recognition of Allah, the Creator.
2. “Created man from a clot” – A reminder of human weakness and humble origin.
3. “Read, and your Lord is Most Generous” – Allah grants knowledge and wisdom as a gift.
4. “Who taught by the pen” – Writing and education are honored as means of preserving and spreading knowledge.
5. “Taught man that which he knew not” – Human beings are dependent on divine guidance and learning.
Thus, the first revelation emphasized knowledge, learning, reflection, and recognition of Allah.
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Lessons from the First Revelation
1. Knowledge is sacred – The first command was “Read.” Islam encourages seeking knowledge as an act of worship.
2. True knowledge is linked to Allah – Learning without faith can mislead; knowledge with faith brings purpose.
3. Dependence on Allah – Human beings are weak and limited; true wisdom comes only from Allah.
4. The role of women in Islam – Khadijah (RA)’s support was crucial; she strengthened the Prophet ﷺ at his moment of fear.
5. Prophets are human – The Prophet ﷺ felt fear and uncertainty, showing his human side and making him relatable.
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Reflection Questions
1. Why do you think Allah chose “Read” as the first command to His Prophet ﷺ?
2. How does linking knowledge with Allah protect us from arrogance?
3. What lessons can modern Muslims take from Khadijah’s support of the Prophet ﷺ?
4. How does the first revelation emphasize the importance of education in Islam?
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Conclusion
The first revelation to Prophet Muhammad ﷺ came at the age of 40 in the Cave of Ḥirā’, through angel Jibrīl, in the form of verses from Surah al-ʿAlaq (96:1–5). It was a command to read and seek knowledge in the name of Allah, the Creator. This event marked the beginning of Islam and the final message to humanity.
The experience was overwhelming, but with Khadijah’s support and Waraqah’s confirmation, the Prophet ﷺ was reassured of his mission. From this moment, the world would never be the same, as the Qur’an began to be revealed — guiding humanity until the end of time.
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