Years of seclusion
He would spend nights alone in Cave Hira, taking only modest provisions, returning to Khadijah when the food ran out and then going back. The Quran, when it came, would later describe this period of preparation: Allah had not abandoned him, even when revelation seemed far off (Surah Ad-Duha 93:3).
The night of revelation
In the month of Ramadan, the angel Jibril came to him. He commanded: 'Iqra' — Read. The Prophet ﷺ replied that he could not read. The angel embraced him, released him, and commanded again. After three exchanges, the angel recited what became the first revealed verses.
The first verses
'Read in the name of your Lord who created — created humanity from a clinging substance. Read, and your Lord is the most Generous — who taught by the pen — taught humanity that which they did not know.' (Quran 96:1–5).
Return to Khadijah, terrified
He hurried home, shaking, and asked Khadijah to cover him. She comforted him with words that have become famous in Islamic tradition: 'By Allah, Allah will never disgrace you. You keep good relations with your kin, you help the poor and the destitute, you serve guests generously, and you assist those struck by calamities.'
Visit to Waraqa ibn Nawfal
Khadijah took him to her elderly cousin Waraqa, a Christian who had studied scripture and could read Hebrew. After hearing the account, Waraqa said: 'This is the same Namus (angel) that Allah sent to Musa.' He warned that the Prophet's people would oppose him. He died shortly afterwards, having affirmed the new prophet's mission before his death.
Reflection
The first revelation was preceded by years of contemplation and supported by the people closest to him — a wife who instantly believed, a learned cousin who recognised the encounter for what it was. Faith, in the Prophet's own life, was first received with help, not in isolation.
Primary sources
- Surah Al-'Alaq (96:1–5)
- Surah Ad-Duha (93:1–11)
- Sahih Bukhari 3 (the hadith of the beginning of revelation)
- Sahih Muslim 160