The First Revelation on Prophet Muhammad ﷺ

The Beginning of Divine Guidance

The story of the first revelation marks one of the most powerful and transformative moments in human history — the beginning of Prophethood and the final message of Allah to mankind. This sacred event not only changed the life of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ but also shaped the destiny of the entire world, bringing humanity out of ignorance and into the light of divine knowledge.

The Setting: The Cave of Hira

Long before receiving the revelation, the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ was known among his people as Al-Ameen — the trustworthy. He was deeply concerned about the moral decline and idol worship that surrounded him in Makkah. Seeking peace and reflection, he would often retreat to a small cave called Hira, located on the mountain Jabal al-Noor (The Mountain of Light), a few miles outside Makkah.

There, in solitude, he would contemplate the creation of Allah, worship the One true God, and seek meaning beyond the materialism of his society. It was during one of these spiritual retreats, in the month of Ramadan, that the heavens opened, and the first revelation descended.

The Moment of Revelation

At the age of 40, while meditating in the cave, the Prophet ﷺ suddenly encountered the angel Jibreel (Gabriel) عليه السلام. The angel embraced him and commanded:

اقْرَأْ
Iqra’!
"Read!"

The Prophet ﷺ, startled and unlettered, replied:

“I am not of those who read.”

The angel repeated this command three times, and finally, the divine words flowed — the first verses of the Qur’an were revealed:

اقْرَأْ بِاسْمِ رَبِّكَ الَّذِي خَلَقَ
خَلَقَ الْإِنسَانَ مِنْ عَلَقٍ
اقْرَأْ وَرَبُّكَ الْأَكْرَمُ
الَّذِي عَلَّمَ بِالْقَلَمِ
عَلَّمَ الْإِنسَانَ مَا لَمْ يَعْلَمْ
(Surah Al-‘Alaq, 96:1–5)

Translation:

“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.”

The Message Behind “Iqra’”

The very first word revealed was “Iqra’” (Read) — a command that symbolizes knowledge, reflection, and learning. Islam began with a message that uplifted the mind and the soul, showing that the foundation of faith is seeking knowledge and understanding creation through the lens of divine wisdom.

This revelation emphasized that knowledge is sacred and that every believer should strive to learn, teach, and spread goodness. It also signaled that this new message was not limited to rituals but aimed to enlighten hearts and transform societies.

The Prophet’s ﷺ Experience

The encounter left the Prophet ﷺ deeply moved and physically shaken. He hurried home to his beloved wife, Khadijah bint Khuwaylid رضي الله عنها, saying:

“Cover me! Cover me!” (زملوني زملوني)

Lady Khadijah comforted him and assured him:

“By Allah, He will never disgrace you. You uphold family ties, help the poor, honor guests, and support the truth.”

She then took him to her cousin Waraqa ibn Nawfal, a Christian scholar who confirmed:

“This is the same Angel who came to Musa (Moses). You are the Prophet of this nation.”

Thus began the divine mission that would last for 23 years, bringing forth the final revelation — the Holy Qur’an.

Lessons from the First Revelation

The first revelation offers timeless lessons for all Muslims:

1. Seek Knowledge in the Name of Allah

The command “Read” was not just about literacy but about understanding the universe through the light of divine truth. Knowledge is an act of worship when it’s pursued sincerely for Allah.

2. Humility Before Learning

The Prophet ﷺ admitted, “I cannot read,” showing that learning begins with humility. No one is born knowledgeable — learning is a lifelong journey.

3. The Power of the Pen

The verses mention the pen (القلم), highlighting its importance as a tool for preserving and spreading knowledge. Islam is a religion of books, writing, and education.

4. Revelation as a Source of Transformation

The first words from Allah transformed the heart of one man — and through him, transformed the world. True guidance begins within the soul and expands to society.

5. Allah’s Mercy in Guidance

Allah revealed His words not to burden humanity but to guide it with mercy and compassion. The message of Islam began with a gentle command — to read, learn, and grow.

The Beginning of a Global Message

From that small cave on a quiet mountain began the greatest revolution in human history. The message of Tawheed (Oneness of Allah), justice, mercy, and equality began to spread, eventually reaching every corner of the earth.

The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ spent the rest of his life teaching, guiding, and exemplifying the message of the Qur’an until his last breath. As Allah says in the Qur’an:

وَمَا أَرْسَلْنَاكَ إِلَّا رَحْمَةً لِّلْعَالَمِينَ
“And We have not sent you, [O Muhammad], except as a mercy to the worlds.”
(Surah Al-Anbiya, 21:107)

A Message for Us Today

The story of the first revelation reminds us that every believer has a duty to seek knowledge, reflect, and spread goodness. Whether you are reading the Qur’an, learning Tajweed, or teaching others — you are following the legacy that began with “Iqra’.”

Let the light of revelation illuminate your path, as it illuminated the heart of the Prophet ﷺ on that blessed night.

Conclusion

The first revelation is not just a historical event; it is a spiritual awakening for all times. It calls us to read, think, learn, and live in the remembrance of Allah.

اقْرَأْ بِاسْمِ رَبِّكَ الَّذِي خَلَقَ
“Read in the name of your Lord who created.”

This simple yet profound command continues to inspire millions to open the Qur’an, seek the truth, and transform their lives through divine guidance.