The Second Revelation and the Beginning of Prophethood

The Rise of the Final Messenger

After the first revelation in the Cave of Hira and the short but significant pause known as Fatrah al-Wahy, the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ was waiting with deep longing for the words of his Lord. The initial revelation — “Iqra’ bismi rabbika allathee khalaq” — had opened a new chapter in human history, marking the beginning of divine communication after centuries of silence since the time of Prophet Isa (Jesus) عليه السلام.

Yet, after that first encounter with Jibreel عليه السلام, revelation stopped for a period. The Prophet ﷺ experienced both emotional longing and spiritual preparation during this time. Then, when Allah’s wisdom decreed, the second revelation descended, bringing comfort, clarity, and a command that officially began the Prophet’s mission of spreading Islam.

This moment marked the true beginning of Prophethood, where the Messenger ﷺ transitioned from private worship to public responsibility.

The Context of the Second Revelation

The Prophet ﷺ had returned to his home after the first revelation, filled with awe and trembling from his encounter with the angel. His wife, Khadijah bint Khuwaylid رضي الله عنها, comforted him, reassured him, and took him to Waraqa ibn Nawfal, her wise cousin who was a Christian scholar. Waraqa confirmed that the one who came to him was the same angel who came to Prophet Musa عليه السلام and foretold that Muhammad ﷺ was indeed the awaited Prophet.

Following that meeting came a quiet period — the pause in revelation — where no new verses were revealed. This was a time of divine wisdom and emotional preparation.

Then one day, while the Prophet ﷺ was walking, he saw the angel Jibreel عليه السلام again, this time sitting on a chair between the heavens and the earth, filling the horizon with his light and majesty. The Prophet ﷺ was struck with awe and hurried home saying, “Cover me! Cover me!”

At that moment, the second revelation came — a message that signaled the beginning of the Prophetic mission.

The Second Revelation: Surah Al-Muddaththir

The verses revealed were from Surah Al-Muddaththir (The One Enveloped), a chapter that transformed the Prophet ﷺ from a man in solitude to a Messenger of Allah to the entire mankind.

يَا أَيُّهَا الْمُدَّثِّرُ
قُمْ فَأَنْذِرْ
وَرَبَّكَ فَكَبِّرْ
وَثِيَابَكَ فَطَهِّرْ
وَالرُّجْزَ فَاهْجُرْ
(Surah Al-Muddaththir, 74:1–5)

Translation:

“O you who covers himself [with a cloak],
Arise and warn,
And magnify your Lord,
And purify your garments,
And abandon uncleanliness.”

These verses carried deep meanings that defined the mission of Prophethood — awakening, warning, and purification.

The Meaning and Message of the Revelation

“O You Who Covers Himself”

Allah lovingly addressed His Prophet ﷺ as “Al-Muddaththir” — the one wrapped in his cloak. This was both literal and symbolic. The Prophet ﷺ had covered himself in his blanket out of awe and trembling after seeing the angel once more. But spiritually, this phrase signified that the time of rest and contemplation was over. The period of preparation had ended; now, the mission must begin.

“Arise and Warn”

This was the first direct command to preach. Allah ordered His Prophet ﷺ to rise and convey the message of truth, to call people away from darkness and idolatry toward the worship of the One true God.

It was a command to stand up, to awaken himself and the world from heedlessness. The Prophet ﷺ was now tasked to warn humanity of the consequences of disbelief and call them to righteousness.

“And Magnify Your Lord”

The Prophet ﷺ was instructed to glorify Allah above all else. In a society filled with idols and false gods, this command was a declaration of Tawheed (Oneness of Allah). The foundation of his mission was to proclaim that only Allah is worthy of worship.

“And Purify Your Garments”

This verse symbolizes both physical and spiritual purity. It taught the Prophet ﷺ — and through him, all believers — that cleanliness, modesty, and sincerity are essential in the path of faith. The outer purity of garments reflects the inner purity of the soul.

“And Abandon Uncleanliness”

This referred to the rejection of idolatry, sin, and spiritual corruption. The Messenger ﷺ was commanded to distance himself completely from all forms of impurity and falsehood, setting an example for others.

The Beginning of the Prophetic Mission

These five verses marked the official start of the mission of Islam. The Prophet ﷺ was no longer to remain in private reflection; he was now charged with delivering the message of Allah to the people of Makkah and eventually to the entire world.

He began by calling those closest to him — his family and trusted companions — to the message of Islam. His wife, Khadijah رضي الله عنها, was the first to believe. She accepted his Prophethood without hesitation and stood by him as his greatest supporter.

Then came Ali ibn Abi Talib رضي الله عنه, his young cousin who lived in his home; Zayd ibn Harithah رضي الله عنه, his freed slave and adopted son; and Abu Bakr as-Siddiq رضي الله عنه, his closest friend, who immediately accepted Islam and began inviting others.

This marked the beginning of a small but steadfast community of believers who would soon transform the course of history.

The Reaction of the People of Makkah

At first, the Prophet ﷺ preached quietly, sharing the message only with those he trusted. The early call focused on faith in Allah alone, the rejection of idols, and moral reform. For three years, Islam spread quietly, attracting noble souls who were guided by Allah’s mercy.

When the Prophet ﷺ later received the command to proclaim the message publicly — “And warn your closest kindred” (Surah Ash-Shu‘ara, 26:214) — he stood on Mount Safa and called out to his people. But many of the Quraysh rejected him, mocking and opposing the message.

Still, the Prophet ﷺ remained firm, guided by the strength of Allah and the support of the believers.

The Spiritual Significance of the Second Revelation

The second revelation carried immense spiritual lessons, not only for the Prophet ﷺ but for all those who follow his path.

1. The Transition from Private to Public Faith

The words “Arise and warn” transformed the Prophet ﷺ from a worshipper in solitude to a Messenger of action. Faith was no longer to be hidden; it had to be proclaimed, taught, and lived.

2. The Call to Purification

Before reforming society, a believer must purify himself — his heart, actions, and intentions. Islam emphasizes that inner purity is the foundation of all outer change.

3. The Duty of Dawah (Calling to Allah)

The second revelation established dawah — calling others to the truth — as a duty of every follower of the Prophet ﷺ. Islam was never meant to be confined to personal spirituality; it is a message of guidance for all humanity.

4. Strength Through Obedience

Even when facing rejection and hardship, the Prophet ﷺ drew strength from his complete obedience to Allah. These verses remind believers that true strength lies in submission to the divine will.

Reflection: The Beauty of Divine Gradualism

The stages of revelation show Allah’s mercy and wisdom. The message of Islam did not come all at once; it was revealed gradually to nurture faith and build a strong spiritual foundation.

From the first command to read, to the second command to rise and warn, Allah trained His Prophet ﷺ step by step — first through knowledge, then through action.

This gradual process mirrors how faith grows within every believer. First comes awareness, then purification, then the responsibility to act and share the truth.

Conclusion

The second revelation marks the true beginning of Prophethood. The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ was no longer only the seeker of truth in the solitude of Hira, but now the Messenger of Allah to all mankind. Through the verses of Surah Al-Muddaththir, Allah prepared him to rise, to call humanity to the worship of the One true God, and to purify hearts from the darkness of ignorance.

These verses continue to inspire every believer who wishes to live a life of purpose. They remind us that faith begins with awakening, that purity and patience are essential, and that spreading truth is a sacred responsibility.

يَا أَيُّهَا الْمُدَّثِّرُ
قُمْ فَأَنْذِرْ
وَرَبَّكَ فَكَبِّرْ
(Surah Al-Muddaththir, 74:1–3)

Translation:

“O you who covers himself,
Arise and warn,
And magnify your Lord.”

The words that began in a small home in Makkah became the light that illuminated the world. Through these commands, the message of Islam took its first steps — a message of truth, purity, and divine mercy that continues to guide hearts to this very day.