Prophet Muhammad's First Revelation: Divine Turning Point in Islamic History

Summary

Over 1,400 years ago, Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) received his first revelation in a cave on Mount Hira, outside Mecca. Angel Gabriel appeared to him, instructing him to read in the name of Allah, despite Muhammad being illiterate. After multiple requests, the prophet received divine words that marked the beginning of his mission. This message emphasized the creation of mankind and the importance of knowledge. Muhammad's life was forever changed as he spread the teachings of peace, love, and justice, which were later compiled in the Quran. This event is commemorated annually as the Night of Power during Ramadan.

Takeaways

• 😀 More than 1,400 years ago, Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) lived in Mecca, Arabia, known for his honesty and good character.
• 😀 Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) spent a lot of time contemplating important matters such as life, death, and the world around him.
• 😀 At the age of 40, Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) visited the cave on Mount Hira to meditate and seek solitude.
• 😀 While in the cave, the angel Gabriel appeared to Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), delivering God's message.
• 😀 The angel instructed Prophet Muhammad to read, but he responded that he was illiterate and could not read.
• 😀 After three attempts, with Gabriel embracing him in between, the angel revealed the first verses of the Quran: 'Read in the name of Allah who created...'
• 😀 Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) was initially shocked and confused by the experience of receiving the revelation.
• 😀 Over time, Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) understood that he had been chosen to spread the message of God.
• 😀 The Prophet began sharing the message of peace, love, and justice that he received from God through the angel Gabriel.
• 😀 The first revelation marks the beginning of the Prophet's mission and is commemorated annually as the Night of Power (Laylat al-Qadr) during the month of Ramadan.

Q & A

Who was Prophet Muhammad, and where did he live?

Prophet Muhammad was a man known for his good character and honesty. He lived in the city of Mecca, located in Arabia, over 1,400 years ago.

What was Prophet Muhammad known for before receiving his first revelation?

Before his first revelation, Prophet Muhammad was known for his honesty and good character. He spent a lot of time contemplating important issues like life, death, and the world around him.

Why did Prophet Muhammad go to the cave on Mount Hira?

Prophet Muhammad went to the cave on Mount Hira to meditate and contemplate in privacy. He sought a peaceful place to reflect on life and spiritual matters.

What happened when Prophet Muhammad was in the cave on Mount Hira?

While in the cave, Prophet Muhammad witnessed the appearance of Angel Gabriel, who was sent by God to deliver a message to him.

What did Angel Gabriel ask Prophet Muhammad to do, and how did the prophet respond?

Angel Gabriel asked Prophet Muhammad to 'read,' but the prophet replied that he was illiterate and could not read. The angel embraced him and repeated the request several times.

How did the encounter with Angel Gabriel unfold?

Each time Prophet Muhammad responded that he could not read, Angel Gabriel embraced him. After the third request, the angel asked him to repeat specific words, which carried a message from God.

What was the message that Angel Gabriel conveyed to Prophet Muhammad?

The message was 'Read in the name of Allah who created, created man from a clot. Read, and Allah is the most generous, who taught by the pen, taught man that which he knew not.'

How did Prophet Muhammad feel after receiving the first revelation?

After receiving the first revelation, Prophet Muhammad was shocked and confused. He emerged from the cave feeling uneasy, unsure of what had transpired.

What did Prophet Muhammad understand about the revelation over time?

Over time, Prophet Muhammad came to understand that God had given him a unique message, and it was his duty to spread it to others.

What was the significance of the first revelation for Prophet Muhammad and Islam?

The first revelation marked the beginning of Prophet Muhammad's mission to spread God's message of peace, love, and justice. It became the foundation of the Quran and is celebrated annually during the night of power in Ramadan, an important event in Islamic history.