The First Revelation in the Cave of Hira: A Turning Point in History
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| The First Revelation in the Cave of Hira: A Turning Point in History |
The first revelation received by Prophet Muhammad in the Cave of Hira marks a significant turning point in the history of Islam. This momentous event not only changed the course of Muhammad’s life but also laid the foundation for a new religious movement that would eventually spread across the globe.
The Story of the First Revelation in the Cave of Hira
Prophet Muhammad often sought solitude in the Cave of Hira, a small cave located on the Mountain of Light (Jabal al-Noor), just outside Mecca. He would spend days in meditation and reflection, contemplating the spiritual and moral issues of his society.
In the year 610 CE, during the month of Ramadan, Muhammad was 40 years old and engaged in one of his meditative retreats in the cave. One night, he experienced a profound and life-changing event. The Angel Gabriel (Jibril in Arabic) appeared to him and delivered the first revelation from Allah.
Gabriel commanded Muhammad, saying, "Iqra" (Read or Recite). Muhammad, who was illiterate, responded, "I am not a reader." Gabriel embraced him tightly and repeated the command two more times. Each time, Muhammad gave the same response. Finally, Gabriel recited the first verses of the Quran:
"Read 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" (Quran 96:1-5).
These verses, known as the first revelation, emphasized the importance of knowledge, learning, and the recognition of Allah as the Creator.
The Initial Reaction of Prophet Muhammad
The experience left Muhammad deeply shaken and fearful. He felt a mix of awe and uncertainty, unsure of what had just occurred. Trembling, he left the Cave of Hira and hurried back to his home in Mecca.
Upon reaching home, Muhammad sought comfort and reassurance from his wife, Khadijah. He narrated the entire experience to her, expressing his fears and doubts. "Cover me! Cover me!" he said, seeking solace under a blanket.
Khadijah's Support and Reassurance
Khadijah, a woman of immense wisdom and faith, provided unwavering support to her husband. She listened attentively to Muhammad's account and offered words of comfort and reassurance. She believed in his experience and had no doubt about his integrity and the truth of his vision.
The First Revelation in the Cave of Hira
To further reassure him, Khadijah took Muhammad to her cousin, Waraqah ibn Nawfal, a learned Christian scholar who was well-versed in the scriptures of the Torah and the Gospel. After listening to Muhammad’s account, Waraqah confirmed that the being who visited Muhammad was indeed the Angel Gabriel, the same angel who had brought revelations to Moses and Jesus. He predicted that Muhammad was chosen to be a prophet for his people.
Waraqah's affirmation provided Muhammad with the confidence and reassurance he needed. He realized that he had been chosen by Allah to deliver a divine message to humanity. Khadijah’s unwavering belief in her husband’s mission and her steadfast support played a crucial role in strengthening his resolve.
The Significance of the First Revelation
The first revelation in the Cave of Hira is a cornerstone of Islamic history. It marks the beginning of Muhammad’s prophethood and the start of the Quranic revelations that would continue for the next 23 years. These revelations would eventually be compiled into the Quran, the holy book of Islam.
This event also underscores the importance of seeking knowledge and the role of divine guidance in human life. The emphasis on reading and learning highlights the value placed on education and intellectual pursuit in Islam.
Conclusion
The first revelation in the Cave of Hira was a transformative moment for Prophet Muhammad and the world. His initial reaction of fear and uncertainty, followed by Khadijah’s unwavering support and the confirmation from Waraqah ibn Nawfal, set the stage for the remarkable journey that would follow. Understanding this pivotal event provides insight into the foundations of Islam and the profound impact it has had on history.
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