Retreat to the Cave of Hira: The Prophet (SAW) often went alone to the Cave of Hira, on a mountain near Makkah, to think and to pray. He disliked the idols and the wrongs of his society, and he searched for truth.
The first revelation: One night, in the month of Ramadan, the Angel Jibril (as) came to him with the first revelation. The first words were:
- "Read, in the name of your Lord who created." (Surah Al-Alaq, 96:1, as commonly translated)
Comforted by Khadija: The Prophet (SAW) was shaken. He returned home to Khadija (sa), who comforted him and believed him at once. This was the beginning of prophethood. He was forty years old.
Example
Truth begins in quiet: Truth often begins in quiet. The first revelation did not come in a crowd or a palace — it came in a lonely cave, to a man who was thinking and searching.
- Make time to think quietly, away from noise. Prayer and reflection prepare the heart.
- When a good truth comes to you, share it first with someone who trusts you.
Key Terms
- Wahy (وحی) — revelation from Allah
- Hira (حرا) — the cave on the mountain near Makkah
- Jibril (as) (جبرئیل) — the Angel who brought the revelation
Quran or Hadith
Quran 96:1 — "Read, in the name of your Lord who created." — to be checked.
Fresh diagram to be drawn: A simple map: Makkah → Mountain of Light → Cave of Hira → the Prophet's home. In Project Desk colours.
- The first revelation began with "Read" — knowledge is at the heart of Islam.
- The Prophet (SAW) was forty when prophethood began.
- Khadija (sa) was the first to believe and comfort him.