The First Revelation at the Cave of Hira is a momentous event in Islamic history, marking the beginning of Prophet Muhammad’s (peace be upon him) mission as the final prophet of Allah (God). It occurred in the year 610 CE, when Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) was at the age of 40. This event, which took place in the Cave of Hira on the Mountain of Light (Jabal al-Noor), near Mecca, is regarded as the moment when Islam as a revealed religion began, and it initiated the gradual process of the Quranic revelation.

Key Features and Significance of the First Revelation

1. The Prophet’s Retreat to the Cave of Hira
   • Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) used to frequently retreat to the Cave of Hira for solitude and meditation. He would spend long hours in quiet reflection, seeking a connection with the Divine, contemplating the state of society, and pondering the meaning of life. This practice was common in pre-Islamic Arabia, and it was in this state of spiritual contemplation that the Prophet was prepared for the divine message.
   • The Cave of Hira was a place of isolation, offering the Prophet the opportunity for deep thought away from the distractions of city life. It was during one of these moments of reflection, as the Prophet was alone in the cave, that he received the first divine revelation.
2. The Appearance of Jibril (Gabriel)
   • The first revelation came when the angel Jibril (Gabriel) appeared to Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) in the cave. The angel commanded the Prophet to “Read!” or “Recite!” (Iqra!), initiating the communication between Allah and His final prophet.
   • The first verses revealed were from Surah Al-Alaq (96:1-5), and they were as follows:
     • “Read in the name of your Lord who created. Created man from a clot (of blood). 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 emphasize knowledge, the importance of learning, and the role of Allah as the Creator. The command to “read” signified the beginning of the Quranic revelations that would continue for the next 23 years of the Prophet’s life, eventually compiling the entire Quran.
3. The Initial Shock and Fear
   • When the angel Jibril first appeared and delivered the command to “read,” Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) was initially overwhelmed with fear and confusion. He was alone in the cave, and the experience of receiving divine revelation was unlike anything he had ever encountered.
   • The Prophet’s reaction was one of physical and emotional shock, and he rushed back home to his wife, Khadijah, in a state of distress, saying, “Cover me, cover me!” Khadijah comforted him, reassured him, and took him to a Christian monk named Waraka ibn Nawfal. Waraka, who had knowledge of scriptures, confirmed that Muhammad was the recipient of divine revelation, and he prophesied that Muhammad would be the final prophet of Allah, as foretold in earlier scriptures.
4. The Beginning of the Prophetic Mission
   • The first revelation in the Cave of Hira marked the commencement of Prophet Muhammad’s (peace be upon him) prophetic mission. Over the course of the next 23 years, he would continue receiving revelations from Allah, through the angel Jibril, which would gradually form the Quran, the holy book of Islam.
   • The message brought by Jibril emphasized the Oneness of God (Tawhid), the importance of worshiping Allah alone, and the need for moral conduct, justice, and the compassionate treatment of others. These themes would continue to be central in the later revelations.
5. The Impact of the Revelation
   • The first revelation was not only a significant spiritual event for Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) but also marked the start of the Islamic faith as a revealed religion. Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) was instructed to call others to the worship of the One God, Allah, and to warn people of the consequences of turning away from righteousness.
   • Over the following years, Prophet Muhammad would face opposition and hostility from the leaders of Mecca who were threatened by his message. However, despite the challenges and persecution, the Prophet remained steadfast, sharing the revelation with those who would listen.
6. The Importance of the Revelation for Muslims
   • For Muslims, the First Revelation at the Cave of Hira holds profound significance as the beginning of their faith and the Quranic message. The command to “Read!” emphasizes the importance of knowledge, reflection, and spiritual development in Islam. It also marks the beginning of Islamic guidance that has continued to shape the lives of Muslims through the Quran, the final and unaltered word of God.
   • The first revelation also underscores the role of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) as the final prophet and the one who delivered the final scripture of Allah to humanity. Muslims believe that the Quran, revealed to Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), is the ultimate guidance for all aspects of life and is meant to be followed by all Muslims until the end of time.
7. The Role of the Cave in Islamic Tradition
   • The Cave of Hira has become a place of deep spiritual significance for Muslims, and many pilgrims who visit Mecca make the journey to the cave as part of their spiritual reflection and connection to the beginning of Islam. Although the cave itself is not a site of worship, it remains a place of historical reverence as the site where the first divine revelation was received.
   • The Cave of Hira is a symbol of the Prophet’s early spiritual dedication and commitment to his mission. It is a reminder of the humble beginnings of the revelation and the Prophet’s strength in conveying the message of Islam, despite the challenges he faced.

Conclusion

The First Revelation at the Cave of Hira was a defining moment in Islamic history, as it marked the beginning of Prophet Muhammad’s mission as the final prophet of Allah and the start of the Quranic revelation. This moment not only changed the life of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) but also transformed the course of history, leading to the spread of Islam across the world. For Muslims, the first revelation highlights the importance of knowledge, worship, and spiritual devotion, and it serves as the foundation for the Islamic faith, providing guidance that has shaped the lives of Muslims for over fourteen centuries.

Written by AI.  A more correct, God given, explanation can be found here.