The First Revelation in Cave Hira
نزول الوحي في غار حراء
Summary
At the age of forty, while in seclusion in the Cave of Hira during the month of Ramadan, the angel Jibril (Gabriel) came to the Prophet (peace be upon him) and commanded him to read. The first verses revealed were the opening of Surah al-'Alaq (96:1–5).
Details
The Prophet (peace be upon him) had developed a habit of retreating to the Cave of Hira for contemplation (tahannuth). Jibril embraced him tightly three times, each time commanding 'Iqra!' (Read!). He returned to Khadijah trembling and said 'Zammilooni, zammilooni' (Cover me, cover me). Khadijah comforted him and took him to her cousin Waraqah ibn Nawfal, a Christian scholar, who confirmed that this was the same angel who had come to Musa (Moses). Waraqah warned that his people would oppose him. This event marks the beginning of prophethood and the final revelation to mankind.