EVENTS 610 CE / The First Revelations Important events and incidences that took place. The Prophet would, on many occasions, retreat to a state of seclusion in the mountains around the Kabah which would often serve as a source of comfort from the disturbing things he would witness living amongst his pagan neighbours. Here he would contemplate on the metaphysical and worship God in imitation of his forefather Abraham, hoping that the Makkans would see the faults of their ways. The commencement of Divine inspiration began six months before his fortieth birthday. It began in the form of dreams and visions which would come true the following day, and this lasted a total of six months. It was even before this that the Prophet began to long for seclusion. He would retreat to a nearby cave named Hira for periods of time taking with him light provisions. Then one day while in a state of meditation, he realised that he wasnt alone. Looking up, he saw a bright light; an angel had come to him ordering him to read. The Prophet replied alarmed, I do not know how to read. Already startled by the presence of the angel, he attempted to make sense of the situation but before his thoughts could gather, the angel took hold of him powerfully, gripping him tightly, with unbearable force. The Prophet, reaching the point where he felt his body could endure no more, was released and ordered to read again, but replied, I do not know how to read. There upon the angel clutched at his warping body and then released him and again asked him to read. But the Prophet had nothing to say except the truth, I do not know how to read. On the third and final ordeal the angel released the Prophet saying, Recite in the name of your Lord who created, created man from a blood clot. Recite: your Lord is the Most Generous. He who taught by the pen, taught man what he did not know This new Messenger of God, being startled by the incident, stumbled out of the cave with his heart thumping causing his chest to shake and his eyes unable to focus. Fear had gripped him and he began to wonder whether this had been some sort of hallucination but everywhere he looked on the horizon, the angel would appear before him. Feeling as though he was one smitten with madness, he returned home stumbling down the mountain with sweat pouring down his head. His legs shook uncontrollably and his body quivered out of fright. Upon reaching his house, his wife Khadijah received him as he staggered into his abode saying, Cover me! Cover me! She wrapped him up until the state of terror had left him and then he described to Khadijah everything that had happened saying, I fear for myself. Khadijah replied words undeniably comforting to his heart, No, by God, God would never bring disgrace upon you. You maintain ties of kinship, bear peoples burdens, help the destitute, give hospitality to your guests and help those who have been afflicted by calamities. Seeing the despair of her husband, Khadijah was quite understandably taken aback. So in seeking counsel, she went with Muhammad to Waraqah ibn Nawfal, her blind and old cousin who was a devout Christian. Khadijah said to Waraqah, Cousin! Listen to your nephew at which point he said, Nephew, what have you seen? The Prophet described to him everything he had seen. Waraqah then said to him, This is the Namus [Gabriel] which God sent to Moses. I wish that I were still young. I wish I might still be alive when your people drive you out! The Messenger of God asked, Will they drive me out? He said, Yes, no man has brought anything similar to what you have brought without being treated with hostility. If I am still alive on that day, I will give you my strong support. However, shortly thereafter Waraqah passed away. The reassurances from Khadijah and Waraqah were followed by a reassurance from Heaven in the form of a second revelation after which there was a period of silence. During that period, the Prophet began to fear that he had incurred the displeasure of God because the revelation had stopped. Then at last the silence was broken, and there came further reassurance.
Posted on: Mon, 07 Jul 2014 08:54:00 +0000