§ Cave Hira
§ First revelation
§ Waraqah Ibn
Nawfal
The Prophet (sw) would stay in a cave on Mount Noor, called cave Hira
to think and meditate. Everyone in Makkah was doing wrong,
they were not good people. Nor did they have morals or One being that they
turned to. The Prophet (sw) wanted to get away from all this and spend time
worshipping Allah alone.
He (sw) would stay in that cave for days, weeks even at a time and he
would only come back for food etc.
It was in this small dark cave, whilst the Prophet (sw) was alone and
meditating something incredible happened. It was the year 610, and in the
special month of Ramadan. A creature made of light
appeared and commanded
‘Read’,
‘Iqra!’
Surah Alaq- A Clot
‘Read in the name of your Lord, who created humans from a clinging clot.
Read for your Lord is Generous. He is the one who taught people with the pen.
He taught them things they did not know before….’ (96-1-5)
The angel then left the Prophet (sw) who was in a state of shock, he
was afraid and rushed home to his wife Khadija (rd). He shouted ‘cover me’
‘cover me’.
He (sw) said ‘What is happening to me.
I fear for myself!’
But his wife comforted him and reminded him he was a good person and
Allah would not cause him pain.
Khadija (rd) said to her husband, ‘You have nothing to fear. God will
never let you suffer because you are kind to your family, you speak the truth,
you help those in need, you are generous to your guests and you support
justice.’
Khadija went to her cousin
Waraqah Ibn Nawfal for advice.
He was an old man and a
good Christian and she told him what
had happened to Prophet Muhammad (sw).
He instantly realised Muhammad (sw) was a Prophet as the Christians and
Hanifs at the time were waiting for a Prophet to come.
He told Khadija (rd) that the creature made of light was Angel Jibrael
and he was the same angel that came to Musa (as) and the other prophets. And he
told Muhammad told (sw) that he was the Prophet for these people.
He also warned Muhammad (sw) later near the Kabah that people would
call him a liar, and treat him badly and even attack him. He said if God keeps
me alive I will support you.
The Prophet’s mission had just begun at this special moment in Ramadan.
The Prophet (sw) was 40 at the time.
