The Period of Spiritual Pursuit of Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ)
The early life of Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) was marked by immense challenges and sorrows. Before his birth, he lost his father, Abdullah. At the tender age of six, his mother, Amina, passed away. Just two years later, his paternal grandfather and guardian, Abd–al–Muttalib, also left this world. These profound losses surrounded the young Muhammad (ﷺ) with grief, shaping his character with patience, resilience, and an extraordinary tolerance for hardship.
Despite his trials, the glitter and distractions of worldly life never appealed to him. Even as a young boy tending sheep in the quiet deserts of Arabia, he often found himself lost in deep spiritual reflection. The solitude of the desert and the vastness of its landscape nurtured a contemplative spirit within him.
The Holy Qur’an beautifully reflects the divine care bestowed upon him during this period:
أَلَمْ يَجِدْكَ يَتِيمًا فَآوَىٰوَوَجَدَكَ ضَالًّا فَهَدَىٰوَوَجَدَكَ عَائِلًا فَأَغْنَىٰ
“Did He (Allah SWT) not find you an orphan, then gave you shelter? Did He not find you lost, then guided you? Did He not find you needy, then gave you relief?” (Surah Ad–Duha: 98: 6–8)
A Soul Untouched by the Darkness of Ignorance
Muhammad (ﷺ) was born into a period known as “Ayame–Jahliyah”—the Dark Ages of Arabia. This era was characterized by widespread immorality, superstition, and social injustices. However, he remained completely untouched by the ignorance, idolatry, and vices of his time. He was deeply troubled by the sorrow, pain, and transience of life. Moreover, the rampant injustices, corruption, and moral decay of society weighed heavily on his heart.
His soul sought answers and yearned for salvation from the darkness that surrounded him. He pondered deeply on the inconsistencies and flaws of his society, searching for the eternal truth that would guide humanity toward justice and peace.
Despite being unlettered and having no formal education, Hazrat Muhammad (ﷺ) possessed an extraordinary intellect, innate wisdom, and profound understanding of life. He avoided all forms of idolatry and refrained from engaging in the immoral practices of his community. His heart was untainted by preconceived notions, making him a pure vessel for divine knowledge.
The Pursuit of Truth in the Seclusion of Mountain Cave of Heera
As his spiritual thoughts deepened, Muhammad (ﷺ) sought solitude to meditate and reflect. He chose the quiet cave of the mountain Heera, near Makkah, and nestled there as his retreat. Away from the distractions of daily life, he would spend long periods in that place in contemplation, searching for the ultimate truth and reflecting on the mysteries of the Creator and the purpose of human existence.
Every year during the month of Ramadan, he would retreat to the cave of Heera, bringing provisions for the entire month. His beloved wife, Khadija (RA), supported him wholeheartedly, often bringing him food and drink during his stay. She recognized the greatness in her husband and believed he was destined for an extraordinary role.
In the calmness of the cave, Muhammad’s (ﷺ) heart was gradually prepared for the divine truth. His thoughts revolved around justice, truth, and the well–being of humanity. He longed for the supreme light that would dispel the darkness of ignorance and guide people toward righteousness. His soul, free from preconceived ideas and filled with sincerity, became a perfect vessel for receiving divine knowledge.
The First Revelation in the Cave of Heera
In the final stage of Prophet Muhammad’s (ﷺ) spiritual pursuit, he began to experience glimpses of divine truths through vivid and meaningful dreams. By the time he reached the age of forty, Allah, the Exalted, chose him as the final Prophet and Messenger.
Finally, at the age of forty, during one of his meditative retreats in the cave of Heera, on Lailatul Qadr (The Glorious Night) in the month of Ramadan, the long–awaited momentous event occurred. The Angel Jibril (AS) appeared to him bringing the first revelation of the Holy Qur’an. This divine encounter marked the beginning of Muhammad’s (ﷺ) mission as the last and final Prophet of Allah (SWT), entrusted with guiding humanity toward the eternal light of truth and salvation.
The Angel Jibril (AS) descended in his majestic form on the horizon and then approached the Prophet (ﷺ) with the first revelation of the Holy Qur’an. He drew nearer until the distance between them was as close as two bowstrings or less. The Angel Jibril (AS) commanded him: “Read.” Frightened and overwhelmed by the sudden encounter, Muhammad (ﷺ) replied: “I do not know how to read.”
Jibril (AS) embraced him tightly and repeated: “Read.” Again, the Prophet (ﷺ) responded: “I do not know how to read.” For the third time, the Angel held him, releasing him only after reciting the first five verses of Surah Al–Alaq:
“Read in the name of your Lord who created—created man from a clot of blood. Read, for your Lord is Most Generous, who taught by the pen—taught man what he did not know.” (Surah Al—Alaq, 96:1–5)
These verses, engraved in his heart, marked the beginning of Muhammad’s (ﷺ) journey as the Messenger of Allah. The first revelation opened the doors of divine knowledge and wisdom, fulfilling his lifelong spiritual yearning. The incident of revelation is further described in Surah An–Najm:
“It is nothing, but a revelation sent down to him, taught by one mighty in power. He rose in his true form while on the highest horizon. Then he drew near and came closer—closer until the distance was two bows or less. Then He revealed to His servant what He revealed.” (Surah An–Najm: 53:1–10)
- The Impact of the First Revelation: The first revelation was not just the beginning of Hazrat Muhammad’s (ﷺ) prophethood but also a turning point in the history of mankind. It set into motion the transformative mission that would lead to the establishment of truth, justice, and the worship of the one true God, Allah (SWT). The Prophet (ﷺ) would now guide humanity from the darkness of ignorance to the light of divine guidance, fulfilling the purpose for which he was sent.
The Onset of Revelation and the Beginning of Prophethood
In the Days of Ignorance (Ayame–Jahliyah), when humanity was engulfed in polytheism, oppression, and superstition, Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) emerged as a beacon of light. The Arab world, steeped in immorality and barbarity, was in dire need of divine guidance. His advent was not only a mercy but also a fulfillment of prophecies found in earlier scriptures, including the Torah and the Gospel. Allah the Almighty affirms this in the Qur’an:
“Those who follow the Messenger, the unlettered Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), whom they find written with them in the Torah and the Gospel, enjoining what is right and forbidding what is wrong, making lawful for them what is good and forbidding what is evil, and lifting from them their burdens and the chains that bound them. So those who believe in him, honor him, help him, and follow the light sent down with him—they will be successful.” (Qur’an: Surah Al–A’raf: 7:157)
Muhammad (ﷺ) bestowed the Divinity of Prophethood
Nearly fourteen hundred years ago, Allah (SWT), the Lord of the Worlds, sent Hazrat Muhammad (ﷺ) as the last and final Prophet and Messenger. He was ‘Rahmatullil Alameen’ (Mercy to all creation), ‘Khatamun Nabyyin’ (Seal of Prophets), ‘Sayyidul Mursalin’ (Leader of the Messengers), ‘Ashraful Ambiya’ (The Noblest of Prophets), the guide of humanity, and the greatest man of all time. His mission was to guide mankind to the path of truth and righteousness.
The arrival of Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) brought about a revolutionary change, not only in Arab society but across the world. As the Seal of the Prophets, he re-–established Tawheed (the Oneness of Allah) by eradicating idolatry and restoring the Ka’ba to its original purpose as the sacred House of Allah.
Allah (SWT) was pleased to send Muhammad (ﷺ) as His last and final prophet as well as ‘Mercy to the Universe’.
وَمَا أَرْسَلْنَاكَ إِلَّا رَحْمَةً لِّلْعَالَمِينَ
“We did not send you (O Muhammad ﷺ) except as mercy to the Universe.” (Surah Al—Anbiyaa, 21:107)
The verses relating to the arrival of Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) are cited below:
“O mankind! The Messenger has come to you with the truth from your Lord, so believe—that is best for you. But if you disbelieve, to Allah belongs everything in the heavens and the earth. Allah is Omniscient and Wise.” (Surah An–Nisa, 4:170)
“No doubt a light from Allah has come to you, and a clear Book. Allah guides with it whoever seeks His approval to the ways of peace, and He brings them out of darkness into light, by His permission, and He guides them to a straight path.” (Surah Maidah, 5:16)
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- “We sent you only as a herald of good news and a warner. Say (O Prophet), ‘I ask of you no remuneration for this – only that whoever wills may take a path to his Lord.’ And put your trust in the Ever-Living, the One who never dies; and glorify Him with praise. He suffices as the Knower of the sins of His servants.” (Surah Al–Furqan, 25:56 – 58)
[Also see Surah Baqarah: 2:119, Surah Maidah: 5:15, Surah Al–Fat–h: 48:8 – 9]
A New Dawn for Humanity
This historic moment ushered in a new era for humanity with the arrival of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ). Allah the Almighty declared His purpose for sending him as the last and final the Prophet (ﷺ):
“We have sent you as a bearer of glad tidings and a warner to all mankind, but most people do not know.” (Surah Saba: 34:28)
His Prophetic mission was guided by the following goals:
- Liberating Humanity: To free mankind from the enslavement of multiple gods and lead them to a life of obedience to the one and only Allah (SWT), enabling them to achieve success in both this world and the Hereafter.
- Warning Against Rebellion: To warn those who rejected this message of the grave consequences in this life and the Hereafter.
Events after the Revelation and the Role of Khadija (RA)
After the first revelation in the cave of Heera, Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) returned home deeply shaken and overwhelmed. In a state of fear and uncertainty, he said to his beloved wife, Khadija (RA): “Cover me with a blanket.”
She immediately wrapped him in a blanket, comforting him until his trembling subsided. Once he felt some relief, he recounted the extraordinary event in detail, expressing his fears: “I am afraid I am under a spell. Will I be able to bear this burden? Will my soul leave me?”
With love and wisdom, Khadija (RA) reassured him, saying:
“By Allah, you will never fail. You are truthful, maintain family ties, fulfill rights, care for the guest, the orphan, and the needy, and always act benevolently. This is a sign of His success, and you will receive the good news of Prophethood.”
Her comforting words brought peace to the Prophet’s (ﷺ) heart, and he fell into a restful sleep, his mind at ease.
Khadija (RA) Witnesses the Arrival of Angel Jibril (AS)
On another occasion, Khadija (RA) expressed her desire to witness the presence of the angel Jibril (AS) during revelation. Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) agreed and asked her to sit beside him. He then shifted her position to his left side, then to his right, and finally in front of him. Each time, the angel remained visible to the Prophet (ﷺ). However, when Khadija (RA) uncovered her head, the angel vanished.
This incident confirmed her belief that the being bringing the revelations was indeed an angel and not a jinn or a devil. It further solidified her faith in her husband’s Prophethood and the divine origin of the message.
Consultation with Waraqa ibn Nawfal
Khadija (RA) sought further understanding of the extraordinary event and turned to Waraqa ibn Nawfal, her cousin and a respected scholar in Makkah. Waraqa was a learned man who had rejected paganism, converted to Christianity, and translated parts of the Bible into Arabic.
Khadija (RA) described the incident in the cave of Heera to Waraqa in detail. After listening, Waraqa affirmed the truth of her husband’s experience, saying:
“The same angel, Gabriel (peace be upon him), who came to Prophet Moses (peace be upon him), has also come to him. The people of this city will disbelieve him, oppose him, and ultimately expel him. He will face wars and tribulations. If I am alive at that time, I will support him and stand by his side.”
Khadija (RA) returned home with a joyful heart, recounting Waraqa’s words to Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ):
“I believe you are truly a Prophet chosen by Allah, the Lord of the Worlds.”
A few days later, Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) met Waraqa while performing Tawaf around the Ka’ba. Waraqa reiterated his belief and added: “You will be forced to emigrate.”
This information surprised the Prophet (ﷺ), yet it also prepared him for the trials ahead.
Khadija’s (RA) Role in the Early Days of Prophethood
Khadija (RA) played an indispensable role in supporting Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) after the revelation. Her unwavering faith, wisdom, and encouragement gave him strength and confidence in his divine mission. She became the first believer in Islam and devoted herself to his cause, standing by his side through every challenge. Her love, loyalty, and faith remain an enduring example of partnership and support in the service of truth and justice.
The Period of Revelation
The first revelation took place on a glorious night in the holy month of Ramadan. However, it is not clear on which night of Ramadan it happened. According to the Hadith, the first revelation was revealed on an odd night in the last ten days of Ramadan, which is known in the Holy Qur’an as “Lailatul Qadr”. Although the revelation of the Qur’an began in the month of Ramadan, different verses of the entire Qur’an were revealed at different times and in different contexts. The Holy Qur’an mentions the time of the revelation of the Qur’an as follows:
“We have revealed it (the Qur’an) in Lailatul Qadr (Glorious Night). What do you know about Lailatul Qadr? Lailatul Qadr is better than a thousand months. In it the Angels and the Spirit descend with every matter by the command of their Lord. It is peace that continues until the breaking of dawn” (Surah Al—Qadr, 97:1 – 5).
In addition, verses 1–6 of Surah Dukhan mention the greatness of this most blessed night in which the Holy Qur’an was revealed:
“Ha–Meem. By the clear Book. We have revealed it. On a blessed night, indeed I am the warner. In it every wise matter is determined. By My command, I am the Sender. As a mercy from your Lord. He is the All-–Hearing, the All-–Knowing.” (Surah Dukhan, 44:1 – 6).
Also see verse in Surah Baqarah (2:185)
The Second Coming of the Angel of Revelation
Following the initial revelation of the first five verses of Surah Al–Alaq, Hazrat Jibreel (AS) appeared again with the second revelation. When the Angel came, Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) experienced trembling and sweating due to the overwhelming nature of the event. On this occasion, the following seven verses of Surah Al–Muddassir were revealed:
“O you who are wrapped in garments, arise and warn! Proclaim the greatness of your Lord, purify your garments, and shun all uncleanliness. Do not give in expectation of receiving more in return and be patient for the sake of your Lord.” (Surah Al—Muddassir, 74:1–7)
This command marked the formal initiation of Prophet Muhammad’s (ﷺ) mission to call people toward the worship of the One True God and to warn them against falsehood and immorality.
The Period of Pause in Revelation
In the early days of Islam’s propagation, Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) faced the daunting task of conveying the message of Tawhid (the Oneness of Allah SWT) to a society steeped in idolatry and superstition. Fully aware of the resistance he would encounter from the Quraysh, he resolved to play a courageous role in the timeless battle between truth and falsehood.
However, after the initial revelations, there was a temporary pause in divine communication. This period of silence left the Prophet (ﷺ) feeling deeply distressed and anxious. Observing his condition, Khadija (RA) gently said, “Do you think Allah has become displeased with you and has forgotten you?”
The Prophet (ﷺ), in his sorrow, returned to the cave of Heera, pouring out his heart in prayer to Allah (SWT): “O Lord! Have You forgotten me after entrusting me with the sacred responsibility of Prophethood?”
During this time of spiritual longing and mental anguish, Hazrat Jibreel (AS) reappeared with comforting words and divine reassurance through the revelation of Surah Ad–Duha:
“By the forenoon, and by the night when it is still, your Lord has neither forsaken you nor is He displeased. The Hereafter is better for you than the present life. And your Lord will soon give you, and you will be satisfied. Did He not find you an orphan and give you shelter? He found you lost and guided you. He found you destitute and enriched you. So do not oppress the orphan, nor repel the petitioner. And proclaim the favors of your Lord.” (Surah Ad–Duha 93:1–11)
This revelation brought immense comfort to the Prophet’s (ﷺ) heart, dispelling his fears and reaffirming Allah’s favor and guidance. It also reminded him of Allah’s past blessings—sheltering him as an orphan, guiding him to truth, and providing him with sustenance—and called upon him to show kindness to others, particularly the vulnerable, while spreading the message of Islam with gratitude and determination.
Physical and Mental Condition During Revelation
The process of receiving revelation had a profound physical and mental impact on the Holy Prophet (ﷺ). During revelation, his body and mind were connected to the divine power, resulting in sensations akin to an electric current coursing through him. These experiences often left him burdened, tired, and drenched in sweat, even in cold weather. Despite the physical toll, the Prophet (ﷺ) felt immense happiness and delight in fulfilling this sacred responsibility.
Hazrat Aisha (RA) narrated that the Prophet (ﷺ) described two forms of revelation:
- Auditory Revelation: A sound resembling the buzzing of bees would accompany this form of revelation. The Prophet (ﷺ) would experience physical strain and drops of sweat would appear on his forehead due to the intense connection, even during cold conditions. After this process, the revelation would settle in his heart, fully absorbed and memorized.
- Direct Communication Through Hazrat Jibril (AS): In this form, Hazrat Jibril (AS) would appear in human form to deliver the message. The Prophet (ﷺ) would hear the revelation and retain it in his heart without experiencing significant physical discomfort.
Recitation and Memorization of the Revelation
Allah (SWT) commanded him not to hasten in memorizing the verses during its revelation, emphasizing that it was Allah’s responsibility to preserve the Qur’an in His prophet’s heart.
The responsibility for reciting and preserving the revealed verses rested with Allah (SWT), the Lord of the Worlds. Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) was assured that divine assistance would ensure the preservation and correct recitation of the Qur’an. As Allah (SWT) says:
“Do not move your tongue with it to hasten it. Indeed, upon Us is its collection and its recitation.” (Surah Al–Qiyyama, 75:16–17)
This divine assurance eased the burden on the Prophet (ﷺ), enabling him to focus entirely on understanding and conveying the message to humanity without concern for its memorization and preservation.