Lesson 89 The Message

[13] The beginning of the Revelation

When the Prophet (SAWS) was 40 years old, the age of full maturity, Allah bestowed on him to be a Prophet and a Messenger, as mercy to mankind When the Prophet (SAWS) was 40 years old, the age of full maturity, Allah bestowed on him to be a Prophet and a Messenger, as mercy to mankind

During his isolation in Cave Hirâ' during what is beleived to be the month of Ramadan, Allah sent Jibr î l (SAWS) to inform him of Allah ’ s message

Jibr î l (SAWS) appeared as a man, and he ordered Muhammad: “ Read ”

The Prophet (SAWS) replied: “ I can not read ” (because he was illiterate and did not learn how to read)

Jibr î l (SAWS) squeezed him severely then he released him and asked him again to read, and the Prophet (SAWS) replied, “ I cannot read ”

Jibr î l (SAWS) squeezed him again and released him for the third time and told him what can be translated as, "Read: In the Name of your Lord Who created, Created man from `Alaq (a clinging mass, leech-like clot) Jibr î l (SAWS) squeezed him again and released him for the third time and told him what can be translated as, "Read: In the Name of your Lord Who created, Created man from `Alaq (a clinging mass, leech-like clot)

Read: And your Lord is The Most Honorable, Who taught by the pen. He taught man what he did not know.." (TMQ, Al-`Alaq: 1-5[1].)

The Prophet (SAWS) read these words, then Jibril (SAWS) told him as he was leaving “ Muhammad you are the messenger of Allah and I am Jibril ”.

The Messenger (SAWS) of Allah returned home trembling from the horror he had felt when he saw the angel and the severe squeezing that he experienced.

When the Prophet (SAWS) entered his home, he asked his wife to cover him in order to feel safe.

When he calmed down, he told Khad î jah all that has happened, and she said, “ cheer up and calm down, I wish you will be the Prophet of this nation ”.

Khad î jah (may allah be pleased with her) went with the Prophet (SAWS) to her cousin Waraqah ibn Nawfal, who was an old man who knew the Gospel well and the stories of the Messengers.

The Prophet (SAWS) informed him of what he had seen.

Waraqah told him that Jibr î l (SAWS) is the messenger of Allah to His Prophets, and he was the one who Allah sent to His Prophet M û sâ (SAWS).

Then Waraqah wished that he were a young man to support the Prophet (SAWS) against his enemies, because he knew from the history of the Prophets that their people usually fight them at the beginning of their messages.

However, Waraqah died soon after that.

[14] The suspension of Revelation and its return

After this incident, the revelation ceased for at least 40 days. The Prophet (SAWS) missed the revelation so much, and its suspension was hard for him.

He also feared the cessation of this great blessing, which is being the Messenger of Allah to His servants, to guide them to the straight path.

While the Prophet (SAWS) was walking in Makkah, he heard a voice coming from the sky.

When he looked up, he saw the angel that appeared to him in Cave Hirâ', who is Jibr î l (SAWS).

He felt the same fright that he experienced when he first received the revelation, and he hurried home.

He told his wife to cover him up. Then Allah revealed to him, "O you shrouded (in your mantle), Rise up (and) so warn!

(i.e. warn the people: from Allah's punishment if they do not worship Him (SWT) alone), And so your Lord magnify (i.e. feel the greatness and majesty of Allah alone.),

And so your clothes purify (i.e. take care of your personal cleanliness and hygiene.), And so defilement forsake! (i.e. abandon your sins and mistakes).

And be not bountiful, (hoping) to gain more (i.e. avoid expecting a reward of what you have given.), And to your Lord (endure) patiently! (i.e. be patient when you face the obstacles while informing people of Allah's message.)" (TMQ, Al-Muddathir: 1-7).

This was the first order from Allah to him (SAWS) to make Da`wah (call people) to Islam. After that, the revelation never ceased.

Forms of Revelation [15]

The revelation occurred in many forms, one of which is true vision. The visions and dreams of Prophets (SAWS) are one form of revelation.

Another form was the appearance of the angel to the Prophet in the shape of a human being who addresses him to inform him of what he is supposed to say.

In this case, he could be seen by people, as it happened in many situations with our Prophet (SAWS).

Another form of revelation was that the angel appeared to the Prophet in his original shape as Allah has created him. Another form of revelation was that the angel appeared to the Prophet in his original shape as Allah has created him.

The Prophet was able to see him in that image, and the angel related what Allah wished to reveal to him.

This method did not happen very often to our Prophet (SAWS). This method did not happen very often to our Prophet (SAWS).

Another form of revelation was that the angel inspired in the mind and heart of the Prophet what Allah wanted to reveal to him, without being seen.

This method also happened to our Prophet (SAWS).

In some instances, the angel spoke to the Prophet with a sound and speech similar to the sound of bells. In some instances, the angel spoke to the Prophet with a sound and speech similar to the sound of bells.

This form took the hardest impact on the Prophet.

When he received revelation in this form, the Prophet (SAWS) would sweat extensively even in a cold day.

If he received this revelation while ridding a camel, the animal would kneel down from the weight.

The revelation took place also without an angel, by the direct speech of Allah (SWT) from behind a screen.

This happened to the Prophet Muhammad (SAWS) on the night of Al-Isrâ'.