First Revelation
610 CE — Cave of Hira, Mecca
“Read in the name of your Lord who created...” - Quran 96:1
The Event
In the year 610 CE, during the month of Ramadan, Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) was meditating in the Cave of Hira when Angel Jibreel appeared and conveyed the first verses of the Quran.
“Read in the name of your Lord who created. Created man from a clinging substance...” - Quran 96:1-2
Significance
This event marks the beginning of the final revelation to mankind and the start of the 23-year period of Quranic revelation. It established Muhammad (PBUH) as the last Prophet and Messenger of Allah.
“The Quran is a guidance for all of humanity.”
Aftermath
Initially frightened, the Prophet (PBUH) was comforted by his wife Khadijah (RA), who became the first to believe in his message. The event is commemorated as Laylat al-Qadr (the Night of Power) in Ramadan.
“The first revelation changed the course of history.”
Sources
- Quran, Surah Al-‘Alaq (96:1-5)
- Sahih Bukhari, Book 1, Hadith 3
- Martin Lings, "Muhammad: His Life Based on the Earliest Sources"