“And We have not sent you, (O Muhammad), except as a mercy to the worlds.”
21:107
In a hadith, it is said:
“None of you has faith until I am dearer to him than his father and his son and all mankind.”
Love for Allah’s Messenger is indeed a sign of faith. It’s important that believers study the life of the noble Prophet of Islam to perfect their understanding of the religion.
Revelation of the message lasted for 23 years and it all started with the Prophet experiencing good dreams that became real. Moreover, stones began to greet him with ‘salaam’ as he passed by them.
Around the age of 40, Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) became used to retreat and meditation. He would often head towards Mount An-Noor near Makkah, after taking his provisions, to spend several nights in a cave.
Angel Appears To Prophet In The Cave Of Hira
The Prophet liked to seclude himself in the cave of ‘Hira’ to pray and reflect. He was, at that time, feeling uneasy with the evil behaviour of his fellow citizens but did not know what to do.
Seclusion was, in fact, a means to prepare him for the great responsibilities that were to come. This period of privacy allowed him to be in a pure state and get ready to reach what Allah decreed for him.
On a Monday night, in the month of Ramadan, an angel suddenly appeared to the Prophet in the cave and said to him: “Read”. But he could not do so.
The angel squeezed him three times and finally ordered Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) to repeat 3 verses of the Quran. The Messenger of Allah recited the words but was in a state of shock, shaking and hastily returned home.
His wife, Khadija (May Allah be pleased with her), comforted him with the most appropriate words. She then accompanied her husband to meet a relative, Waraqah bin Nawfal, a Christian scholar.
Waraqah confirmed that Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) was a prophet. A few days later, the scholar died.
And there was also a pause in revelation.
To be continued in future posts.
Reference: The Sealed Nectar – Biography of the Noble Prophet (saw)