The correct answer is Hira Cave. The Cave of Hira, located on the mountain known as Jabal al-Nour (The Mountain of Light), is the site where the first verses of the Holy Quran were revealed to Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) in the... Read More
The correct answer is Hira Cave. The Cave of Hira, located on the mountain known as Jabal al-Nour (The Mountain of Light), is the site where the first verses of the Holy Quran were revealed to Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) in the year 610 AD. This small cave, situated approximately two miles from the Holy city of Makkah, holds a unique position in Islamic history as the birthplace of the final divine message to mankind. The cave itself is modest in size—roughly four yards long and less than two yards wide—yet its impact on the world remains immeasurable.
Before the first revelation (Wahi) descended, Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) had developed a deep inclination toward solitude and meditation. Disturbed by the social injustices, idol worship, and moral decay prevalent in Makkan society, he sought refuge in the quiet heights of Jabal al-Nour. This practice, known as Tahannuth, involved staying in the cave for several nights at a time, where he would engage in contemplation and worship according to the monotheistic tradition of Prophet Ibrahim (AS). He would take a small supply of water and roasted barley flour, returning to his home only when his supplies ran out.
The revelation occurred during the final third of the month of Ramadan. On a night that would later be identified as Laylat al-Qadr, the Angel Jibreel (AS) appeared before the Prophet (PBUH) in the cave. This was not a dream but a physical, overwhelming encounter. The Angel commanded him, "Iqra!" (Read!). The Prophet (PBUH), being unlettered, replied, "I cannot read."
The Angel then embraced him so tightly that the Prophet (PBUH) felt his strength departing, then released him and repeated the command. This happened three times until the Angel Jibreel (AS) recited the first five verses of Surah Al-Alaq: "Read in the name of your Lord who created—created man from a clinging substance. Read, and your Lord is the most Generous—who taught by the pen—taught man that which he knew not." These words marked the official commencement of his Prophethood.
The experience was so profound and intense that the Prophet (PBUH) left the cave in a state of great awe and physical trembling. He returned to his wife, Hazrat Khadija (RA), and requested her to "cover him" (Zammiluni). It was Hazrat Khadija’s unwavering support and the subsequent consultation with her cousin, Waraqa bin Nawfal—a scholar well-versed in the Torah and the Gospel—that provided the initial earthly confirmation of the divine event. Waraqa recognized the description of the Angel as the "Namus" (the keeper of secrets) who had previously descended upon Prophet Musa (AS).
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