Chapter of the Beginning of Revelation and Descension and the Signs of that

Narrated to us Abu Abdullah Al-Hafiz, he said that Abu Al-Fadl Ibn Ibrahim Al-Muzakki informed us that Ahmad Ibn Salamah told us that Ishaq Ibn Ibrahim narrated to us that Abdul Razzaq said: Ahmed, and Muhammad ibn Yahya, and Muhammad ibn Rafi' told us, they said that Abdul Razzaq narrated to us, he said: Ma'mar informed us from Az-Zuhri who informed me from Urwah from Aisha that she said: The first thing with which the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) commenced receiving revelation was righteous dreams. He would not see any dream but it would come true like the brightness of daybreak. Then solitude was made beloved to him, and he would go to the Cave of Hira and engage in worship there for several nights before returning to Khadijah. She would provision him with food and he would then return to it until the Truth came to him while he was in the Cave of Hira. The Angel came to him in it and said: Read. The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) said: I am not a reader. The Angel took hold of me and pressed me so hard that I could not bear it anymore. He then released me and said: Read. I said: I am not a reader. He then held me again and pressed me a second time till I could not bear it anymore. He then released me and said: Read. I said: I am not a reader. He then held me for the third time and pressed me till I could not bear it anymore. He then released me and said: Read...

In the Name of your Lord Who created - Created man from a clinging substance. (28) Read - And your Lord is the Most Generous - Who taught by the pen - Taught man that which he knew not. (29) No! [But] indeed, man transgresses - Because he sees himself self-sufficient. (30) Indeed, to your Lord is the return. (31) Have you seen the one who forbids - A servant when he prays? (32) Have you considered if he is upon guidance - Or enjoins righteousness? (33). And in another narration: "He forges the lie and turns away - But the booty at sunrise - Will you not see?" (34) And in another narration: "How he has fabricated rhetoric?" (35) And in another narration: "Then he went to his family, elated and arrogant." (36) And in another narration: "Woe to you! I am angry and shall be killed." (37) And in another narration: "What killed you?" (38) And in another narration: "Did you kill him?" (39) And in another narration: "What is Allah?" (40)

Explanation:

This verse introduces the theme of the Quran, combining monotheism, legal issues, news, and commands. The verses include the importance of recitation, starting in the name of Allah, highlighting the monotheism of Allah, confirming His essence and attributes, and mentioning the teaching of things unknown to man. It also emphasizes the reading and understanding of the Quran's content.

Translation of Classical Arabic Text

The True Vision

In this text, the narration about the true vision is mentioned, and at the end of it, there is an addition: "The revelation ceased for a while until the Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, became sad from what reached him of grief repeatedly. He would go to the tops of the mountains intending to throw himself down, then Gabriel would appear to him and say, 'O Muhammad, indeed you are the Messenger of Allah in truth.' His soul would then calm down, and he would return. When the period of revelation prolonged, the same would happen again. When he reached the summit of a mountain, Gabriel would appear to him and say the same."

Chain of Narration

It was narrated to us by Abu Abdullah Al-Hafiz who informed us, that Abu Al-Fadl Ibn Ibrahim Al-Muzakki narrated to us, who was told by Ahmad Ibn Salama, who narrated to us from Ishaq Ibn Ibrahim, who said he was informed by Abdul Razzaq, that Muhammad Ibn Yahya and Muhammad Ibn Rafi' told us, saying Abdul Razzaq informed us, that Ma'mar reported to us from Al-Zuhri, who said that Abu Salamah Ibn Abdul Rahman told me, from Jabir Ibn Abdullah, that he heard the Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, talking about the interval of revelation. He said in his narration: "As I was walking, I heard a voice from the sky. I raised my head and saw the angel who came to me at Hira, sitting on a throne between the sky and the earth. I was seized with horror then returned saying, 'Wrap me up! Wrap me up!' They covered me, and Allah revealed, 'O you who wraps himself, arise and warn and your Lord, magnify, and your clothing, purify, and defilement, flee away, and do not confer favor to acquire more.'" (Al-Bukhari).

The Story of the First Revelation to the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH)

Reported by Muslim and Bukhari

It was narrated by Muslim in Sahih from Muhammad ibn Rafi' and by Al-Bukhari from Abdullah ibn Muhammad, from Abdur Razzaq. Abu Al-Hasan Ali ibn Ahmad ibn Abdan informed us, saying that Ahmad ibn Ubayd Al-Saffar told us that Ubayd ibn Shareek narrated to us, who in turn was told by Yahya, who narrated to him from Al-Layth, from Uqayl, from Ibn Shihab that Muhammad ibn Al-Nu’man ibn Bashir Al-Ansari, residing in Damascus, told him that:

The Angel’s Visit to the Prophet (PBUH)

The angel came to the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) and said, "Read." The Prophet replied, "I am not a reader." The angel returned and sent me again, saying, "Read." I replied, "I am not a reader." The angel returned and sent me again, saying, "Read in the name of your Lord who has created (everything). He created man from a clinging substance." Muhammad ibn Al-Nu’man stated that the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) returned with this message.

Conversation Between the Prophet (PBUH) and Khadijah

Ibn Shihab reported that he heard Urwah ibn Az-Zubayr saying that Aisha, the Prophet's wife, said that after the incident, the Prophet returned to Khadijah trembling and said, "Cover me! Cover me!" Khadijah comforted him, saying, "By Allah, Allah will never disgrace you. You always maintain family ties and speak the truth. Come with me." Khadijah then took the Prophet to Waraqah ibn Nawfal, a Christian man well-versed in Arabic, to hear what the Prophet had experienced.

Regarding the Narrators

Muhammad ibn Al-Nu’man ibn Bashir Al-Ansari, known as Abu Saeed, is mentioned in Sahih Muslim from the first category of Medina residents. He was reported by various narrators except Abu Dawood, and narrated by Az-Zuhri, praised by Al-Ajli, and mentioned by Ibn Hibban in trustworthy narrators (Tahdheeb Al-Tahdheeb, 9:492).

Translation of Classical Arabic Text

Hadith Narrated by Yahya ibn Bukair, Reported in Sahih Bukhari:

Imam al-Bukhari narrated in his Sahih from Yahya ibn Bukair, except that he did not mention the statement of Muhammad ibn al-Nu'man, and he added in the beginning of the narration of 'Urwah from 'Aisha: "We did not receive this hadith from Ma'mar from Az-Zuhri." And he added at the end: "Then the inspiration did not come for a while and the Wahi (inspiration) was delayed." Then he mentioned the hadith of Abu Salamah from Jabir ibn 'Abdullah and said at the end: "Then the inspiration was protective and continuous."

Narration by Muslim from Abd al-Malik ibn Shu'ayb from his Father from his Grandfather:

And narrated to us Abu al-Husayn ibn al-Fadl al-Qattan in Baghdad, saying: "Narrated to us Abu Bakr Muhammad ibn Abdullah ibn Ahmad ibn 'Attab al-Abdi, who said: Narrated to us Abu Muhammad al-Qasim ibn Abdullah ibn al-Mughirah al-Juhari, who said: Narrated to us Isma'il ibn Abi Uways, who said: Isma'il ibn Ibrahim ibn 'Uqbah narrated to me from his uncle Musa ibn 'Uqbah: "Verily, Allah sent Muhammad (peace be upon him) when he was at the age of fifteen years at the time Ka'bah was being rebuilt."

Translation Reference and Additional Information:

This narration is also found in various other sources, such as Ibn Saad's "Tabaqat" (5:155), "Akhbar al-Qudat" (1:116), "Tadhkirat al-Huffaz", "Al-'Ibar" (1:112), "Al-Bidayah wa An-Nihayah" (9:116), and "Tahdhib al-Tahdhib" (12:115).

Reference details: "Fath al-Bari" (8:678), "Rawah" is mentioned in footnote 56, Sahih Muslim in the Book of Faith (1:144), also mentioned in Tirmidhi's Tafsir, and in "Musnad" of Imam Ahmad (3:306).

It is also narrated by Abdul Razzaq from Ibn Jurayj from Mujahid, and similarly narrated by Ibn 'Abd al-Barr through Muhammad ibn Jubayr's route, and in which Musa ibn 'Uqbah firmly asserted in his battles. Ibn Ishaq confirmed that Quraysh's rebuilding was five years before the Prophethood. Mentioned in "Sirah Ibn Hisham" (1:209), and Ibn Hajar al-Asqalani said: "And it is the most famous narration."

The Death of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him): A Divine Revelation

Said she, "The Messenger of Allah, may Allah's blessings and peace be upon him and his family, passed away at the age of sixty-three." Ibn Shihab narrated the same from Sa'id ibn Al-Musayyib. As per what was first revealed to him, he saw Allah - exalted be He - in a dream, which was difficult for him. He mentioned this to his wife Khadijah bint Khuwaylid, daughter of Asad, and Allah - glorified and exalted be He - protected her from disbelief, expanded her heart with belief. She said, "Rejoice! Indeed, Allah - exalted be He - will only do good to you." He then left her and returned, informing her that he saw his abdomen split open, then cleansed and washed, and restored as it was before. She said, "This is indeed good, so rejoice."

Thereafter, Gabriel, peace be upon him, came to him while he was in the highest part of Mecca, sat him on an esteemed throne. The Prophet, may Allah's blessings and peace be upon him and his family, said while sitting on a mat resembling a darning bag adorned with rubies and pearls: "Gabriel, peace be upon him, read." He asked, "How should I read?" Gabriel said, "Read in the name of your Lord who created. He created man from a clinging substance. Read, and your Lord is the Most Generous - He who taught by the pen, taught man what he knew not."

People claim that the chapter known as "The Enwrapped One" was the first chapter revealed, but Allah knows best.

Key Points about Khadijah Radi Allahu Anha

Khadijah's Belief in Allah

Ibn Shihab stated that Khadijah was the first to believe in Allah and confirm the Prophet's صلى الله عليه وآله وسلّم message before the obligation of prayers.

Prophet's Acceptance of the Message

The Prophet صلى الله عليه وآله وسلّم received the message from his Lord and followed the instructions brought by Angel Jibreel عليه السلام from Allah.

Khadijah's Response

Khadijah reassured the Prophet صلى الله عليه وآله وسلّم, saying that whatever comes from Allah is good, acknowledging the importance of the message.

Confirmation from a Christian Man

Khadijah met a Christian man named Addas and asked if he had knowledge from Angel Jibreel. Addas expressed surprise and disbelief, but acknowledged the Prophet's صلى الله عليه وآله وسلّم connection with the previous Prophets.

Conversion to Islam: The Story of Zaid ibn Amr and Waraqah ibn Nawfal

When Khadijah returned, Waraqah ibn Nawfal came to them. Waraqah had already rejected idol worship, along with Zaid ibn Amr. Zaid prohibited everything that Allah had forbidden, such as bloodshed and sacrificing on idols, and injustices from the days of ignorance. Waraqah and Zaid sought knowledge together and eventually traveled to Syria. There, Jews presented their religion to them, but they found it unacceptable. They then approached Christian monks. Waraqah embraced Christianity, while Zaid did not. A monk said to Zaid, "You seek a religion that no longer exists on Earth!" Zaid asked, "What religion is that?" The monk replied, "It is the religion of righteousness, the religion of Ibrahim, the friend of the Merciful." Zaid inquired about the religion of Ibrahim, and upon learning about it, he declared, "I adhere to the religion of Ibrahim, and I worship towards the Kaaba that Ibrahim built." Even in the days of ignorance, Zaid prostrated towards the Kaaba. When the truth became clear to him, Zaid embraced Islam. He exclaimed, "I submit my face to the One to whom faces submit, the Originator of the heavens and the earth."

The Confirmation of Guidance

After some time, Zaid passed away, leaving Waraqah behind. Waraqah mourned Zaid and said through tears, "You have followed the right path and been blessed, O son of Amr! You have avoided a burning inferno and adhered to a Lord unlike any other." Waraqah continued living for around two more years after Zaid's death, as is commonly believed.

Translation of Classical Arabic Text

If You Pass by a Place of Fear...

Say, “In the name of God, in the morning and in the evening.”

If You Pray in Every Mosque...

Show kindness, do not display enmity towards me.

When Khadijah described to Waraqah what had happened to Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him, and mentioned to him Gabriel, peace be upon him, and what he brought to the Messenger of God from God Almighty, Waraqah said to her, ‘O my dear sister, I do not know, maybe he is the Prophet mentioned in the Scriptures that the people of the Book find written with them in the Torah and the Gospel. By God, if it is him, then he will face opposition and when he raises his call, I swear by God, I will support God in obeying His Messenger and I will endure patiently and help him achieve victory.’ So, Waraqah passed away.

Ibn Lahi’ah mentioned that Abu Al-Aswad narrated from Urwah ibn Az-Zubair this story, and he added: “So Gabriel opened an eye from a container of water and he performed ablution. Muhammad then, peace and blessings be upon him, looked at his face and hands, wiped over his head and feet, and sprinkled water around his private parts. He then prostrated twice facing the Kaaba. Muhammad acted exactly as he had seen Gabriel do.”

Translation of Classical Arabic Text

Transmission of Hadith

Abu al-Husayn ibn al-Fadl informed us, saying: Abdullah ibn Ja'far narrated to us, saying: Ya'qub ibn Sufyan narrated to us, saying: Amr ibn Khalid and Hassan ibn Abdullah informed us that Ibn Lahi'ah narrated to us. Our Sheikh Abu Abdullah al-Hafiz reported the entire story from Abu Ja'far al-Baghdadi who narrated from Abu Ulathah:

"Muhammad ibn Amr ibn Khalid reported from his father, from Ibn Lahi'ah, from Abu al-Aswad, from Urwah, except that he only mentioned two initial verses of the poetry by Waraqah.

He did not mention what Al-Zuhri said about Khadijah's conversion and the incident of the splitting of his chest, which could be a story about his childhood or another incident where his chest was split a second or third time when he was ascended to the heavens, and Allah knows best.

Signs of Prophethood

Abu al-Abbas Muhammad ibn Ya'qub reported to us, saying: Ahmad ibn Abd al-Jabbar narrated to us, saying: Yunus ibn Bukair reported to us from Ibn Ishaq, who said: Abd al-Malik ibn Abd Allah ibn Abi Sufyan reported to me from some scholars that:

"When the Messenger of Allah, peace be upon him, was about to start his miracles, he would not pass by a rock or tree except that he would greet and hear from it. The Messenger of Allah, peace be upon him, would look behind him, to his right, and left, seeing only trees and stones around him greeting him with the greeting of prophethood: 'Peace be upon you, O Messenger of Allah.'

The Revelation of the Qur'an to Prophet Muhammad (pbuh)

Introduction

In this passage, it is mentioned that the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) used to retreat to Hira every year for spiritual contemplation. During the pre-Islamic era, it was the custom of the Quraysh to feed the poor when they returned from their journeys. The month in which Allah manifested His grace and chose for the revelation of the Quran was Ramadan.

The Revelation

On one such night in Ramadan, the Angel Jibril (Gabriel) appeared before the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) as he slept and commanded him to read. Initially, the Prophet was overwhelmed and thought it was death approaching him. However, the Angel persisted, instructing him to read in the name of his Lord who created man from a clot. The Prophet was then taught that which he did not know before.

Impact of the Revelation

Upon awakening, the Prophet found himself transformed by the experience, as if a book had been engraved in his heart. He expressed the difficulty of facing poets or madmen due to revelations being more beloved to him, and he had difficulty tolerating them. It was after this significant event that the Prophet's mission as the Messenger of Allah began.

The Revelation to the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him)

In a famous incident, the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) received the first revelation from the angel Jibreel while he was in the cave of Hira. The passage describes the moment when the angel Jibreel appeared to the Prophet in human form and confirmed his role as a messenger of Allah. The Prophet was initially overwhelmed by this encounter but was reassured by his wife Khadijah, who believed in his truthfulness and prophethood.

The First Revelation

Upon witnessing the angel Jibreel in the sky, the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) was initially stunned by the divine message. Khadijah, recognizing the significance of the event, comforted and supported him in accepting this new revelation. She acknowledged the Prophet's truthfulness, integrity, and good character, expressing her belief in his prophetic mission.

Khadijah's Support

Khadijah's unwavering support and faith in the Prophet's message led her to reach out to her cousin Waraqah ibn Nawfal, a learned man familiar with the scriptures. Waraqah recognized the prophetic signs that the Prophet Muhammad had witnessed and offered words of encouragement, expressing his hope that Muhammad would indeed be the awaited prophet of their nation.

Prophet Muhammad's Encounter with Waraqa ibn Nawfal

After receiving the first revelation of the Quran in the cave of Hira, Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) was deeply disturbed and sought solace from his wife Khadijah. She took him to her cousin, Waraqa ibn Nawfal, who was knowledgeable about previous prophets.

Confirmation of Prophethood

Waraqa recognized the signs of prophethood in Muhammad and assured him that he was indeed the prophet of their nation. Waraqa drew a parallel between Muhammad and Prophet Moses, stating that Muhammad would face similar challenges and persecutions.

Support and Comfort

Despite the hardships ahead, Waraqa promised to support and stand by the Prophet during his mission. He gave him words of comfort and reassurance that Allah would aid and protect him.

After their meeting, the Prophet felt a sense of relief and was comforted by Waraqa's words. This encounter further solidified his belief in his divine mission and provided him with the strength to face the challenges to come.

The Prophet's (peace be upon him) Conversation with Khadijah

In what they claim, the Prophet (peace be upon him) said: "If it is true, O Khadijah, inform me of your vision. Ahmad, the Messenger, attended by Gabriel and Michael, comes to him with revelation from Allah, enlightening the heart. With it, one who repents gains success, while the disobedient who are led astray suffer. They are divided into two groups, one in gardens and the others with the brothers of Hell, being dragged. When they are called with 'Woe be upon you!', the hammers in its depths clash and it ignites. Glorified is He, whose command the winds obey and whatever He wills, He does. From His Throne above all the heavens, His decrees in His creation are not altered."

Waraqah ibn Nawfal remarked on this saying: "O men! Turn away from time and destiny, for nothing happens except by the will of Allah. Until Khadijah asked me to inform her, though she knew nothing of the unseen. She came to inquire about it, for me to reveal to her a matter that I foresee will come to the people."

Translation of Classical Arabic Text

Key Points:

• The passage is a conversation between Ahmad and Jibril.
• Jibril informs Ahmad that he is a messenger to mankind.
• Ahmad requests Jibril to ask Allah for guidance and sends him to seek insights about dreams and visions.
• Jibril describes a remarkable encounter with awe-inspiring visual and spiritual elements.
• The passage includes a prophetic message about a future declaration of jihad.

Translation:

Ahmad informed me of a matter I had heard of in ancient times, that Jibril would visit him to inform him: "You are sent to mankind." I said: "Your Lord is capable of granting your wishes, so ask Him for goodness and wait." Send him to us so we may inquire about his visions in dreams and wakefulness. He came to us speaking wondrously, radiating awe and majesty. I saw the Trustworthy One before me in a form completed with divine features, and he continued, causing fear to almost overwhelm me from the sights around me. I thought, unsure if they would believe my words, that you would be raised reciting the revealed verses. I will inform you if you declare their call to jihad without fatigue or sorrow.

Abu Abdullah informed us, saying: Abu Al-Abbas narrated to us, saying: Ahmad told us, saying: Yunus narrated to us from Ibn Ishaq, who said: Isma'il bin Abi Hakim, a freedman of Zubair, narrated from Khadijah bint Khuwaylid that she said to the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him): while you are firm in conveying... [The poetic verses are mentioned in Al-Bidayah wal-Nihayah by Ibn Kathir (3:10-11), and it was also mentioned by Al-Bayhaqi in Ad-Dala'il. I have reviewed its authenticity and Allah knows best.].

The First Revelation to Prophet Muhammad (PBUH)

God honored the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) with his prophethood. Khadijah's cousin asked her to describe the man who visits, and she recognized Gabriel, informing the Prophet accordingly. The Prophet confirmed Gabriel's presence each time Khadijah asked her to check, until eventually, she saw nothing. Khadijah then confessed her belief in the truth brought by Gabriel.

Witnesses of the Event

Ibn Ishaq narrated this event, with Abdullah bin al-Hasan confirming it. Fatimah bint al-Husayn also corroborated the incident, stating that when the Prophet (PBUH) saw Gabriel, Khadijah covered herself with a cloak as a sign of respect and verification of what she saw.

Khadijah's Reaction

Khadijah's actions demonstrated her faith and commitment to the Prophet's message. She remained steadfast and cautious, while the Prophet trusted Gabriel's words, recognizing the signs of divine truth even after the trees rejected him in defiance of his people, a scene that softened his heart.

The Stone that Greeted the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh)

Narrated by Abu Muhammad Abdullah ibn Yusuf al-Asbahani, may Allah have mercy on him, who said:

It was narrated to us by Abu Bakr Muhammad ibn al-Husayn al-Qattan, who said:

It was narrated to us by Ibrahim ibn al-Harith al-Baghdadi, who said:

It was narrated to us by Yahya ibn Abi Bukayr, who said:

It was narrated to us by Ibrahim ibn Tahman, who said:

It was narrated to me by Simak ibn Harb, from Jabir ibn Samurah, who said:

"The Messenger of Allah, may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him, said: 'I know a stone in Makkah that used to greet me before I was sent as a Prophet, and I still recognize it now.'" (Narrated by Muslim in Sahih)

Additional Narrations

Narrated by Abu al-Husayn ibn Bishran, who said:

Narrated to us by Abu Ja'far al-Razzaz, who said:

It was narrated to us by Yahya ibn Ja'far, who said:

It was narrated to us by Abu Dawud al-Tayalisi, who said:

It was narrated to us by Abu Bakr Muhammad ibn Furak, may Allah have mercy on him, who said:

It was narrated to us by Abdul­lah ibn Ja'far al-Asbahani, who said:

It was narrated to us by Yunus ibn Habib, who said:

It was narrated to us by Abu Dawud, who said:

It was narrated to us by Sulaiman ibn Mu'adh, from Simak ibn Harb, from Jabir ibn Samurah, that the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) said: 'In Makkah, there is a stone that greeted me during the nights when I was given Prophethood. I still recognize it when I pass by it.'

Another Narration

Narrated by Abu Abdullah al-Hafiz, who said:

Narrated to us by Abu Muhammad Ahmad ibn Abdul­lah al-Muzani, who said:

It was narrated to us by Yusuf ibn Musa al-Marwazi, who said:

It was narrated to us by Abbud ibn Ya'qub, who said:

It was narrated to us by Al­-Walid ibn Abi Thawr, from As­-Suddi, from Abbud ibn Abdul­lah, from Ali, may Allah be pleased with him, who said: 'We were with the Messenger of Allah in Makkah, when he went out...'