IQRA: The First Word Allah Revealed to Prophet Muhammad ﷺ

The verse

اقْرَأْ بِاسْمِ رَبِّكَ الَّذِي خَلَقَ ‭ خَلَقَ الْإِنسَانَ مِنْ عَلَقٍ ‭ اقْرَأْ وَرَبُّكَ الْأَكْرَمُ ‭ الَّذِي عَلَّمَ بِالْقَلَمِ ‭ عَلَّمَ الْإِنسَانَ مَا لَمْ يَعْلَمْ

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. (Surah Al-Alaq 96:1-5, Sahih International)

These opening verses of Surah Al-Alaq mark the very first revelation from Allah SWT to Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, delivered through the angel Jibril (AS) in the cave of Hira. They emphasise the command to read and the divine act of creation and knowledge.

The setting

In the rugged hills surrounding the ancient city of Makkah, during the early 7th century, the Arabian Peninsula was steeped in a tapestry of tribal traditions, idolatry, and social complexities. The Quraysh tribe, to which Prophet Muhammad ﷺ belonged, dominated the region as custodians of the Ka'bah, a sacred site that had become a hub for polytheistic worship. Idols dotted the landscape, and practices such as burying female infants alive reflected the moral decay of the era. Yet, amidst this spiritual void, there were glimmers of monotheistic yearning, influenced by remnants of earlier prophetic teachings from figures like Ibrahim (AS) and Ismail (AS).

Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, known for his integrity and contemplative nature, often sought solitude in the cave of Hira on Jabal al-Nour, a mountain just outside Makkah. This period, around the year 610 CE, was one of personal introspection for him. At the age of 40, he had already earned the titles Al-Amin (the Trustworthy) and Al-Sadiq (the Truthful) among his people. His marriage to Khadijah (RA), a respected businesswoman, provided him stability, but his heart was troubled by the injustices and idol worship prevalent in society. It was in this setting of quiet retreat that Allah SWT chose to initiate the revelation of the Quran, selecting Muhammad ﷺ as His final messenger to guide humanity back to the path of tawhid, or the oneness of God.

From a Quranic perspective, this moment aligns with the broader narrative of divine guidance. The Quran frequently references the prophethood of Muhammad ﷺ as a mercy to the worlds (Surah Al-Anbiya 21:107), and the cave of Hira becomes symbolic of the transition from ignorance (jahiliyyah) to enlightenment. Historical accounts, drawn from authentic hadith collections like those of Imam Bukhari and Imam Muslim, describe how the Prophet ﷺ would spend days in seclusion, meditating and seeking answers to the spiritual questions that plagued him. The revelation did not occur in a vacuum; it was preceded by true dreams that came to him like the breaking of dawn, as narrated by Aisha (RA). This preparatory phase underscores Allah's SWT wisdom in gradually preparing His chosen servant for the immense responsibility ahead.

The cave itself, a small, dimly lit space about 1.75 metres high and 3.5 metres wide, offered a stark contrast to the bustling life below. It was here, in the month of Ramadan, that the eternal dialogue between the Creator and His creation recommenced after a hiatus following previous prophets. This setting not only highlights the humility of the Prophet ﷺ but also the profound isolation necessary for such a divine encounter, away from the distractions of worldly affairs. As the first word "Iqra" echoed in that cave, it signalled the dawn of Islam, a faith that would transform the Arabian Peninsula and eventually the world, emphasising knowledge, creation, and the generosity of Allah SWT who teaches humankind what it does not know.

The story

In the quiet seclusion of the cave of Hira, Prophet Muhammad ﷺ had taken to retreating for tahannuth, a practice of worship and reflection inherited from the monotheistic traditions of old. The cave, perched on the slopes of Jabal al-Nour, provided a sanctuary from the idol-filled streets of Makkah. It was during one such retreat in the blessed month of Ramadan that the heavens stirred with purpose. The angel Jibril (AS), the trusted messenger of Allah SWT, descended upon the Prophet ﷺ in his majestic form, filling the narrow confines of the cave with an overwhelming presence.

As narrated in authentic traditions, Jibril (AS) approached the Prophet ﷺ, who was alone and deep in contemplation. The angel commanded, "Iqra!" – Read! Startled and humble, Muhammad ﷺ replied, "I am not one who reads," for he was unlettered, as the Quran itself affirms (Surah Al-A'raf 7:157). Undeterred, Jibril (AS) embraced him tightly, squeezing until the Prophet ﷺ felt he could bear no more, then released him and repeated, "Iqra!" Again, the Prophet ﷺ responded with sincerity, "I am not one who reads." This exchange happened thrice, each embrace more intense, symbolising perhaps the weight of the revelation and the need for the Prophet ﷺ to be fully receptive.

On the third release, Jibril (AS) recited the divine words: "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" (Surah Al-Alaq 96:1-5). These verses, the very first of the Quran, poured forth like a cascade of light, piercing the darkness of ignorance. Overwhelmed by the encounter, the Prophet ﷺ felt his heart tremble; the sheer power of the revelation left him in awe and fear. He later described Jibril (AS) as having filled the horizon, a form so immense that it blocked out the sky.

Fleeing the cave, his heart pounding, Muhammad ﷺ descended the mountain, glancing back in trepidation, half-expecting the angel to pursue him. "O Muhammad," Jibril (AS) called out, affirming his prophethood, but the initial shock was profound. Upon reaching home, he sought comfort from his beloved wife Khadijah (RA), imploring, "Cover me! Cover me!" Shivering and exhausted, he recounted the extraordinary event. Khadijah (RA), ever supportive, consoled him and recognised the signs of divine favour. She took him to her cousin Waraqah ibn Nawfal, a learned Christian scholar familiar with scriptures, who confirmed that this was the same angel who had come to Musa (AS) and that Muhammad ﷺ was indeed the awaited prophet.

This momentous event marked the beginning of the Prophetic mission. The word "Iqra" was not merely a command to recite but an invitation to engage with the knowledge bestowed by Allah SWT. In the days that followed, revelations paused briefly, a period known as fatrat al-wahy, during which the Prophet ﷺ longed for their return. When they resumed with Surah Ad-Duha, it reassured him of Allah's SWT unwavering support. The story of this first revelation underscores the human vulnerability of the Prophet ﷺ – his initial fear, his reliance on loved ones, and his gradual acceptance of the divine mantle. It also highlights the miraculous nature of the Quran, revealed to an unlettered man in a society where literacy was rare, yet destined to become a timeless guide for humanity.

Faithful to the tafsir traditions, this narrative draws from sources like the Sirah of Ibn Ishaq and hadith in Sahih Bukhari, painting a picture of divine mercy unfolding in the most humble of settings. The cave of Hira, once a place of personal solace, became the birthplace of a revelation that would challenge the status quo, calling people to worship one God and pursue knowledge as a sacred duty.

What the scholars say

Renowned mufassirun have offered profound insights into Surah Al-Alaq 96:1-5, emphasising its foundational role in Islamic teachings. Ibn Kathir, in his Tafsir al-Quran al-Azim, explains that "Iqra" commands the recitation of the Quran in the name of Allah SWT, linking it to the creation of humanity from a "clinging substance" (alaq), which he interprets as a blood clot or leech-like form, highlighting the miraculous origins of life. He notes the repetition of "Iqra" as a means to underscore the importance of knowledge, taught by the pen, which represents all forms of writing and learning that Allah SWT has graciously provided to humankind.

At-Tabari, in his comprehensive Jami' al-Bayan, delves into the historical context, drawing from narrations that describe Jibril's (AS) embrace as a preparatory act to strengthen the Prophet ﷺ for receiving wahy. He interprets "the most Generous" (al-Akram) as referring to Allah's SWT boundless benevolence in imparting knowledge, even to those who were previously ignorant. At-Tabari remains neutral on variant readings, focusing on the consensus that these verses affirm divine education as a counter to human forgetfulness and ingratitude.

Other classical scholars, such as Al-Qurtubi in his Al-Jami' li Ahkam al-Quran, expand on the educational theme, suggesting that the pen symbolises the first tool of creation after the divine decree, used to record destinies. He connects this to broader Quranic calls for reflection and study, without favouring any specific jurisprudential school. Collectively, these interpretations maintain a reverent tone, viewing the revelation as a divine gift that elevates humanity through knowledge and remembrance of the Creator.

Lessons for today

In our fast-paced modern world, the command "Iqra" serves as a timeless reminder of the value of seeking knowledge. Just as Prophet Muhammad ﷺ was called to read in the name of his Lord, we are encouraged to approach learning with humility and purpose, recognising that all wisdom originates from Allah SWT. This first revelation invites us to integrate faith with intellectual pursuit, whether through studying the sciences, arts, or scriptures, fostering a balanced life that honours both spiritual and worldly growth.

The story also teaches resilience in the face of the unknown. The Prophet's ﷺ initial fear and subsequent embrace of his mission illustrate that divine callings often begin with discomfort, yet they lead to profound transformation. For contemporary Muslims, this can inspire perseverance during personal trials, reminding us that Allah SWT equips those He chooses, gradually unveiling His plans as we trust in His wisdom.

Moreover, the emphasis on creation from a "clinging substance" humbles us, underscoring our shared origins and dependence on the Creator. In an era of division, this fosters unity and compassion, urging us to view all people as part of Allah's SWT magnificent design, worthy of respect and kindness.

Finally, the generosity of Allah SWT, who teaches what we do not know, encourages gratitude and sharing of knowledge. By embodying this, we can contribute to societies that prioritise education and ethical progress, echoing the revelatory moment in Hira as a beacon for enlightened living.

Frequently asked questions

Discover the profound beauty of this revelatory moment through our cinematic retelling on Sacred Ayat, where the story of "Iqra" comes alive with reverence and visual splendour.