The first revelation of the Qur'an

Khadijah (RA) was very blessed in the marriage, and had six children. First two sons, Qasim and 'Abdullah; then followed the daughters, Zainab, Ruqayyah, Umm Kulthum and Fatimah . They were

wonderful, intelligent children and it was a very happy, peaceful and content household. But all this did not seem enough. Muhammad (PBUH) felt something was missing, and he was extremely restless. He would retire for a month once a year to the cave of Hira to dedicate himself entirely to prayer and meditation. One day he felt the presence of another being(Angel) who held him in his arms in a tight embrace. Then he loosened his hold and asked him to read; Muhammad (PBUH) answered that he was illiterate. But the person repeated the same act and the phrase again and again. Then finally he read these Ayat which are the first revelation of the Qur'an. They are from Surah Iqra or Al-'Alaq of the Noble Qur'an.

"Read! In the Name of your Lord Who has created (all that exists). He has created man from a clot. Read! And your Lord is the Most Generous. Who has taught (the writing) by the pen.

He has taught man that which he knew not." (Qur'an 96:1-5)

Then the being (Angel) disappeared. This was such an awesome experience that the Prophet (PBUH) returned home sweating and shaking. He called out to Khadijah (RA) asking her to cover him with a sheet or a blanket. After lying down for some time he became a little more relaxed. When he had calmed down to some extent, he told his wife that he feared for his life, and narrated the whole incident to her. Khadijah (RA) a picture of loyalty and serenity consoled him saying that Allah (SWT) would surely protect him from any danger, and would never allow anyone to revile him as he was a of man of peace and reconciliation and always extended the hand of friendship to all. He never lied, always hospitable, carried the burdens of others and helped those who were in trouble. These soothing and encouraging words of sympathy and understanding from Khadijah (RA) gave him immeasurable strength and confidence. She then took him to meet her cousin, Waraqah bin Nofil, who immediately guessed the identity of the being in the Cave of Hira as the Angel Jibril (AS), the Messenger of Allah who had visited Moses (AS) as well. Waraqah  who was very old wished that he could live to see the time when the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) would be forced into exile by his people. The Prophet (PBUH)was very surprised and asked if his people would really do this to him. Waraqah assured him that it was typical of human beings that they would never appreciate or follow a Prophet who rose among them. As the proverb has it, "A Prophet (PBUH) is never honored in his own land." Waraqah added that he wished he were alive at that time and be able to help him. He added that if what he had been told were true then surely it meant that her husband was the Prophet of Allah (SWT) whose advent had been mentioned in the scriptures.