At the age of 35, the Prophet (SAW) did his people a great service, helping to avert inner strife that would have lasted for many years and would likely have resulted in the demise of the Quraish. This occurred when the leaders of the Quraish decided to rebuild the Ka’bah, as it was badly in need of repair. When they finished building it, the only task that remained was placing the famous Black Stone in its place. There was, however, one serious problem: the people of each sub-tribe wanted the prestige that came with performing that honorable task. They were on the verge of fighting when a wise, old man among them suggested they allow the first man who would enter the gate of the Masjid to judge between them. They agreed, and much to their pleasure and satisfaction, the first man who entered upon them was the Messenger of Allah (SAW). They were pleased because they knew he (SAW) was trustworthy and that he would not take sides.
The Prophet (SAW), fulfilling their expectations, asked them to bring a garment and to place the Black Stone on it. Then he (SAW) ordered the leader of each sub-tribe to hold and to pick up a corner of the garment, and then walk together towards the side of the Ka’bah. When they finished obeying his command, he (SAW) took the stone and put it with his noble hands in its proper place; as a result, everyone was satisfied and fighting was averted.
In the years that followed, the Prophet (SAW) led a more solitary life. Allah (SWT) instilled in him a love for solitude, not as a random practice without any real purpose, but so that he could devote himself to the worship of Allah (SWT). For many nights at a time, he had no direct link to Allah (SWT), in that Jibril (AS) had yet to come to him with revelation. And so he (SAW) would worship Allah (SWT) as best as he knew how; primarily, he (SAW) would follow what he knew from the Religion and Shari’ah of Ibrahim (AS), of whom both he and his people were descendants.
The Prophet (SAW) continued to spend longer and longer periods of time in the cave of Hira’ until he reached the age of 40 when Allah (SWT) blessed him with prophethood. Scholars agree that he officially began his mission as a Prophet on a Monday. As for the month, most scholars say that it was Rabi’ul Awwal, of the year 41 (i.e., the 41 years after the Year of the Elephant).
One day, while the Prophet (SAW) was busy worshipping Allah (SWT) in the cave of Hira, the angel Jibril (AS) came to him and said,” Read.” The Prophet (SAW) said, “I cannot read.” Again, Jibril (AS) said, “Read.” And again, the Prophet (SAW) said, “I cannot read.” This time, Jibril (AS) embraced him so tightly that he was not able to breathe; Jibril (AS) continued to embrace him until he could take it no longer. Then for a third time, Jibril (AS) said, “Read!” And for a third time, the Prophet (SAW) said, “I cannot read.” Jibril (AS) recited these verses of the Noble Qur’an: “Read in the name of your Lord. Who has created all that exists, has created man from a clot. Read! And your Lord is the Most Generous, who has taught by the pen, has taught man that which he knew not.” (Qur’an 96: 1-5)
With the revelation of this verse, he (SAW) became a Prophet. The experience was a shock for the Prophet (SAW), and so, with his heart trembling, and his body shivering, he returned to his most trusted friend, Khadijah (RA), and said, “Cover me.” When he (SAW) was comfortably wrapped in a garment, and when the terror of his experience died down to some extent, he told Khadijah (RA) what had happened. Although the terror of the experience had diminished, the Prophet (SAW) was still confused and unsure of himself. He (SAW) said to Khadijah (SAW), “I fear for myself.” Faithful, wise, and confident in her husband’s sound character, Khadija responded with words that at once comforted and reassured the Prophet (SAW): “Never! By Allah, Allah will never forsake you, for you join ties of family relations, you bear the burdens of the weak, you give to people what no one else is able to give (in terms of benefits and good manners), you hospitably entertain your guests, and you help people who are afflicted with calamities.” (Bukhari)
The Prophet (SAW) then further became a messenger when Allah (SWT) revealed to him chapter Al-Muddaththir. The Prophet (SAW) later recounted: “As I was walking outside, I suddenly heard a voice in the sky. I raised my gaze, and there appeared above me the very angel that had come to me at Hira; he was seated on a throne (or chair) between the heavens and the earth. I was terrified of him, and so I returned (to my home) and said, ‘Cover me.’”
Allah (SWT) then revealed to him the verses, “O you (Muhammad {SAW} enveloped in garments)! Arise and give warning! Proclaim the glory of your Lord. Purify your garments. Shun uncleanness.” (Qur’an 74:1-5)
Revelation then intensified and came to the Prophet (SAW) frequently.
(To be continued)
by Sa’eed bin Ali bin Wahf Al-Qahtani
