Part 4 of The Seerah of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH): the mission reconfirmed

e Seerah of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) the mission reconfirmed

Following the profound experience in the Cave of Hira, the weight of prophethood settled heavily on Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). His heart brimmed with questions about what lay ahead. Yet, after the initial revelation, there was a period of silence. Days turned to weeks, and weeks stretched on with no further message. This interval, known as Fatrah al-Wahi (the pause in revelation), was both a test of patience and a time of great anticipation.

During this time, Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) continued his life with a heightened awareness. Every sound, every gust of wind, seemed to carry a whisper of something more. The events in Hira were not easily forgotten—they remained deeply embedded in his soul, reminding him that he was chosen, that he had witnessed something divine. But, without further revelation, a quiet fear crept in. Did Allah (SWT) turn away from him? Was he worthy of this responsibility?

Then, one day, as Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) walked near the outskirts of Makkah, a voice called out to him. Startled, he looked to his right—no one was there. He turned to his left—again, no one. He looked ahead, and behind him, yet saw nothing but the open desert stretching around him. Then, as he raised his gaze, his heart froze with awe.

There, filling the sky, he saw the angel Jibril in his magnificent, celestial form, seated on a throne suspended between the heavens and the earth. His presence was vast and radiant, spreading across the horizon. The immense sight and the sheer power of Jibril's form overwhelmed the Prophet (PBUH).

Muhammad (PBUH) was frozen, unable to move or look away. The grandeur of the scene filled his entire vision, and he felt as though he was standing at the threshold of another realm. Jibril spoke once more, his voice resonant and commanding, but also familiar and comforting.

“O Muhammad, you are the Messenger of Allah, and I am Jibril.”

Overcome with fear and astonishment, Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) hurried back to his home, his heart pounding. When he reached Khadijah (RA), he asked her to cover him, saying, “Cover me, cover me.” She gently wrapped him in a cloak, comforting him as he processed this incredible experience.

Shortly after this encounter, Jibril (AS) appeared to Muhammad (PBUH) again with further revelation. This time, he brought verses that would later be known as part of Surah Al-Muddathir (The Cloaked One):

“O you who covers himself [with a cloak], arise and warn, and glorify your Lord, and purify your garments, and shun uncleanliness.” (Qur’an, 74:1-5)

These words stirred in the Prophet (PBUH) a newfound urgency. The command was clear and direct—he was no longer to remain in solitude, but to rise and take the message to the people. It was a call to action, a directive from Allah (SWT) to bring the light of truth to a world steeped in darkness.

The verses of Surah Al-Muddathir marked the beginning of a new chapter in the Prophet’s life. No longer was he simply a seeker in the Cave of Hira; he was now a messenger with a mission. His duty was to warn his people, to call them to the worship of the One True God, and to purify their hearts and actions. This mission would require immense courage, patience, and resilience, qualities that Allah (SWT) would cultivate in him over time.

From that day on, Muhammad (PBUH) was no longer alone in his understanding. He carried within him the words of Allah, and with each revelation, his heart grew stronger, his purpose clearer. Though the road ahead would be filled with hardship and opposition, the Prophet (PBUH) had been equipped with divine guidance and a faith that would never waver.

This second revelation was a turning point, transforming the Prophet’s role from a seeker to a proclaimer. With Allah’s words echoing in his soul, he began the monumental task of bringing the message of Islam to the world. And thus, the call to Islam commenced, ushering in a new era of spiritual enlightenment and reform.

The revelation had not only solidified Muhammad’s (PBUH) role as Allah’s messenger but also provided the spiritual strength he would need for the challenges ahead. The path of prophethood was not one of ease but of struggle, sacrifice, and unwavering trust in Allah. And so, with renewed faith and an unbreakable resolve, the Prophet (PBUH) prepared to fulfill his divine mission, aware that he had the support of his Lord and the unwavering loyalty of the believers who would come to stand by his side