Question Breakdown
The question contains three parts. Firstly, it asks when and how the revelation to the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) began. This involves mentioning the circumstances, location, and medium of the first revelation. Secondly, it asks for the identification of the first and last verses of the Qur’an. Lastly, the question demands an explanation of the reality or essence of Wahee, its definition, types, and role in transmitting divine will to humanity. The answer should comprehensively address all parts using Qur’anic verses and authentic Hadith references.
Outline
- Introduction
- Definition and Reality of Wahee
- A. Linguistic and Technical Meaning
- B. Purpose and Significance
- C. Types of Wahee
- Commencement of Revelation
- A. Background of the Arabian Peninsula
- B. Prophet Muhammad’s Spiritual Retreats in Cave Hira
- C. The First Revelation through Angel Jibreel
- Details of the First Revealed Ayah
- A. Surah Al-Alaq (96:1–5)
- B. Impact on the Prophet (PBUH)
- C. Validation by Waraqah ibn Nawfal
- Details of the Last Revealed Ayah
- A. Surah Al-Baqarah (2:281) or Surah Al-Ma’idah (5:3)
- B. Context of the Final Revelations
- C. Scholarly Opinions on Final Verse
- Stages and Preservation of Revelation
- A. Gradual Revelation over 23 Years
- B. Compilation of the Qur’an
- Conclusion
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Answer to the Question
Introduction
Revelation (Wahee) is the divine medium through which Allah communicates His guidance to His chosen messengers. In the Islamic tradition, the final and complete form of Wahee was sent to Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) over twenty-three years, providing comprehensive spiritual, moral, and legal guidance for mankind. The beginning of this process marked the turning point in human history, with the descent of the first verses in the dark cave of Hira, which illuminated the world with divine knowledge.
Definition and Reality of Wahee
A. Linguistic and Technical Meaning
The Arabic word Wahee linguistically means "to give a message secretly and swiftly." Technically, it refers to the direct communication from Allah to His prophets, whether through an angel, inspiration, or a dream.
B. Purpose and Significance
Wahee serves as the divine source of knowledge and law. It is beyond human speculation and ensures that divine will is conveyed accurately and preserved.
C. Types of Wahee
Islamic scholars classify Wahee into several types:
- Direct Inspiration (Ilham): Without an angel (e.g., dreams of Prophets).
- Behind a Veil: As in Musa (AS) hearing Allah directly.
- Through Angel Jibreel: The most common form during the Prophet Muhammad’s life.
Commencement of Revelation
A. Background of the Arabian Peninsula
Arabia before Islam was steeped in ignorance, tribal conflicts, and moral decline. The Prophet (PBUH), seeking solitude and reflection, used to meditate in Ghar-e-Hira near Makkah.
B. Prophet Muhammad’s Spiritual Retreats in Cave Hira
At the age of 40, while meditating during the month of Ramadan, the Prophet received the first divine message. Angel Jibreel (AS) appeared and commanded him to read.
C. The First Revelation through Angel Jibreel
The angel said: "Read (Iqra)", to which the Prophet replied, "I am not one who reads." Jibreel embraced him and repeated this three times, then revealed the first verses of Surah Al-Alaq.
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Details of the First Revealed Ayat
A. Surah Al-Alaq (96:1–5)
The first verses were, "Read in the name of your Lord who created. Created man from a clinging clot. 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)
B. Impact on the Prophet (PBUH)
The Prophet (PBUH) returned home trembling and asked his wife Khadijah (RA) to cover him. He feared something had happened to him, but she reassured him of his upright character.
C. Validation by Waraqah ibn Nawfal
Khadijah took him to her cousin Waraqah, a Christian scholar, who confirmed, "This is the same angel that came to Musa (AS)." This validated the beginning of revelation.
Analysis of the Last Revealed Ayat
A. Surah Al-Baqarah (2:281)
Many scholars consider the following as the last revealed verse:
"And fear the Day when you will be returned to Allah. Then every soul will be compensated for what it earned, and they will not be wronged."
(Surah Al-Baqarah 2:281)
B. Surah Al-Ma’idah (5:3)
Others regard this verse as the final legislative command:
"This day I have perfected for you your religion and completed My favor upon you and have approved for you Islam as your religion."
(Surah Al-Ma’idah 5:3)
C. Scholarly Opinions on Final Verse
While the difference exists, it is widely accepted that Surah Al-Ma’idah (5:3) was among the last verses revealed in terms of law, whereas Surah Al-Baqarah (2:281) was among the final in chronological order.
Stages and Preservation of Revelation
A. Gradual Revelation over 23 Years
The Qur’an was revealed gradually to:
- Strengthen the Prophet’s heart.
- Solve the arising issues of the Ummah.
- Provide consistent moral training.
B. Compilation of the Qur’an
The verses were memorized, written, and compiled during the Prophet’s life and officially collected into one Mushaf during the caliphate of Abu Bakr (RA) and standardized under Uthman (RA).
Conclusion
Wahee is the most significant medium of divine-human communication. It began in the silence of Cave Hira, revolutionizing not only Arabia but the entire world. The first verses taught the value of knowledge, and the last warned of accountability. Wahee continues to serve as an eternal guide, preserving Allah’s will for humanity. Understanding its reality, origin, and stages is crucial to appreciating the foundation of Islamic teachings and spiritual development.
