Summary of Quran Chapter 96 Surah Al-Alaq The Clot

Summary of Quran Chapter 96 Surah Al-Alaq The Clot 

All commentators agree that the first five verses of Surah Al-‘Alaq were the very first revelation received by the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) in the Cave of Hira. According to a hadith narrated by Hazrat Aisha Siddiqah (may Allah be pleased with her), the beginning of revelation to the Prophet (peace be upon him) came in the form of true dreams. Whatever dream he would see at night, its interpretation would manifest exactly as seen during the day. 

Then he developed a tendency toward seclusion. It was during this time that he would spend several nights at a time in the Cave of Hira. Hazrat Aisha says that he used to engage in worship in the cave. As for the nature of this worship in the solitude of the cave, all hadith commentators unanimously agree that he spent his time in contemplation and reflection [(tafakkur wa i‘tibar-تَفَكُّر واعتِبَار). ("Tafakkur wa i‘tibar" means: Reflecting deeply and learning valuable lessons, particularly through observing the world, pondering over creation, and understanding the deeper wisdom behind events. It emphasizes thoughtful reflection that leads to moral and spiritual growth)]. 

It was during this period that one day, while he was engaged in remembrance and reflection in the Cave of Hira, Hazrat Jibreel (Gabriel) came and said to him, "Iqra" (Read/Recite). The Prophet (peace be upon him) replied, "Ma ana bi qari" — "I am not a reader." Upon this, Jibreel embraced him tightly and then asked him to read again. The Prophet again said, "Ma ana bi qari. (ما أنا بقارئ)" Jibreel repeated the same act and received the same reply. Finally, after embracing him a third time, Jibreel said: 

"Read in the name of your Lord who created..." (Surah Al-‘Alaq: 96:1). 

These verses then flowed from the blessed tongue of the Prophet (peace be upon him). 

In this context, I agree with the narration that suggests that at the time of this revelation, Hazrat Jibreel brought a golden tablet with the verses inscribed on it. It is evident that if Jibreel had intended to teach him orally, the Prophet would not have responded as he did. Clearly, something appeared before him which he was expected to read, which is why he said, "I am not a reader."  

Another special aspect of this revelation was that Hazrat Jibreel (also known as Gabriel) appeared before the Prophet (peace be upon him) in his true angelic form. Although the Prophet was in a semi-awake, semi-sleep state, he saw Jibreel in his real form. That is why, when the fourth revelation was sent after a long gap (known as the "interval of revelation"), and Jibreel appeared to the Prophet on the horizon (as detailed in the opening verses of Surah Al-Muddathir), the Prophet recognized him immediately and said, “This is the same angel who came to me in the Cave of Hira.”  

(By Dr. Israr Ahmed, an Islamic Scholar) 

Hadith: 

Narrated 'Aisha (the mother of the faithful believers): 

The commencement of the Divine Inspiration to Allah's Messenger (PBUH) was in the form of good dreams which came true like bright daylight, and then the love of seclusion was bestowed upon him. He used to go in seclusion in the cave of Hira, where he used to worship (Allah alone) continuously for many days before his desire to see his family. 

He used to take with him the journey food for the stay and then come back to his wife. Khadija to take his food likewise again, till suddenly the Truth descended upon him while he was in the cave of Hira. The angel came to him and asked him to read. The Prophet (PBUH) replied, "I do not know how to read." The Prophet (PBUH) added, "The angel caught me (forcefully) and pressed me so hard that I could not bear it anymore. 

He then released me and again asked me to read and I replied, 'I do not know how to read.' Thereupon, he caught me again and pressed me a second time till I could not bear it anymore. He then released me and again asked me to read but again I replied, 'I do not know how to read (or what shall I read)?' 

Thereupon, he caught me for the third time and pressed me, and then released me and said, 'Read in the name of your Lord, who has created (all that exists), created man from a clot. Read! And your Lord is the Most Generous." (96.1, 96.2, 96.3) Then Allah's Messenger (PBUH) returned with the Inspiration and with his heart beating severely. Then he went to Khadija bint Khuwaylid and said, "Cover me! Cover me!" 

They covered him till his fear was over, and after that, he told her everything that had happened and said, "I fear that something may happen to me." Khadija replied, "Never! By Allah, Allah will never disgrace you. You keep good relations with your kith and kin, help the poor and the destitute, serve your guests generously, and assist the deserving calamity-afflicted ones." Khadija then accompanied him to her cousin Waraqa bin Naufal bin Asad bin 'Abdul 'Uzza, who, during the pre-Islamic Period, became a Christian and used to write the writing with Hebrew letters. 

He would write from the Gospel in Hebrew as much as Allah wished him to write. He was an old man and had lost his eyesight. Khadija said to Waraqa, "Listen to the story of your nephew, O my cousin!" Waraqa asked, "O my nephew! What have you seen?" Allah's Messenger (PBUH) described whatever he had seen. Waraqah said, "This is the same one who keeps the secrets (angel Gabriel) whom Allah had sent to Moses. I wish I were young and could live up to the time when your people would turn you out."

Allah's Messenger (PBUH) asked, "Will they drive me out?" Waraqah replied in the affirmative and said, "Anyone (man) who came with something similar to what you have brought was treated with hostility; and if I should remain alive till the day when you will be turned out, then I would support you strongly." But after a few days Waraqa died, and the Divine Inspiration was also paused for a while. 

• Reference: Sahih al-Bukhari 3. 
• In-book reference: Book 1, Hadith 3.