Islamic Prophets have guided humanity throughout history, each delivering a message of divine truth. Among them, Prophet Muhammad ﷽ stands as the final and greatest messenger, completing the legacy of all who came before him. At the age of 40, he received his first revelation, a moment that marked the beginning of a global spiritual revolution.
This post explores that divine moment and how it defined his role among the most revered Islamic Prophets.
The Mission of Islamic Prophets Before Prophet Muhammad ﷽
Before Prophet Muhammad ﷽, a long line of Islamic Prophets had come with messages of guidance, monotheism, and moral reform. From Adam to Nuh (Noah), from Ibrahim (Abraham) to Musa (Moses), and Isa (Jesus), each was sent to lead their people toward truth and righteousness.
Their missions, though distinct in detail, shared core themes:
Worship of one God
Justice and compassion
Truth and patience
Calling people away from idol worship and corruption
Prophet Muhammad ﷽ was chosen to complete and seal this chain of Prophets with the final revelation.
Revelation Begins in Cave Hira
In the spiritually barren environment of Makkah, where idol worship and injustice were rampant, Prophet Muhammad ﷽ would retreat to Cave Hira for reflection and worship.
There, during the month of Ramadan, Angel Jibreel (Gabriel) 💚 appeared and commanded:
“Iqra!” (Read!)
The Prophet ﷽, unlettered, responded:
“I am not one who can read.”
After three repetitions and a firm embrace, the first verses of Surah Al-‘Alaq were revealed:
“Read in the name of your Lord who created…”
This marked the beginning of the Qur’an, the final divine book, and a new chapter in the story of Islamic Prophets.
Support from Family and Early Believers
Overwhelmed by the experience, the Prophet ﷽ returned home to Khadijah bint Khuwaylid رضی اللہ عنہ, who comforted and reassured him. She became the first believer.
Khadijah took him to her cousin Waraqah ibn Nawfal, a knowledgeable Christian. Waraqah confirmed the experience:
“This is the same angel who came to Musa (Moses). If I live to see your mission, I will support you.”
Among the early believers were:
Khadijah (his wife)
Ali ibn Abi Talib (his cousin)
Zayd ibn Harithah (his adopted son)
Abu Bakr as-Siddiq (his close friend)
Through Abu Bakr, others like Uthman, Talha, and Zubair accepted Islam.
The Early Call of an Islamic Prophet
For the first three years, the Prophet ﷽ called people to Islam secretly. These years were about:
Building trust and faith
Teaching core values: monotheism, kindness, humility
Avoiding open conflict with Quraysh
The focus of this period was on strengthening hearts.
Public Declaration of Islam and Its Impact
Then came the command:
“Proclaim openly what you are commanded…” (Qur’an 15:94)
The Prophet ﷽ ascended Mount Safa and gathered the Quraysh tribes. He asked:
“If I told you an army was behind this hill, would you believe me?”
They said, “Yes. You are Al-Ameen.”
He then said:
“I am a warner to you before a severe punishment.”
Abu Lahab, his uncle, mocked him. In response, Allah revealed:
“Perish the hands of Abu Lahab…” (Surah Al-Masad)
This public call sparked strong reactions, marking a bold phase in the Prophet’s mission as one of the final Islamic Prophets.
Opposition and Steadfastness
As the message spread, so did opposition. The Quraysh tried to:
Bribe the Prophet ﷽ with wealth and status
Intimidate and torture believers
Boycott Muslims
Spread false propaganda
Still, the Prophet ﷽ stood firm, saying:
“Even if they placed the sun in my right hand and the moon in my left, I would never abandon this mission.”
This shows the same determination shared by previous Islamic Prophets, who never compromised truth.
Lessons from the Life of the Greatest Islamic Prophet
The declaration of Prophethood teaches us that:
Truth always meets resistance
Patience is a sign of strength
Support from loyal companions is a mercy
A small, sincere group can bring massive change
One man can illuminate the world when guided by divine light
Conclusion: A Light for All Humanity
The declaration of Prophethood was a defining moment not only in the life of the Prophet Muhammad ﷽ but in the mission of all Islamic Prophets. It was the final echo of divine guidance that sealed centuries of revelation.
Today, we continue to learn, reflect, and grow from this light.
Share this post so others may connect with the message of the final Prophet ﷽ and the legacy of all Islamic Prophets.
