Muhammad’s Prophethood (SAW) comprised two periods; the Makkan period and the Madinan period. The Makkan period comprised three stages; the private invitation to Islam; the public invitation to Islam; the invitation to Islam beyond Makkah.
When Allah was ready to bestow his mercy on Earth he began to reveal his message to Muhammad (SAW). Muhammad (SAW) was forty years old at the time[1], receiving dreams (that always came true) and, committed to seclusion in the cave of Hira’, was engaged in Tahannuth (devotion). The angel Jibreel came to Muhammad (SAW) and ordered him three times to ‘recite’.
It was in this way that the Revelation began commanding Muhammad (SAW) to: “arise and warn!” people; to “magnify” Allah (without partners); to purify his body and garments; to stay away from idols; to avoid false kindness; and to be patient.[2]
It is worth noting that the Revelation came in different stages and in different forms including visions, Jibreel invisibly into the Prophet’s mind, Jibreel in the form of a human, Jibreel like the tolling of a bell, Jibreel as an actual angel, Allah’s direct revelation in heaven and Allah’s words first-hand without the mediation of Jibreel.
Muhammad (SAW) began his sacred task at home and it was Khadijah, his first wife, who was first to embrace Islam followed by his freed slave Harithah, his cousin ‘Ali bin Abi Talib and his dear friend Abu Bakr As-Siddiq. Aware of the strength of the idol worshiping Arabs of Makkah and their grip on the Ka’bah, Muhammad (SAW) continued with his mission in secrecy for three years. However, as the number of followers grew, the time came for the Revelation to be shared with all the people of Makkah and to confront their false and idolatrous ways.
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[1] August 10, 610 C.E. – The Sealed Nectar – P113
[2] Qur’an 74:1-7
