What Was the First Surah Revealed?
The first Surah revealed in the Quran was Surah Al-Alaq. This Surah marks the beginning of the revelation of the Quran. The first verses of Surah Al-Alaq were sent by Allah to Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) as guidance for all of humanity.
While Surah Yaseen and other Surahs were revealed later, understanding the first revelation helps us understand the true message of Islam. It shows that the message of Islam is based on knowledge, faith, and guidance from Allah. It also helps clarify how different Surahs were revealed over time and why they appear in their current order in the Quran.
The Start of the Revelation of the Quran
The Quran’s revelation started in the year 610 CE. Not everything was revealed at once; it was revealed over a period of 23 years and concluded in the year 632 CE. The first part to be revealed was the first five verses of Surah Al-Alaq. These verses taught Muslims to read, learn, and understand the knowledge of Allah.
The Surah begins with the word ‘Iqra,’ which means ‘read,’ and this shows how important it is to seek knowledge and understand the word of Allah. Even today, Muslims read it and understand the messages of different Surahs.
Each Surah offers a different and unique message about guidance, mercy, and wisdom. Such as Surah Yaseen, which brings comfort and strengthens faith, while Surah Al-Fatiha teaches us how to ask Allah for guidance and mercy in our daily lives.
When and Where Did the First Revelation Occur?
The first revelation came to Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) when he was 40 years old. It happened in the Cave of Hira, which is located on Mount Noor near the city of Makkah.
Prior to this revelation, Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) often went to this mountain for meditation and spent some alone time. He thought about the corruption, injustice, and other wrongful deeds that took place in society and felt sad about it. He stayed away from idol worship and instead searched for the divine truth.
The Angel Jibreel and the First Message
Allah sent Angel Jibreel (Gabriel) to deliver the first revelation. When the angel appeared in the cave, Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) was very frightened. Angel Jibreel asked him to read, and the Prophet (PBUH) replied that he could not read. This happened three times. After that, Angel Jibreel recited the first five verses of Surah Al-Alaq to him.
This moment was very powerful and marked the beginning of Prophet Muhammad’s (PBUH) mission as the final messenger of Allah.
What Happened After the Revelation
After the angel left, Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) returned home feeling shaken and afraid. He asked his wife, Khadijah (RA), to cover him. She comforted him with love and kind words and believed in him without any doubt. Her support played a very important role at the start of Islam.
She later took him to her cousin Waraqah ibn Nawfal, who confirmed that the angel who came was the same angel sent to earlier prophets.
The Timing of the First Revelation
The first revelation occurred in the month of Ramadan and on the ‘Night of Laylat-ul-Qadr.’ This night holds great significance for Muslims. The reward for praying and worshipping on this single night is equal to 1000 nights.
It is not confirmed on which exact night the revelation took place. Muslims today observe this night in reference to the following hadith of the Prophet (PBUH), who said:
“Look for the Night of Qadr in the last ten nights of Ramadan, on the night when nine or seven or five nights remain out of the last ten nights of Ramadan (i.e., 21, 23, 25, 27, 29, respectively).”
It means we should worship on the odd nights of the last ten days of Ramadan, and who knows, any night can be Laylat-ul-Qadr.
A Common Misunderstanding Regarding the First Surah
There is a common misconception that many people think Surah Al-Fatiha was the first Surah revealed because it appears at the beginning of the Quran. However, this is not true. Surah Al-Fatiha was revealed later. The first Surah revealed was Surah Al-Alaq, and only its first five verses came at that time.
The order of revelation is different from the order of Surahs in the Quran. The order of Surahs was guided by Angel Jibril to the Prophet (PBUH).
Conclusion
Surah Al-Alaq was the start of the divine guidance to all humanity. It brought in Islam as a religion that encourages knowledge, reflection, and belief in Allah. The first word that was revealed means ‘read,’ which reminds us that learning is a lifelong responsibility of every believer.
The story of this first revelation shows how a single divine moment can change the course of history and guide generations toward truth and light. Today, many people reflect on this message by reciting and listening to its beautiful recitations like those by Qari Abdul Basit. Whose soothing voice makes every verse and its meaning perfectly clear.
FAQs
What was the first Surah revealed in the Quran?
The first Surah revealed was Surah Al-Alaq, and only the first five verses were revealed at the beginning.
Where was the first revelation of the Quran received?
The first revelation was received in the Cave of Hira on Mount Noor, near Makkah.
Who brought the first revelation to Prophet Muhammad (PBUH)?
The first revelation was brought by Angel Jibreel (Gabriel) on the command of Allah.
At what age did Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) receive the first revelation?
Prophet Muhammad ﷺ was 40 years old when he received the first revelation.
