The Night That Changed Everything: Muhammad’s Terrifying First Revelation

Under a star-studded sky atop a rugged mountain, a man faced an experience that would forever alter his life and the course of history. This was not a moment of joyful enlightenment but one marked by overwhelming fear and confusion. The command to 'Read' came with such force that it shook him to his core, despite his inability to read. The initial revelation was a terrifying encounter, filled with doubt and a desperate desire to escape.

Far from the triumphant images often portrayed, the prophet’s first experience was deeply human. He feared madness, possession by a jinn, or divine punishment. This skepticism and vulnerability highlight the profound psychological challenge of receiving a message from beyond human understanding.

In the days following, he sought solace in the support of his wife and trusted friends. The revelations continued, unfolding gradually, each fragment a piece of a grand vision. Yet the burden was immense, caught between the known world and the mysterious divine.

This intimate portrayal invites us to reconsider the nature of prophecy—not as instantaneous certainty but as a complex, often painful process requiring immense courage and faith.

From this profound beginning, the prophet’s message would soon face fierce opposition, setting the stage for a struggle that would define a generation.

Sources: New York Review Books, Goodreads insights, academic perspectives on early Islamic experiences. [[0]](#__0) [[1]](#__1) [[2]](#__2)