Seerah - The Life of the Prophet (pbuh)

The Archangel Jibr|l u appeared before him. Jibr|l u commanded
him to “Read.” Stunned at the spectacle, the Prophet r replied, “I
cannot read.” He later described the rest of the ordeal: “He took me
and embraced me with such might that it left me exhausted. He then
released me and repeated, “Read.” I again replied “I cannot read”.
Once again he embraced me with the same force, causing much
exhaustion. He then released me again and repeated “Read”. I again
said, “I cannot read.” He embraced me for a third time and then
released me saying:
“Read in the name of your Lord, Who created –
created man from a clot.
Read and your Lord is the most Gracious,
He Who taught the use of the pen;
taught man which he knew not.” (96:1-5)
Mu#ammad r returned from the cave shivering with fear. He entered
his house and cried out to his wife Khad|jah y, “Cover me! Cover me.”
She covered him with a cloak. He then recounted what he had seen
and heard in the cave of *ir\’. “I feared for my life,” he explained. His
faithful companion consoled him, saying, “All\h will never disgrace
you. You join family ties; you bear the burden of the weak; you assist
the poor and needy, you entertain guests and help others enduring
hardships in the path of truth.”
She then took the Prophet r to her cousin, Waraqah ibn Nawfal, an
old and learned Christian. The Prophet r related to him what he had
experienced, upon which Waraqah exclaimed, “This is the very Angel
that came to M[s\ u! O! If that I were younger – if only I would
remain alive when your people will drive you away from your home.”
Mu#ammad r astonishingly asked, “What! will they drive me out?”
Waraqah answered, “Yes, none has ever come with the like of what
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