Peaceful Beginning of the Prophetic Mission

wanted the answers to these essential questions about the truth. For nothing less than the truth could satisfy his soul. This phase of the Prophet’s life is referred to in the Quran in this verse: “Did He not find you wandering and give you guidance?” (93:7) He spent the whole month of Ramadan in the Cave of Hira. Finally, after the Prophet had spent six long months in the cave, God turned to him in mercy to guide him to the path of truth. At age 40, on 12 February 610 AD, the Prophet was sitting alone in his cave when the angel of the Lord appeared to him in human form, bringing the first message from God. The Prophet’s quest had finally been rewarded. God had granted him guidance and chosen him as His Prophet. The first revelation received by the Prophet forms part of the beginning of the ninety-sixth chapter of the Quran: “Read! In the name of your Lord, who created: created man from a clot [of blood]. Read! Your