Khadija, the nāmūs al-akbar (the supreme bearer of revelation) who used to come to Moses has now come to him, and he is surely the prophet of this ummah. Tell him, therefore, to stand firm.’
Khadija returned to the Messenger of Allah and conveyed Waraqah’s words to him. When his period of retreat ended, he circumambulated the Kaʿbah. While he was making ṭawāf, he met Waraqah, who said, ‘Tell me what you have seen and heard.’ The Prophet related his experience, whereupon Waraqah declared, ‘By Him in whose hand is my soul, you are the prophet of this nation. The nāmūs al-akbar who came to Moses has indeed come to you. People will certainly brand you a liar, harm you, drive you out, and fight against you. Should I live to see that day, I will aid Allah with a support the like of which He Himself will acknowledge.’ He then drew the Prophet’s head toward him and kissed the crown of it.
Mūsā ibn ʿUqbah states in his Maghāzī: According to what has reached us, the very first thing Allah caused His Messenger (peace and blessings be upon him) to behold was a vision during sleep, and it weighed heavily upon him. He mentioned it to Khadija, and Allah safeguarded her and opened her heart to faith, so she said, ‘Rejoice!’ He then told her that he had seen his abdomen split open, purified and washed, and then restored to its original state. She replied, ‘By Allah, this is good indeed—so rejoice!’ Thereafter Gabriel appeared to him at the heights of Mecca and seated him in a noble and wondrous place. The Prophet used to say, ‘He seated me upon a carpet like a thick brocade strewn with rubies and pearls, and he gave me glad tidings of Allah’s message until my heart was at ease.’
The mention of his abdomen being opened may mean that he was recounting what occurred to him in childhood; it may also indicate that it was opened a second time, and then a third on the night of his ascension to the heavens.
Ibn Bukayr, citing Ibn Isḥāq, reported that Waraqah composed the following verses:
If what you say is true, Khadija, then know it well:
Ahmad has been sent—a Messenger here to dwell.
Gabriel comes to him, and Michael too is near,
Bringing down from Allah a light that makes hearts clear.
Triumphant is the one who turns in penitence sincere;
Wretched is the captive soul that roams in heedless fear.
Glory to Him at whose command the restless breezes roll—
The One who, through all days, does whatsoever He wills to do and control.