The Story of the Seal of the Prophets and Leader of the Messengers—upon whom the Qurʾan was sent down as a guidance and mercy for the believers.

Know that the prophetic sīrah, the life of our Prophet Muḥammad ﷺ, is the greatest aid to understanding the interpretation of Allah’s Book. The Qurʾan was revealed in step with the events of his life: in connection with what he said to people, in reply to what was said to him, to establish the truth he had brought, and to demolish the doctrines he had come to overthrow. Such is the wisdom behind its gradual revelation, as Allah says, “Thus We revealed it in stages so that We might steady your heart thereby; and We have recited it in measured recitation. And every time they bring you an argument, We bring you the truth and the best explanation” (25:32–33), and, “Each account of the messengers that We relate to you is to make your heart firm; and in these accounts the truth has come to you” (11:120).

Let us therefore mention from his sīrah such episodes as correspond to the circumstances of particular verses, or at least to a given branch of Qurʾanic study, so that they may assist us in this undertaking.

• The first of his stations with respect to the descent of the Qurʾan is this: before his commissioning, the worship of idols had become utterly hateful to him, as had every indecent word and deed. He was created ﷺ upon a pure natural disposition, fully prepared to accept the truth both in knowledge and in action; and it was Allah who purified, sanctified, and perfected his heart.

Because of his intense longing for whatever brings one near to Allah, he would withdraw to the Cave of Hira for several consecutive days, taking provisions from which he would feed the poor. There he devoted himself to worship and tahannuth (spiritual seclusion), his heart completely attached to his Lord. He practiced the devotions that had reached him in that pre-Islamic era devoid of true knowledge, and even then he excelled in beneficence toward people.