He used to withdraw to the Cave of Ḥirāʾ, staying there for a number of consecutive nights, worshipping Allah in the religion of Abraham, upon pure monotheism. When he reached the age of forty—may Allah bless him and grant him peace—revelation descended upon him. Gabriel came to him in the Cave of Ḥirāʾ and said, “Recite.” He answered, “I am not a reader,” meaning he did not know how to read. The angel embraced him in a powerful clasp, released him, and again said, “Recite.” He replied, “I am not a reader.” Gabriel embraced him a second time, released him, and said once more, “Recite.” He repeated, “I am not a reader.” Then the angel proclaimed: “Recite in the name of your Lord who created, created humankind from a clot” [Al-ʿAlaq 1–2].

That was the beginning of his Prophethood, may Allah bless him and grant him peace; Allah made him a prophet with the word “Recite.” Trembling with fear after encountering something utterly unfamiliar and awe-inspiring, he returned home. His wife Khadijah—may Allah be pleased with her—wrapped him in a cloak and calmed him, saying, “Never! By Allah, Allah will never disgrace you. You uphold family ties, honor the guest, bear the burdens of the weak, and assist people in times of hardship.” She comforted him and took him to her cousin Waraqah ibn Nawfal, who had renounced idolatry and studied the earlier scriptures in devotion to Allah. When the Prophet described what he had seen, Waraqah said, “This is the Namus who used to descend upon Moses”—that is, Gabriel, peace be upon him.