On the mission -- From Hira

When the Apostle neared his fortieth year he developed inclination toward solitude and started retiring in the Cave of Hira taking his ration of water and roosted barley. The cave of Hira is about two miles from Makka where he mused about the cosmos and meditated to find out the realities operative in the background of the natural phenomena. His grandfather Abdul Mutleb also used to stay in that cave for a whole month once in a year,

One night the archangel Gabriel appeared before Holy Prophet (PIRA and said to him, “Read!"

The Prophet replied,;'I am not versed with reading."

Gabriel embraced him and squeezed and told him to read. He again said that he couldn't read. Gabriel again hugged him and told him to read, the Prophet's answer remained the same. Gabriel once again took him in his arms and pressed him against his chest and said,

“Read in the Name of Thy Lord who made ye from a clot of blood, Read! And thy Lord is the most beneficent who taught knowledge (to man) by using the Pen and taught him what he.

(Quran: Sura Alaq)

After having gone through this novel experience, Holy Prophet (PBUH) proceeded to his house. He had grown pale and was feeling very low, on every step or two he had to rest against walls when he reached his house. A strange weakness had gripped him. He was hardly pulling himself to walk. Khadija helped him to his bed and asked him about his debilitated state. "Cover me. put a blanket upon me, he demanded. She did as was asked.

After sometime when he felt somewhat better He related the whole incident and expressed his fear that his life is about to end. Khadija comforted him saying. "God will not let any harm reach you. You help others sympathize them protect them and are hospitable in your manners."

Then later on she took him to her cousin Warqa Bin Noffel. When Warqa Bin Noffel listened to the whole happening that had taken place in the Cave of Hira, he said. This indeed is the same honorable message that was earlier sent for Moses. Technically the Honorable Message meant those Commandments, which were to be obeyed by the mankind. Warqa Bin Noffel addressing the Holy Prophet (PBUH) said. "The people will turn your enemies because of the Message that you have brought. I wish that God might grant me this much life that I could help you against your enemies."

For three years he used to spend his nights in the Cave of Hira where he mediated and pondered about the Eternal God till morning. At times he would heard the Voice of Gabriel that did not say anything except that "O Mohammad you are an Apostle of God and I am His angel Gabriel."

One night Gabriel came and rehearsed the verses of Sura .41-Duha to Holy Prophet (PBUH). In Arabic Wad duha means that God is swearing of that time when the sunlight starts permeating the horizon and the light gradually enlightens every nook and corner of the earth and then the sun sets in with all its majesty.

Wal lail-e-iza sajaa, the second verse of this Sura is another swearing. Like the first swearing this, too, hints profound meanings. In this verse God has sworn for that time of night  when the darkness befalls and the whole world is engulfed by the darkness and the silence prevails in such a manner that even a slight sound at a faraway distance is heard like the one produced somewhere nearby.

In the third verse of this Sura addressing His Apostle God has said. "Thy Lard has not forsaken thee, nor is he displeased with ye.” In this verse the worries taking place in the mind of Holy Prophet (PBUH) have been addressed to saying that you were anguished that God has left you alone after making Him known to you and have retreated away from you. No, it is not so. God has not forsaken you and He still loves you and would continue to do so.

The very first person who believed him and expressed faith in him was his wife Khadija. Next was his cousin Ali Ibn-e-Ibi Talib, who had been reared up by Holy Prophet (PBUH) like his son. Third one who joined the faithful was Zaid (RA) a slave whom Holy Prophet (PBUH) had granted freedom but he had refused to go to his father saying that Holy Prophet was dearer to him than his own father and mother.

For three years i.e. from 610 AD to 613 AD number of Muslims, including Holy Prophet (PBUH) in totaled to four only. In the year 613 Ad when Abu Bakkar (RA) embraced Islam their number grew to four.