The advent of Islam began with a momentous event known as the First Revelation, which initiated the prophetic mission of [Muhammad](/dashboard/quran/genealogy/muhammad) (peace be upon him). This revelation occurred in the Cave of Hira, where the Angel Jibril (Gabriel) appeared to the Prophet, delivering the first verses of the Quran. The early Muslims, including some of the Prophet's closest family and [companions](/dashboard/wiki/the-ten-promised-paradise-al-ashara-al-mubashsharun), embraced Islam quietly during a period of secret da'wah before the message was proclaimed publicly. This article explores the circumstances of the First Revelation, the initial believers, and the challenges faced by the early Muslim community.
## The Cave of Hira and the First Revelation
The Cave of Hira, located on the Mountain of Light ([Jabal](/dashboard/quran/genealogy/jabal) al-Nour) near [Mecca](/dashboard/wiki/the-conquest-of-mecca-fath-makkah), is historically significant as the site where [Prophet Muhammad](/dashboard/quran/genealogy/prophet-muhammad) (peace be upon him) received his first divine communication. Seeking solitude for reflection, he often retreated to this cave. During one such retreat in the month of Ramadan, Angel Jibril appeared to him and commanded, "Read!" (Quran 96:1). [Muhammad](/dashboard/quran/genealogy/muhammad) responded that he could not read, and the angel repeated the command three times, revealing the initial verses of Surah Al-‘Alaq (96:1-5). This moment marked the commencement of the Quranic revelation and the prophetic mission.
## The Appearance of Angel Jibril
Angel Jibril's appearance to [Muhammad](/dashboard/quran/genealogy/muhammad) was both awe-inspiring and overwhelming. The Prophet described the encounter as terrifying, feeling the weight of the divine message. Jibril conveyed the first five verses of the Quran, emphasizing the importance of knowledge, [creation](/dashboard/wiki/creation-of-the-heavens-and-earth), and the human origin from a clot of blood (Quran 96:1-5). This event is foundational in [Islamic theology](/dashboard/wiki/qadar-divine-decree-and-free-will), underscoring the role of revelation as guidance from Allah to humanity.
## Khadijah’s Support and Waraqah ibn Nawfal’s Confirmation
After the first revelation, [Muhammad](/dashboard/quran/genealogy/muhammad) returned home shaken and distressed. His wife Khadijah comforted and reassured him, affirming her belief in his prophethood. She was the first to accept Islam, becoming the first Muslim woman. Khadijah then took Muhammad to her cousin, [Waraqah ibn Nawfal](/dashboard/quran/genealogy/waraqah-ibn-nawfal), a Christian scholar familiar with earlier [scriptures](/dashboard/wiki/the-four-revealed-scriptures-tawrat-zabur-injil-quran). Waraqah confirmed that Muhammad had been chosen as a prophet, likening his experience to that of Moses. This validation was crucial in strengthening Muhammad's resolve to continue his mission.
## The First Believers
The earliest converts to Islam were those closest to the Prophet. Khadijah was the first to believe, followed by his cousin [Ali ibn Abi Talib](/dashboard/quran/genealogy/ali-ibn-abi-talib), who was a youth at the time. [Abu Bakr](/dashboard/quran/genealogy/al-humaydi), a trusted friend and respected Meccan, was among the first adult male converts. [Zayd ibn Harithah](/dashboard/quran/genealogy/zayd-ibn-harithah), [Muhammad](/dashboard/quran/genealogy/muhammad)’s freed slave and adopted son, also embraced Islam early on. These individuals formed the nucleus of the nascent Muslim community, supporting the Prophet through the initial phase of revelation and propagation.
## The Secret Da'wah Period
For approximately three years following the first revelation, the Prophet conducted his mission in secrecy. During this period, the message of Islam was shared quietly among close family and friends to avoid the hostility of the [Quraysh](/dashboard/quran/genealogy/fihr-ibn-malik) tribe. This secret da'wah allowed the early Muslims to grow in [faith](/dashboard/wiki/tawakkul-reliance-on-allah) and numbers discreetly, preparing for the eventual public proclamation of Islam. The Quran refers to this phase indirectly, emphasizing patience and perseverance (Quran 74:1-7).
## Persecution of Early Muslims
As Islam began to spread publicly, the early Muslims faced severe persecution from the [Quraysh](/dashboard/quran/genealogy/fihr-ibn-malik), who saw the new [faith](/dashboard/wiki/tawakkul-reliance-on-allah) as a threat to their social and economic order. The Prophet and his followers endured social boycott, verbal abuse, physical torture, and economic sanctions. Despite these hardships, the early Muslims remained steadfast, relying on their faith and the support of the Prophet. This period of persecution is well documented in Islamic sources and highlights the resilience of the early Muslim community.