Signs of Prophethood

Before receiving the first revelation, Prophet Muhammad ﷺ began experiencing dreams that would come true, and he heard greetings from stones and trees as he passed by. These early signs were part of his spiritual and psychological preparation for the great task ahead—becoming the final messenger of Allah. These moments readied him for the divine revelations he would soon receive.

The First Revelation in the Cave of Hira

Aisha رَضِيَ اللهُ عَنْھَا said that the Prophet ﷺ first began receiving revelation through true dreams, after which he grew fond of seclusion and would spend days worshipping alone in the cave of Hira. One day, the angel Jibreel appeared to him and commanded him to read. The Prophet ﷺ replied that he could not read, and the angel pressed him tightly three times before reciting the first verses of Surah Al-‘Alaq. Deeply shaken, the Prophet ﷺ returned home with his heart trembling and asked Khadija رَضِيَ اللهُ عَنْھَا to cover him. He told her what had happened, expressing his fear, but Khadija رَضِيَ اللهُ عَنْھَا reassured him, saying Allah would never disgrace him because of his noble character and service to others.

Khadija رَضِيَ اللهُ عَنْهَا accompanied the Prophet ﷺ and consulted her cousin, Waraka ibn Nawfal, a learned Christian scholar well-versed in religious scriptures. Waraka confirmed the prophetic nature of Muhammad’s ﷺ experience, recognizing it as a divine message similar to those received by previous prophets. He foretold the trials and persecution Muhammad ﷺ would face, a prediction that would soon prove true. Waraka’s encouragement and belief in Muhammad’s ﷺ mission provided the Prophet ﷺ with reassurance as he began his journey as a messenger of Allah.

The Pause in Revelation and the Second Message

After the first revelation, there was a pause for several months during which the Prophet ﷺ returned to his normal life. Then, while walking, he heard a voice and saw the angel Jibreel sitting on a throne spanning the heavens and the earth. Overcome with fear, he hurried back to Khadija رَضِيَ اللهُ عَنْھَا asking to be covered, and it was then that Jibreel brought the second revelation. It began with the words, "O you who is wrapped up, arise and warn," from Surah Al-Muddathir. This marked the call to action, instructing Muhammad ﷺ to actively spread the message of Islam. 

This second revelation signaled the beginning of Muhammad’s ﷺ public mission, urging him to warn people and guide them toward truth, justice, and devotion to Allah.

Types of Revelation Experienced by Prophets

Prophets received revelation in many different ways, each unique in how the divine message reached them. Sometimes, it came in the form of true dreams, the gentlest form of revelation, still accessible to ordinary people today. At other times, angels would whisper guidance, as in the story of Musa’s عَلَيْهِ السَّلَامُ mother, and prophets often encountered angels in human form. The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ experienced many such meetings with Angel Jibril, sometimes seeing him in his true majestic form—a rare blessing he witnessed at least twice. The highest form of revelation, however, was when Allah spoke directly, a miracle Muhammad ﷺ experienced during the Isra and Mi‘raj.

Nabi vs. Rasul: Distinction in Prophethood

It is generally understood that a Nabi is a prophet who receives a message but may not bring a new Sharia (law), while a Rasul is sent with a new Sharia to guide the people. Scholars have discussed the distinction in detail, with Ibn Taymiyyah offering a clearer explanation. He states that while most Rasuls do bring a new Sharia, this is not an absolute rule. A Rasul is typically sent to people who initially reject him, whereas a Nabi’s message is directed to those who already accept his authority.