Part 1 · Page 302
Revelation Comes after the Delay
English rendering of the source section
Local English translation from the Arabic text; Qur’anic citations and editorial explanations are distinguished.
This local English rendering may condense the Arabic narration and editorial notes. It is not a complete published English edition. Consult the Arabic source for exact wording and context.
Read the corresponding Arabic sectionThe delay in revelation saddened the Messenger, and people in Makkah began to spread rumors. Gabriel then came with Surah al-Kahf, addressing his grief and bringing the account of the young men, the traveller, and the spirit. When the Messenger said Gabriel had been absent, Gabriel replied with Qur’an 19:64: “We do not descend except by the command of your Lord. To Him belongs what is before us, what is behind us, and what is between; your Lord is never forgetful.”
Ibn Ishaq explains the opening praise, “Praise belongs to Allah who sent down the Book upon His servant” (18:1), as affirming Muhammad’s Prophethood. The Book is straight, without contradiction; it warns of a severe punishment and gives believers who do good the promise of lasting reward. It warns those who claim that Allah has taken a son, including Quraysh’s claim that the angels are His daughters. The claim is grave and unsupported by knowledge. The passage then tells the Messenger not to destroy himself with grief if people reject the message (18:6).
Ibn Hisham explains that “destroying oneself” means perishing from grief and cites Arabic poetry using the verb. The commentary preserves variants in the timing of the pause in revelation.