Revelation and the Prophetic Mission
Translated selection
The Prophet’s Mission Begins
Ibn Ishaq relates that Allah sent Muhammad at the age of forty and cites the covenant of the Prophets in Qur’an 3:81.
Ibn Ishaq, with Ibn Hisham’s editorial notes
Revelation and the Prophetic Mission
42 English Seerah entries
Revelation and the Prophetic Mission
Translated selection
The First True Visions
‘A’ishah reports that true visions were the first stage of Prophethood and that solitude became beloved to the Messenger.
Ibn Ishaq, with Ibn Hisham’s editorial notes
Revelation and the Prophetic Mission
Translated selection
Stones and Trees Greet the Messenger
A report says that stones and trees greeted the Messenger as he went into Makkah’s valleys; the narrative then turns to Gabriel’s coming at Hira.
Ibn Ishaq, with Ibn Hisham’s editorial notes
Revelation and the Prophetic Mission
Translated selection
The Beginning of Gabriel’s Revelation
The Messenger’s retreat at Hira, the first revelation, and his encounter with Gabriel are related across the source pages.
Ibn Ishaq, with Ibn Hisham’s editorial notes
Revelation and the Prophetic Mission
Translated selection
Ibn Hisham on the Meaning of Tahannuth
Ibn Hisham discusses the word tahannuth and its relation to tahannuf, while recording a different explanation that connects it with leaving sin.
Ibn Ishaq, with Ibn Hisham’s editorial notes
Revelation and the Prophetic Mission
Translated selection
The Messenger Tells Khadijah about Gabriel
After the first revelation, the Messenger returns to Khadijah and begins recounting what happened with Gabriel.
Ibn Ishaq, with Ibn Hisham’s editorial notes
Revelation and the Prophetic Mission
Translated selection
Khadijah Consults Waraqah about the Messenger
Khadijah tells Waraqah what the Messenger experienced. Waraqah recognizes the angel of revelation, affirms the Messenger’s Prophethood, and foretells the opposition he will face.
Ibn Ishaq, with Ibn Hisham’s editorial notes
Revelation and the Prophetic Mission
Translated selection
Khadijah Tests the Sign of Revelation
Khadijah asks whether the Messenger can still see Gabriel as she changes his position and loosens her veil; when Gabriel departs, she concludes that he is an angel, not a devil.
Ibn Ishaq, with Ibn Hisham’s editorial notes
Revelation and the Prophetic Mission
Translated selection
The Beginning of the Qur’an’s Revelation
Ibn Ishaq places the beginning of revelation in Ramadan, cites Qur’anic passages about its descent, and describes the Messenger’s resolve amid opposition.
Ibn Ishaq, with Ibn Hisham’s editorial notes
Revelation and the Prophetic Mission
Translated selection
Khadijah Accepts Islam
Khadijah is the first to believe in the Messenger and supports and comforts him as his people reject and oppose him.
Ibn Ishaq, with Ibn Hisham’s editorial notes
Revelation and the Prophetic Mission
Translated selection
Glad Tidings of a House of Hollow Pearls
The Messenger gives Khadijah glad tidings of a house in Paradise in which there will be neither clamor nor weariness.
Ibn Ishaq, with Ibn Hisham’s editorial notes
Revelation and the Prophetic Mission
Translated selection
Gabriel Conveys Allah’s Greeting to Khadijah
Gabriel conveys greetings to Khadijah from her Lord, and she returns the greeting to Allah and Gabriel.
Ibn Ishaq, with Ibn Hisham’s editorial notes
Revelation and the Prophetic Mission
Translated selection
The Pause in Revelation and Surah al-Duha
After revelation paused, Surah al-Duha reassures the Messenger that Allah had not abandoned him and recalls the care Allah had given him.
Ibn Ishaq, with Ibn Hisham’s editorial notes
Revelation and the Prophetic Mission
Translated selection
Ibn Hisham’s Explanation of Surah al-Duha Vocabulary
Ibn Hisham explains selected words in Surah al-Duha through Arabic usage and poetry, with editorial notes on difficult terms and variants.
Ibn Ishaq, with Ibn Hisham’s editorial notes
Revelation and the Prophetic Mission
Translated selection
The Prescription of Prayer
The account describes the first form of the prescribed prayers, Gabriel teaching ablution and prayer, and the report that he demonstrated the prayer times.
Ibn Ishaq, with Ibn Hisham’s editorial notes
Revelation and the Prophetic Mission
Translated selection
The Prayers Were First Two Units Each
‘A’ishah reports that each prayer was first two units, later increased at home while remaining two units during travel.
Ibn Ishaq, with Ibn Hisham’s editorial notes
Revelation and the Prophetic Mission
Translated selection
Gabriel Teaches the Messenger Ablution and Prayer
A report says Gabriel demonstrated ablution and led the Messenger in prayer when prayer was prescribed; the editor notes the report’s disconnected chain.
Ibn Ishaq, with Ibn Hisham’s editorial notes
Revelation and the Prophetic Mission
Translated selection
The Messenger Teaches Khadijah Ablution and Prayer
The Messenger demonstrates ablution and prayer to Khadijah, who performs ablution and prays with him.
Ibn Ishaq, with Ibn Hisham’s editorial notes
Revelation and the Prophetic Mission
Translated selection
Gabriel Sets the Prayer Times
A report from Ibn ‘Abbas describes Gabriel demonstrating the prayer times over two successive days.
Ibn Ishaq, with Ibn Hisham’s editorial notes
Revelation and the Prophetic Mission
Translated selection
‘Ali Is the First Male to Accept Islam
Ibn Ishaq identifies ‘Ali as the first male to believe in the Messenger, pray with him, and affirm what came from Allah; the account explains how ‘Ali grew up in the Messenger’s care.
Ibn Ishaq, with Ibn Hisham’s editorial notes
Revelation and the Prophetic Mission
Translated selection
‘Ali Grows Up in the Messenger’s Household
During a severe famine, the Messenger and al-‘Abbas each took one of Abu Talib’s sons into their care. The Messenger took ‘Ali, who remained with him and accepted Islam.
Ibn Ishaq, with Ibn Hisham’s editorial notes
Revelation and the Prophetic Mission
Translated selection
‘Ali Prays with the Messenger in Makkah
‘Ali secretly accompanies the Messenger to pray in Makkah’s ravines. Abu Talib discovers them, hears their explanation, and tells ‘Ali to remain with the good he has been called to.
Ibn Ishaq, with Ibn Hisham’s editorial notes
Revelation and the Prophetic Mission
Translated selection
Zayd ibn Harithah Accepts Islam
Zayd ibn Harithah, the Messenger’s freedman and adopted son, accepts Islam; the narrative recounts how he was captured as a child and came to live with the Messenger.
Ibn Ishaq, with Ibn Hisham’s editorial notes
Revelation and the Prophetic Mission
Translated selection
Zayd’s Lineage and Adoption
Ibn Hisham records Zayd’s lineage and the account of his capture, sale, freedom, and adoption by the Messenger before revelation.
Ibn Ishaq, with Ibn Hisham’s editorial notes
Revelation and the Prophetic Mission
Translated selection
Harithah’s Poem and Search for Zayd
Harithah grieves for his missing son and later finds him with the Messenger. Given the choice, Zayd chooses to remain with the Messenger.
Ibn Ishaq, with Ibn Hisham’s editorial notes
Revelation and the Prophetic Mission
Translated selection
Abu Bakr al-Siddiq Accepts Islam
Ibn Ishaq relates Abu Bakr’s lineage and his acceptance of Islam, then describes his standing among Quraysh and his invitation to trusted companions.
Ibn Ishaq, with Ibn Hisham’s editorial notes
Revelation and the Prophetic Mission
Translated selection
Abu Bakr’s Lineage
Ibn Ishaq gives Abu Bakr’s lineage through Taym ibn Murrah; Ibn Hisham identifies his name as ‘Abd Allah and discusses the nickname ‘Atiq.
Ibn Ishaq, with Ibn Hisham’s editorial notes
Revelation and the Prophetic Mission
Translated selection
Abu Bakr Accepts Islam
After accepting Islam, Abu Bakr openly declared it and called people to Allah and His Messenger.
Ibn Ishaq, with Ibn Hisham’s editorial notes
Revelation and the Prophetic Mission
Translated selection
Abu Bakr’s Standing among Quraysh and His Call to Islam
Known for his lineage knowledge, trade, character, and company, Abu Bakr invited trusted members of Quraysh to Islam.
Ibn Ishaq, with Ibn Hisham’s editorial notes
Revelation and the Prophetic Mission
Translated selection
The Companions Who Accepted Islam through Abu Bakr
The account names the early Companions who responded to Abu Bakr’s invitation, giving their lineages and biographical reports across printed pages 250–261.
Ibn Ishaq, with Ibn Hisham’s editorial notes
Revelation and the Prophetic Mission
Translated selection
‘Uthman, al-Zubayr, ‘Abd al-Rahman, Sa‘d, and Talhah Accept Islam
Five prominent early Muslims respond to Abu Bakr’s invitation; the source gives their lineages, migrations, and biographical reports.
Ibn Ishaq, with Ibn Hisham’s editorial notes
Revelation and the Prophetic Mission
Translated selection
Abu ‘Ubaydah, Abu Salamah, al-Arqam, and Others Accept Islam
Ibn Ishaq lists Abu ‘Ubaydah, Abu Salamah, al-Arqam, the sons of al-Maz‘un, ‘Ubaydah ibn al-Harith, Sa‘id ibn Zayd and his wife, Asma, ‘A’ishah, and Khabbab.
Ibn Ishaq, with Ibn Hisham’s editorial notes
Revelation and the Prophetic Mission
Translated selection
‘Umayr, Ibn Mas‘ud, and Ibn al-Qari Accept Islam
The account names ‘Umayr ibn Abi Waqqas, ‘Abd Allah ibn Mas‘ud, and Mas‘ud ibn al-Qari and records biographical details and variant lineages.
Ibn Ishaq, with Ibn Hisham’s editorial notes
Revelation and the Prophetic Mission
Translated selection
A Note about al-Qarah
Ibn Hisham explains the tribal name al-Qarah and the proverb about their skill as archers.
Ibn Ishaq, with Ibn Hisham’s editorial notes
Revelation and the Prophetic Mission
Translated selection
Sulayt, Ayyash, Khunays, and ‘Amir Accept Islam
The account lists these early Muslims and records their migrations, family relations, and variant genealogies.
Ibn Ishaq, with Ibn Hisham’s editorial notes
Revelation and the Prophetic Mission
Translated selection
The Sons of Jahsh, Ja‘far, and Other Families Accept Islam
The account lists the sons of Jahsh, Ja‘far and Asma bint ‘Umays, and several families who accepted Islam and migrated.
Ibn Ishaq, with Ibn Hisham’s editorial notes
Revelation and the Prophetic Mission
Translated selection
Nu‘aym ibn ‘Abd Allah Accepts Islam
Ibn Hisham gives Nu‘aym’s lineage and explains his title al-Nahham, preserving differing reports about his death.
Ibn Ishaq, with Ibn Hisham’s editorial notes
Revelation and the Prophetic Mission
Translated selection
‘Amir ibn Fuhayrah Accepts Islam
‘Amir ibn Fuhayrah, a freedman of Abu Bakr, accepted Islam early and was killed at Bi’r Ma‘unah.
Ibn Ishaq, with Ibn Hisham’s editorial notes
Revelation and the Prophetic Mission
Translated selection
Khalid ibn Sa‘id and His Wife Aminah Accept Islam
Khalid ibn Sa‘id and his wife Aminah accepted Islam and migrated to Abyssinia with their family.
Ibn Ishaq, with Ibn Hisham’s editorial notes
Revelation and the Prophetic Mission
Translated selection
Hatib, Abu Hudhayfah, and Waqid Accept Islam
The account lists Hatib ibn ‘Amr, Abu Hudhayfah ibn ‘Utbah, and Waqid ibn ‘Abd Allah, noting variants in names and lineage.
Ibn Ishaq, with Ibn Hisham’s editorial notes
Revelation and the Prophetic Mission
Translated selection
The Sons of al-Bukayr and ‘Ammar ibn Yasir Accept Islam
The sons of al-Bukayr and ‘Ammar ibn Yasir accepted Islam; the notes recall their persecution, migrations, and participation in battles.
Ibn Ishaq, with Ibn Hisham’s editorial notes
Revelation and the Prophetic Mission
Translated selection
Suhayb Accepts Islam and His Lineage
Ibn Hisham gives Suhayb’s lineage and relates how he was captured as a child and raised among the Romans before reaching Makkah.
Ibn Ishaq, with Ibn Hisham’s editorial notes