Part 1 · Page 239
The Beginning of the Qur’an’s Revelation
English rendering of the source section
Local English translation from the Arabic text; reports, variant readings, and editorial commentary 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 sectionIbn Ishaq said: Revelation began to come to the Messenger in Ramadan, with Allah’s words: “The month of Ramadan in which the Qur’an was sent down, as guidance for people and clear proofs of guidance and the criterion” (Qur’an 2:185). He also cites the verses about the Night of Decree (97:1–5), the blessed night (44:1–5), and the Day of the Criterion, when the two armies met at Badr (8:41). Muhammad ibn ‘Ali ibn al-Husayn related that the Messenger and the polytheists met at Badr on Friday morning, the seventeenth of Ramadan. Ibn Ishaq said that revelation then continued to come to the Messenger. He believed in Allah and affirmed what came from Him, accepting the burden it placed upon him, whether people were pleased or displeased. Prophethood carries weight and hardship; only the strong among the messengers can bear it, by Allah’s help and enabling. The Messenger continued in Allah’s command despite his people’s opposition and harm.