 The first word revealed to Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) was IQRA. This is recorded in the 96th chapter of the Qur’an. Iqra means to read, to recite or to proclaim. Man should read to find the truth and then proclaim the truth to all of the world.
The words "iqra" and "Qur' an" are related. "Qur'an" means recitation. The Qur'an is a collection of the words given to Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) by the angel Jibril (Gabriel) to recite in different situations and circumstances during Prophet Muhammad's (pbuh) life. As issues arose, God sent him these words to utter in response. For example, Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) was asked about the nature of God. In turn, God reveals these verses of the Qur'an:
Al-Qur'an 112:1 Say: He is Allah, the One and Only;
Al-Qur'an 112:2 Allah, the Eternal, Absolute;
Al-Qur'an 112:3 He begets not, nor is He begotten.
Al-Qur'an 112:4 And there is none comparable unto Him.
Notice that the first verse begins with "Say." This is indicative of direct inspiration from God. God is giving him the words to say. In short, when reading the Qur'an, one should realize that it is unlike any other book. It is a collection of God's dictation to Muhammad (pbuh) of what to proclaim to and for the whole of humanity. |
