Muhammad.com collection in 109 languages

Muhammad was just over forty, and the month of Ramadan had come around again, so
he made his way once again up to the cave. It was there during his retreat, on the night
of Monday 21st Ramadan, (10th August, 610 CE) that Allah sent the Arch Angel Gabriel
to him.

Prophet Muhammad (salla Allahu alihi wa sallam) was completely overwhelmed when
Gabriel appeared, and he tried to look away, but no matter which direction he turned his
face, the angel filled the horizon. Then the angel spoke, commanding him to read.

Prophet Muhammad (salla Allahu alihi wa sallam) had never learned to read and
respectfully replied, "I cannot read" whereupon Gabriel took him, pressed him firmly to
himself, and commanded him again to read. Once again the Prophet (salla Allahu alihi
wa sallam) respectfully replied saying, "I cannot read." Gabriel took the Prophet (salla
Allahu alihi wa sallam) yet again and pressed him firmly to himself but this time when he
released him, he commanded him saying,

"Read in the Name of your Lord who created,
created the human from a (blood) clot.