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Muhammad’s first revelation in Islamic tradition

c. 610 CE (traditional chronology)

Islamic tradition places Muhammad’s first revelation near Mecca, in the cave of Hira. Muslims understand the messages he subsequently proclaimed as revelation from God, preserved in the Qur’an. His preaching called listeners toward worship of one God and a transformed moral and communal life.

Why it matters

This is the traditional starting point for Muhammad’s prophetic mission and the setting for understanding the Qur’an as both proclaimed speech and scripture.

About the date

Traditional chronology; revelation is described as a Muslim belief.

Mecca

City near the traditional cave; not an exact cave pin.

city orientation

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Sources