Episode 29: Pause and Continuation of Revelation
Welcome to Seerah Pearls, which aims to highlight some tantalising learning points from each episode of the Seerah- Life of the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam).
The next major stage was the pause in revelation. However, some accounts report that the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) received a second revelation straight after the first. These are reported to be the first few verses of Surah Qalam (68): some say the first 2 verses, others the first 4-5 verses.
68:1
Nun. By the pen and what they inscribe,
68:2
You are not, [O Muhammad], by the favor of your Lord, a madman.
68:3
And indeed, for you is a reward uninterrupted.
68:4
And indeed, you are of a great moral character.
Some reports say there was a third revelation to provide the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) recourse to cope with what was happening: Surah 73 (Al-Muzzammil).
73:1
O you who wraps himself [in clothing],
73:2
Arise [to pray] the night, except for a little –
73:3
Half of it – or subtract from it a little
73:4
Or add to it, and recite the Qur’an with measured recitation.
73:5
Indeed, We will cast upon you a heavy word.
73:6
Indeed, the hours of the night are more effective for concurrence [of heart and tongue] and more suitable for words.
73:7
Indeed, for you by day is prolonged occupation.
This revelation was to emphasise to the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) that he would only be as solid as his night prayer to ‘charge his batteries’. Surprisingly, Allah is not telling him to rest at night, but to stand and pray and use this time to converse and connect with Allah.