العلق
Al Alaq
Also known as: Iqra (Read), Al-Qalam al-Awwal
Verses
19
Revelation
Makki
Period
Early Meccan
Surah No.
96 / 114
Al-Alaq holds the distinction of containing the first verses ever revealed to the Prophet – the opening five verses commanding him to read in the name of his Lord who created. These verses establish that Allah taught humanity through the pen and revealed what they did not know. The remainder of the surah was revealed later, addressing Abu Jahl's attempts to stop the Prophet from praying at the Kaaba, condemning his arrogance and commanding the Prophet to prostrate and draw near to Allah.
أسباب النزول
The first five verses were revealed in the Cave of Hira on the Night of Power in Ramadan, when the angel Jibril embraced the Prophet and commanded him to read. The Prophet said "I am not one who reads," whereupon Jibril embraced him again and again until the verses flowed. The later verses (6-19) were revealed in response to Abu Jahl's public threats to prevent the Prophet from prostrating in prayer.
“Read in the name of your Lord who created – created man from a clinging clot.”
The first words of divine revelation to the Prophet Muhammad, beginning the final prophetic mission. The command to read established knowledge, learning, and the name of Allah as the foundation of Islam.
“No! Do not obey him. But prostrate and draw near.”
The surah's concluding command to the Prophet against Abu Jahl: the response to intimidation is not retreat but prostration – drawing ever closer to Allah through worship.
Al-Alaq has the unique distinction of being the first surah to be revealed, making its opening verses the very beginning of the Quran's descent upon the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).