The first revelation in Islam, which marks the beginning of Prophet Muhammad’s mission as the final messenger of God, is known as the event of the “first revelation” or “Iqra’ incident.” It occurred in the early 7th century CE, specifically in the year 610 CE, during the Islamic month of Ramadan.

According to Islamic tradition, Prophet Muhammad was in the cave of Hira, located on the outskirts of Mecca, in deep contemplation when the angel Gabriel (Jibril in Arabic) appeared to him and instructed him with the words “Iqra'” or “Read.” Muhammad, who was illiterate, replied that he couldn’t read. The angel repeated the command, and Muhammad again replied that he couldn’t read. This exchange happened three times, after which the angel Gabriel revealed the first verses of the Quran to Muhammad, which are found in the Surah Al-‘Alaq (The Clot).

These verses marked the beginning of Muhammad’s prophethood and his mission to convey the message of monotheism and the Quran to the people of Arabia. This event is considered the start of the revelation process, which continued over 23 years, resulting in the completion of the Quran, the holy book of Islam.