Muhammad (PBUH) often retreated to the Hira cave outside the holy city of Mecca, Saudi Arabia, to pray to God, and to reflect on life.

The momentous event took place in 610 CE when Prophet Muhammad, at the age of 40, had a deep spiritual encounter. Angel Gabriel, the divine messenger, conveyed God’s command, initiating his mission to spread the message of peace and reaffirm monotheism, as taught by previous prophets.

Gabriel descended and asked him three times to read the holy Quran revealed to him. Muhammad, who did not know how to read and write, could then read in full and began to teach others the holy words of God.