Page 19 - World Religions I - Islam

Study Section 3: How Muhammad Received Revelation

3.1 Connect

Muslims revere Muhammad. Years ago, a Danish cartoonist, Kurt Westergaard created a
controversial cartoon of a terrorist, wearing a bomb in his turban. While he did not state that the
cartoon was that of Muhammad, the image met with strong reactions from Muslims worldwide who
condemned the act and all associated Western countries. Since the drawing of the cartoon,
Westergaard has received numerous death threats and has been a target of assassination attempts. As a result, he
is under constant police protection and has a personal bodyguard 24/7.

To say something or draw something that shows contempt or lack of reverence to Muhammad or Islam is called
blasphemy. As of 2012, 33 countries had some form of anti-blasphemy laws in their legal code. Of these, 21 were
Muslim-majority nations – Afghanistan, Algeria, Bahrain, Egypt, Indonesia, Iran, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Malaysia,
the Maldives, Morocco, Oman, Pakistan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Somalia, Sudan, Turkey, the UAE and Western Sahara.
Blasphemy is treated as a capital crime (death penalty) in some Muslim nations. In these nations, such laws have
led to the persecution, lynchings, murder or arrest of minorities and dissident members, after flimsy accusations.

People all over the world curse the name of Jesus in their everyday language. Yet, say one word that demeans the
prophet, and you can die. That’s quite a contrast, isn’t it? Let’s continue our study to learn how Muhammad
supposedly received all these revelations from God….

3.2 Objectives

1. The student should be able to explain how Muhammad received his revelations and when they
occurred in his life.

2. The student should be able to tell the history of Muhammad’s later life and how Islam was spread in
his area of Arabia.
3. The student should be able to describe the night journey and Muhammad’s ascension into Heaven.

3.3 How Muhammad Received Revelation

• The Qur'an tells little concerning how Muhammad received his revelations. Muslim
traditions, however, acknowledge a colorful variety of modes in which inspiration was
conveyed. When we observe the evidence of Muhammad's behavior and the circumstances
under which he received his messages, supernatural guidance can hardly be denied.
o According to Aisha, sometimes Muhammad was enveloped in a bright light, during which
times Gabriel communicated the will of Allah to him.29
o Other times Muhammad would experience a violent and painful ringing of a bell, wherein after
he would recall the words of Gabriel.30 31
o Aisha testified that sometimes Muhammad would become agitated and would perspire profusely, even in
the wintertime.29
o Muhammad would become red in the face and would breath heavily.32

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