Effects of Revelation on the Prophet
The phenomenon of divine revelation is generally overwhelming for those who experience it, regardless of its form or intensity. When a person receives revelation, they transition from the physical realm into the realm of the unseen and the angels. This transition necessitates a level of preparedness granted by God. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) endured significant hardship during the reception of revelation.
Profound Perspiration of the Prophet
The essence and nature of the angel differ significantly from that of the Prophet, who is fundamentally human. For a connection to occur between the two, the nature of one must adapt to align with the other, whether that be the angel transforming into a human form, or the Prophet entering a state akin to that of an angel.
As a result, the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) experienced chemical changes within his body, leading to intense perspiration. He would often request those around him to cover him, stating, “Dathiruni, dathiruni,” meaning “Wrap me, wrap me.” The companions of the Prophet (may Allah be pleased with them) described his condition during the revelation, noting that his forehead would drip with sweat.
Weight of Revelation
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) felt an immense weight when receiving revelation, as the message was indeed profound. Allah stated in the Quran: “Indeed, We will send down to you a heavy word.” (Quran 73:5) Additionally, it is mentioned, “If We had sent down this Qur’an upon a mountain, you would have seen it humbled and crushed, as it feared Allah.” (Quran 59:21) When the revelation descended while he was upon a mount, the animal would buckle under its weight.
Furthermore, if the Prophet placed his foot upon another person’s leg, that individual would struggle to move or adjust. Zaid ibn Thabit (may Allah be pleased with him) noted, “Allah revealed to His Messenger while my thigh was upon his thigh, and it grew so heavy that I feared it would crush me.” Additionally, Umm Al-Mu’minin Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her) stated, “Revelation would come to the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) while he was on his mount, which would stumble under the burden.”
Sound of a Bell’s Tinkle
At times, the revelation manifested to the Prophet as the sound resembling the tinkle of a bell. Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her) narrated that Al-Harith ibn Hisham (may Allah be pleased with him) asked the Prophet (peace be upon him) how revelation would come to him. The Prophet replied, “Sometimes it comes to me like the sound of a bell, which is the heaviest upon me. Once it ceases, I comprehend what has been said.”
While anyone other than the Prophet might hear this sound without understanding its significance, the Prophet recognized that revelation would follow the sound’s conclusion. The sound akin to the tinkle of a bell represents one of the most intense forms of revelation, heavily impacting the Prophet (peace be upon him).
Sound Similar to the Buzzing of Bees
Umar ibn Al-Khattab (may Allah be pleased with him) reported that whenever revelation descended upon the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him), a sound similar to the buzzing of bees could be heard near his face. The companions surrounding him recognized this sound without grasping its meaning.
The Prophet’s Heavy Breathing
It has been authentically reported from Ya’la ibn Umayyah that Umar gestured to him, and when he came close, he noticed the Prophet’s face was flushed, and he was gasping for breath momentarily before returning to normal. This phenomenon occurred due to the immense power and effort the Prophet exerted when transitioning from the finite material world into the limitless spiritual realm, causing him to be momentarily desensitized until the revelation had passed.
Effects of Revelation on a Believer
Engaging with the revelation—both the Quran and the Sunnah—provides numerous benefits for the believer in both this life and the Hereafter, including the following:
- Revelation safeguards the believer from falling into sin and protects those who adhere to it from entering Hell on the Day of Judgment.
- Reciting the Quran with the intention of seeking Allah’s pleasure categorizes the individual among the successful.
- It guides the believer towards the straight path and provides healing for the hearts of the faithful.
- The Quran and the Sunnah represent a strong and secure bond from Allah, and anyone who holds onto them will triumph in both this life and the next.
- Allah has classified His servants who listen to and follow the best of speech as those who are guided by Him.
- The mercy of Allah descends upon those who listen attentively to the Quran while approaching it with respect.
- Engaging with revelation contributes to a sense of peace and ease in the heart.
- The Quran serves as a remedy for every affliction of the body and soul.