The Second Period

Four Sūrahs. The opening of Muḥammad’s Ministry. Sūrah xcvi. contains the command to recite, and, according to the Traditions, it was the first revelation.

Chapter XCVI.

Sūratu ʾl-ʿAlaq.

The Chapter of Congealed Blood.

Muḥammad’s first call to read the Qurʾān.

Denunciation of Abū Lahab for his opposition.

(The latter verses of this Sūrah are admitted to be of a later date than the former.)

Chapter CXII.

Sūratu ʾl-Ik͟hlāṣ.

The Chapter of the Unity.

Declaration of God’s unity.

(This short Sūrah is highly esteemed, and is recited in the daily liturgy.)

“Say: He is God alone:
God the Eternal!
He begetteth not,
And is not begotten;
And there is none like unto Him.”

Chapter LXXIV.

Sūratu ʾl-Muddas̤s̤ir.

The Chapter of the Covered.

Muḥammad while covered up is bidden to arise and preach.

Denunciation of a rich infidel who mocks at the revelation.

Hell and its nineteen angels.

The infidels rebuked for demanding material scriptures as a proof of Muḥammad’s mission.

Chapter CXI.

Sūratu Tabbat.

The Chapter of “Let Perish.”

Denunciation of Abū Lahab and his wife, who are threatened with hell fire.