Hazrat Sayyedah Khadijah — Page 17
17 17 of his time to prayers and meditation. In those days Arab soci- ety had become extremely corrupt. People used to worship idols. It is said that there were three hundred and sixty idols placed in and around the Ka‘bah. The monotheistic religion of their great ancestor, Prophet Ibraaheem, may peace be upon him, was largely forgotten. Arabs used to indulge in many vices like adultery, drinking, gambling, plunder, murder and many other illicit prac- tices. Muhammad saw was deeply hurt to see the mischievous deeds of the people of Makkah and the moral and spiritual decline into which the people had fallen. There was no way of rescuing them except through Divine guidance and help. He, therefore, chose a place of solitude and retreat in the Cave of Hira, about three miles outside the city. This was on top of a hill, a sort of cave, shaped out of stone. He used to go there alone or sometimes with Khadijah ra and spend several days and nights in meditation. Khadijah ra used to prepare enough food for him to last for several days so that he could worship God day and night. When Muhammad saw was forty years old, he saw a vision. It was on a Monday in the last ten days of the month of Ramadhaan. As he was engaged in worship, he saw someone present in the cave. It was the angel Jibraa’eel, who commanded him to recite. Muhammad saw replied that he did not know what or how to recite. Thereupon, the angel clasped him to its bosom and squeezed him hard. Jibraa’eel then released him and directed him again to recite. Muhammad saw gave him the same reply. The angel squeezed him for the second time and asked him to recite. Again Muhammad saw gave the same answer. After the third embrace the angel released Muhammad saw and directed,