Islam - Its Meaning for Modern Man — Page 31
31 Waraqa’s reference to Moses was probably based upon the prophecy contained in the words: “I will raise them up a Prophet from among their brethren, like unto thee, and will put My words in his mouth; and he shall speak unto them all that I shall command him. And it shall come to pass, that whosoever will not hearken unto My words which he shall speak in My name, I will require it of him” (Deut. 18:18 ⎯ 19). It is striking that the first revelation that came to the Prophet commanded him: “Recite in the name of thy Lord. ” Every chapter of the Quran opens with: “In the name of God, Ever Gracious, Most Merciful. ” The call was Muhammad’s first experience of verbal revelation. A tremendous concept is conveyed by the verses revealed to him on this occasion. Muhammad is warned that God has chosen him as the instrument for conveying His message to mankind. The Arabic word “iqra” connotes both recitation and conveying by word of mouth. This message is to be conveyed to mankind in the name of God who is the Creator of the Universe. Attention is drawn to the insignificant origin of man, but the comforting assurance follows that man’s progress and development are under the fostering care of the Most Beneficent, that God’s beneficence has decreed that many and varied avenues of knowledge shall be thrown open to man, and that all this increase and