The question discusses whether Surah Al-‘Alaq (Read) was the first Surah revealed to the Prophet Muhammad, as there are differing historical accounts.
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1 Answer
Peace be upon you.
There are various narrations regarding this matter. The most common view states that Surah (Al-‘Alaq) is the first to be revealed, while another group claims that the first revelation was Surah Al-Muddathir, and some even argue that it was Surah Al-Fatiha.
As for Al-Muddathir, it is narrated that it was the first revelation after a period of silence in revelation following the event of Hira. Regarding Al-Fatiha, the claim that it was the first revelation is purely speculative, as those who hold this view argue that the Prophet was praying from the very beginning of his mission, and no prayer is complete without Al-Fatiha, thus making it the first revelation. There is ample room for discussion on this topic; it is possible that Al-Fatiha was revealed immediately after Surah Al-‘Alaq.
The reason we assert that the first revelation is Surah Al-‘Alaq is due to its widespread recognition and the abundance of narrations supporting this claim from both sides. For instance, it is narrated in Al-Kafi (Islamic edition): "From Abu Abdullah (peace be upon him), he said: The first thing revealed to the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him and his family) was in the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful: 'Read in the name of your Lord...' (Vol. 2, p. 628).
Nevertheless, it is surprising that any researcher would deny this, as the evidence indicating that it was the first revelation is the most numerous and strongest.
For further reference on this topic, please consult:
1. Itqan fi Ulum al-Quran, Vol. 1, p. 91 and onwards.
2. Mabaheth fi Ulum al-Quran, p. 66 and onwards.
3. Encyclopedia of Quranic Sciences and the Etiquette of Its Carriers in Questions and Answers, p. 142.
May you be successful in all good.