THE FIRST VERSE REVEALED, THE INTERREGNUM ERA AND THE LAST VERSE OF THE QUR’AN REVEALED

The first verses of the Qur’an to be revealed were the first five verses of chapter al-Alaq. These verses affirmed the tidings of Prophethood, but the Prophet had not yet been given the command to convey this. Following these first revelations, there was an interval between the revelations which lasted around forty days, and this is known as the interregnum era. Then the revelations continued. The revelations which followed were:

O, you cloaked one! Arise and warn! And declare your Lord’s greatness! And keep your clothing clean! Keep away from all pollution; Do not   con- sider your fulfillment of these orders as a kindness; And for the sake of your Lord, be patient. (al-Muddathir 74:1–7)

The first five verses of Surah al-Alaq affirmed the Prophethood of Prophet Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him, and the first seven verses of Surah al-Muddathir following the interregnum era, affirmed him as a Messenger of Allah.

The last revelation was sent nine days before the death of the Prophet:

And guard yourselves against a Day in which you will be brought back to Allah. Then every soul will be repaid in full what it has earned (while in the world), and they will not be wronged. (al-Baqarah 2:281)

 

Akgul, Muhittin. Tafsir: An Introduction to Qur’anic Exegesis. Tughra Books Press, Inc. 2013