Summary

According to Islamic traditions, Waraqah ibn Nawfal – a Christian scholar and Khadijah’s cousin – was the first to confirm Muhammad’s prophethood after the initial encounter with the angel in the cave. But after Waraqah died, Muhammad claimed no new revelations for three years.

This long “pause” raises a huge question: What was the connection between Waraqah’s death and the sudden stop in revelation?

Muslims have no convincing answer. The best excuse comes from al-Hafiz Ibn Hajar (Fath al-Bari 1/27): “The cessation of revelation was delayed for a time so the Prophet’s initial fear would subside and he would long for its return.”

But this excuse falls apart:

• Why did Gabriel squeeze Muhammad so hard in the first encounter that he became terrified?
• Why was a three-year break needed for the fear to “dissipate”?
• Where is the wisdom in traumatizing a prophet and then leaving him revelation-less for years?

Was It Really 3 Years – or Just 12/40 Days?

Some apologists claim the gap was only 12 or 40 days, not years.

But Sahih Bukhari 6982 destroys this claim: During the pause, Muhammad became so distressed that he repeatedly climbed mountains to commit suicide. Each time Gabriel appeared and reassured him: “You are truly Allah’s Messenger.”

In just 12 or 40 days, would someone become so hopeless they attempt suicide multiple times? Even repeated angelic visits couldn’t calm him in a short period. This level of despair fits years, not days.

The Full Story from Sahih Bukhari 6982

Aisha narrated: The first revelation came as true dreams… Then Muhammad went to Cave Hira for seclusion. The angel came and said “Read!” Muhammad replied “I cannot read.” The angel squeezed him three times until he was exhausted, then recited Surah Al-Alaq 96:1-5.

Terrified, Muhammad ran home shouting “Wrap me up!” He told Khadijah: “I fear for myself.” Khadijah took him to Waraqah ibn Nawfal, who said: “This is the same Namus (Gabriel) sent to Moses… Your people will drive you out.”

Shortly after, Waraqah died, and revelation paused. Muhammad became so sad that he repeatedly tried to throw himself from mountain tops. Each time Gabriel appeared: “Muhammad, you are truly the Messenger of Allah” – calming him temporarily.

The Real Reason?

Waraqah was Muhammad’s script advisor – the one who linked his experience to biblical prophets. After Waraqah died, Muhammad had no one to guide him on “what a prophet should say next.”

During those three years, he likely collected more Bible stories from traders, Christians, and Jews in Mecca/Medina – stories that later appeared as “revelations.”

When revelation “resumed,” the Quran suddenly started mirroring biblical tales closely.

Conclusion

• Revelation didn’t stop because of “fear” or “longing.”
• It stopped because Muhammad’s main source of biblical knowledge – Waraqah – was gone.
• The suicide attempts show deep despair, not divine testing.
• The three-year gap fits perfectly with time needed to gather stories.

To hide one lie (no real angel), more lies were needed (Gabriel consoling him on mountains). But the contradictions remain.

If revelation truly came from an all-knowing Allah, why the long, desperate silence after one man’s death?