The very first verses of the Quran to reach the Prophet Muḥammad (ﷺ) in the Cave of Ḥirā’ during Ramaḍān established the dignity of the Pen and knowledge. Though often named Sūrat al-ʿAlaq for the clot of creation mentioned in its second verse, this Makkan text is equally known as Sūrat Iqra’ after its opening command to read.

The recitation opens by directing attention to the miracle of human origins before shifting to a later confrontation. Revealed after the initial five verses, the remainder of the text turns to address the arrogance of a specific disbeliever—likely Abū Jahl—who tried to prevent the Prophet (ﷺ) from praying. The passage condemns the man who forgets his humble origins to consider himself self-sufficient, warning that Allah will seize the denier by the forelock.

Despite the enemy’s threats to prohibit prayer, the divine command requires the Prophet (ﷺ) to simply persist in worship and draw near to Allah.