Finding Calm in Chaos: How the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) Dealt with Anxiety Upon the First Revelation
Anxiety is a universal human experience. It manifests as a rush of fear, uncertainty, and an overwhelming sense of unease. For those struggling with anxiety, it can often feel like an insurmountable challenge. However, even the most beloved of humanity, Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), experienced anxiety when he received his first revelation. His response, and the support he received, provide invaluable lessons on managing distress and finding inner peace.
The Overwhelming Experience of Revelation
The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) was in the cave of Hira when the angel Jibreel (Gabriel) appeared to him with the first verses of revelation:
"Read! In the name of your Lord who created—Created man from a clinging substance. Read! And your Lord is the Most Generous—Who taught by the pen—Taught man that which he knew not." (Qur’an 96:1-5)
This moment was profoundly intense. Imagine being alone in a secluded cave, deep in contemplation, only to be suddenly confronted by a supernatural presence commanding you to read when you had never read before. The weight of this experience shook the Prophet (ﷺ) to his core, and he rushed home trembling, his heart pounding with fear and uncertainty.
Seeking Comfort in the Arms of Khadija (RA)
When he arrived home, his first instinct was to seek solace in his wife, Khadija (RA). He pleaded, "Cover me! Cover me!" She wrapped him in a cloak, providing warmth and reassurance. Her response to his distress is a beautiful demonstration of emotional support. She did not dismiss his fears or tell him to "get over it." Instead, she validated his emotions and reminded him of his inherent goodness:
"By Allah, Allah will never disgrace you. You keep good relations with your family, help the poor and destitute, serve your guests generously, and assist those afflicted by calamity." (Bukhari)
Khadija’s (RA) words serve as an example of how emotional validation and support from a loved one can ground someone experiencing anxiety. She reminded the Prophet (ﷺ) of his noble character, instilling confidence and reassurance in him during his moment of vulnerability.
Finding Divine Reassurance
Even after Khadija’s comforting words, the Prophet (ﷺ) needed further reassurance. Khadija (RA), in her wisdom, took him to her cousin, Waraqa ibn Nawfal, a learned Christian scholar. Waraqa affirmed that this experience was indeed divine and that previous prophets had also encountered similar trials.
Most importantly, Allah (SWT) provided the Prophet (ﷺ) with peace and certainty over time. The revelations that followed gradually strengthened his heart and prepared him for his mission. Allah directly addressed the Prophet’s emotions in the Qur’an:
"Did We not expand for you, [O Muhammad], your breast? And We removed from you your burden which had weighed upon your back." (Qur’an 94:1-3)
This verse highlights a key therapeutic principle: when we are burdened by anxiety, turning to Allah and recognizing that hardships are temporary can help lighten our emotional load.
Lessons for Coping with Anxiety
From this deeply moving episode in the Seerah, we can extract several lessons on dealing with anxiety:
Acknowledge Your Feelings – The Prophet (ﷺ) did not suppress his anxiety; he expressed it openly. Likewise, recognizing and naming our emotions can help us process them better.
Seek Support from Loved Ones – Khadija (RA) played a vital role in calming the Prophet (ﷺ). Surrounding ourselves with supportive people who validate our experiences can be incredibly healing.
Remember Your Strengths – In times of distress, we often forget our resilience and virtues. Khadija’s (RA) reminder of the Prophet’s (ﷺ) character teaches us to reflect on our own strengths and past successes.
Turn to Allah (SWT) for Reassurance – Allah continuously reassured the Prophet (ﷺ) through revelation, demonstrating that placing trust in Allah can help us find peace amidst life’s uncertainties.
Conclusion
The first revelation was a moment of immense anxiety for the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), yet through emotional support from his loved ones and divine reassurance, he was able to transform that fear into confidence. His experience teaches us that anxiety is not a weakness; it is a part of the human experience. What matters is how we respond to it—by seeking support, remembering our strengths, and finding peace in our connection with Allah (SWT).
For those struggling with anxiety today, know that even the best of creation felt overwhelmed at times. But through faith, support, and self-awareness, tranquility is always within reach.
