Question
Was the Fatiha first or Al Alaq? This is my basic question if you could just give as much detail as to why there is a question as to which of the two came first it would be helpful. Isn’t Al Alaq more harmonious with the hadith from Aisha? What’s the evidence that supports either case? What’s the evidence that disproves either case?
Answer
If one were to form an opinion only on the basis of narratives ascribed to the Prophet (pbuh), then one would indeed be inclined towards the idea that the first few verses of Surah al-`alaq were the first few verses to be revealed. However, if seen from the subject matter of these verses, it is highly unlikely that the first few verses of Surah al-`alaq could have been the first revelation. For more details on this topic, please refer to a few of my earlier responses to related questions, titled: “Which Surah of the Qur’an was the First to be Revealed?“, “Is Surah Al-Faatihah the First Complete Surah to be Revealed?” and “Evidence that Al-Faatihah was the First Revelation“.
In view of the foregoing, it seems difficult to say, with a degree of certainty, which of the verses of the Qur’an was revealed during the encounter between the Prophet (pbuh) and Gabriel.
Regards,
Moiz Amjad
May 12, 2002