The first verse

Regarding the first verse or verses revealed to the Noble Prophet (peace be upon him), there is a difference of opinion among Quranic commentators and researchers, which we will briefly address:

1. The first verses of Surah Al-Alaq (the first five verses);
2. The first verses of Surah Al-Muddathir;
3. The noble verse “Bismillah al-Rahman al-Rahim” (In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful);
4. The verses of Surah Al-Fatiha (the Opening).

Concerning reconciling these opinions, it has been said that the first verse revealed to the Prophet (peace be upon him) was “Iqra bismi rabbika alladhi khalaq” (Read in the name of your Lord who created), and the first verse revealed openly was “Ya ayyuha al-muddathir” (O you who covers himself [with a garment]). Thus, the verse “Ya ayyuha al-muddathir” is the first verse revealed after the interruption (the period of pause in revelation), but not the absolute first.

Regarding “Bismillah al-Rahman al-Rahim,” which, according to the majority of Shia scholars, is part of every surah of the Quran except Surah Al-Tawbah, it can be said that it was the first verse revealed. However, the discussion about the first verses is independent of “Bismillah.” The verses of Surah Al-Fatiha, as a complete surah, were the first to be revealed in their entirety, but they are not the absolute first verses revealed.

Note: The first verse, whatever it may be, naturally corresponds to the first Meccan verse as well.

[1] Al-Burhan fi ‘Ulum al-Quran (with marginal notes), vol. 1, pp. 193, 206; Research on the History of the Noble Quran, vol. 1, p. 54; Manahil al-‘Irfan fi ‘Ulum al-Quran, vol. 1, p. 95; Asbab al-Nuzul, vol. 1, p. 5; Tarikh al-Quran, vol. 1, p. 577; Al-Itqan fi ‘Ulum al-Quran, vol. 1, p. 91.