According to Sunni tradition, during one such occasion while he was in contemplation, the angel Gabriel appeared before him in the year AD 610 and said, "Read", upon which he replied, "I am unable to read". Thereupon the angel caught hold of him and embraced him heavily. This happened two more times after which the angel commanded Muhammad to recite the following verses:
"Read! in the name of your Lord who created
Man from a clinging substance.
Read: Your Lord is most Generous,-
He who taught by the pen-
Taught man that which he knew not."