The wahi was intermitted for me for a small span of time and while I was walking, and then the hadith like the one narrated by Yunus was transmitted but with the exception of these words: I was terror-stricken till I fell on the ground. Abu Salama said: Defilement means idols. After this the revelation was speeded up and followed rapidly.
The Intermission of Revelation
This narration from Sahih Muslim 161 b describes the temporary cessation of divine revelation (wahi) to the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ. Such pauses occurred to strengthen the Prophet's ﷺ yearning for revelation and demonstrate that the Qur'an emanates solely from Allah's will, not the Prophet's own speech.
Spiritual State During the Intermission
The Prophet's ﷺ walking reflects his restless spiritual state, awaiting renewed communion with the Divine. The terror and falling to the ground manifest the profound connection between the Prophet ﷺ and revelation - its absence created genuine spiritual distress, showing revelation's external origin.
Clarification of "Defilement"
Abu Salama's explanation that "defilement" refers to idols underscores Islam's complete break from pre-Islamic polytheism. This purification from shirk (idolatry) was fundamental to the Prophet's ﷺ mission and the Qur'an's message of tawhid (divine unity).
Acceleration of Revelation
The subsequent rapid succession of revelations indicates divine compensation for the earlier pause. This pattern demonstrates Allah's wisdom in spiritual training - temporary withdrawal followed by abundant bestowal, strengthening the Prophet's ﷺ mission and the Muslim community's foundation.