The Quran, the holy book of Islam, was revealed to the Prophet Muhammad over a period of approximately 23 years. The process of revelation and compilation can be understood through two main aspects: the modes of revelation and the compilation of the Quranic text.
When Was the Quran Revealed?
Allah (SWT) revealed the noble Quran to the prophet Muhammed (PBUH) in 610 AD. This revelation was a declaration of the advent of Islam, and prophet Muhammed (PBUH) is the Messenger of Allah, whose role was to report the Islamic call to his people.
The Quran is the last book that Allah (SWT) revealed after the revelation of the Torah, the Zabur, and the Bible. It’s the holy scripture of Islam, which includes Allah’s commandments, Islamic laws, ethical behaviours, and social codes.
How Did Allah Send Down The Quran?
The process of revelation of the Quran was a direct and intimate communication between Allah, the Prophet Muhammad (SAW), and the angel Gabriel. The Prophet, as the recipient of the revelation, faithfully conveyed the Quranic message to his companions and followers. The companions, in turn, preserved and transmitted the Quran through both oral and written means. The later start to learn the Quran and so on.
One of the most crucial facts about the noble Quran is Allah tasked Angel Jibrel with the Quran’s verbal revelation.
He appeared in front of the prophet Muhammed in the cave Hira where the messenger of Allah stayed to worship Allah.
Angel Jibreel began to recite the first verse to the Prophet. It was the verse of Surah Al-Alaq
ٱقْرَأْ بِٱسْمِ رَبِّكَ ٱلَّذِى خَلَقَ
{Read, O Prophet, in the Name of your Lord Who created}
(96:1) Al-Alaq.
Modes of Revelation:
The modes of revelation of the Quran refer to the different ways in which Allah communicated the divine message to the Prophet Muhammad (SAW). Islamic tradition recognizes three main modes of revelation:
1. Wahy (Inspiration or Revelation):
The primary mode of revelation was through wahy “وحي”, which is often translated as “inspiration” or “revelation.” In this mode, Allah would directly communicate the Quranic verses to the heart and mind of the Prophet Muhammad (saw). The angel Gabriel would bring the revelation to the Prophet (SAW), who would then receive and comprehend the message. The Prophet (SAW) would subsequently convey the revelations to the people, either through recitation or by instructing his companions to write them down.
2. Ilham (Divine Inspiration):
Ilham إلهام refers to a form of indirect inspiration. In this mode, Allah would inspire the Prophet Muhammad’s heart and mind (SAW) without the intervention of the angel Gabriel. While Ilham is considered a less frequent mode of revelation, it played a role in conveying divine knowledge and guidance to the Prophet.
3. Dreams:
Another mode of revelation was through dreams. Allah would communicate messages and guidance to the Prophet Muhammad (SAW) through dreams, which he would interpret and understand as divine communication. These dreams held significance and provided insights into various aspects of life and religious matters.
It’s important to note that these modes of revelation were unique to the Prophet Muhammad (SAW) and are not considered channels for ongoing divine communication. The revelations were specific to the time of the Prophet’s prophethood and ceased with his passing. The Quran is believed to be the final and complete revelation from Allah, offering guidance and principles for all aspects of life.
How Many Years Of The Quran’s Revelation?
Another crucial fact about the noble Quran was the whole period of its revelation. It wasn’t in one year or two years but in 23 years.
Allah (SWT) revealed the verses to the prophet Muhammed until his death, as he died in 632 AD/11 AH.
When Did Allah Send Down The First Verse Of The Quran?
When Allah (SWT) sent down the first verses of the Quran to prophet Muhammed (PBUH), the date was during the month of Ramadan, the month of fasting in Islam.
According to the Quran, Allah (SWT) says:
شَهْرُ رَمَضَانَ ٱلَّذِىٓ أُنزِلَ فِيهِ ٱلْقُرْءَانُ هُدًۭى لِّلنَّاسِ وَبَيِّنَـٰتٍۢ مِّنَ ٱلْهُدَىٰ وَٱلْفُرْقَانِ
{Ramaḍan is the month in which the Quran was revealed as a guide for humanity with clear proofs of guidance and the standard to distinguish between right and wrong}
Surah Al-Baqarah – 185
Furthermore, Allah revealed the Quran on Qadr night, the best night in Ramadan. It falls on the ten days of this month
إِنَّآ أَنزَلْنَـٰهُ فِى لَيْلَةِ ٱلْقَدْرِ
{Indeed, it is We Who sent this Quran down on the Night of Glory}
97:1 Al-Qadr.
If you haven’t started learning the Quran yet, you can learn Quran online, as well as Islamic studies learning online on Bayan al-Quran, the online Quran Academy.
- Online Quran Classes For Kids
- Learn Arabic Online For Kids
- Islamic Studies Online Course
- Noorani Qaida Online Course For Kids And Adults
- Arabic Tutors Online
Where Was The Quran’s Revelation?
In the beginning, Allah (SWT) revealed the Quran to the prophet Muhammed (PBUH) in Mecca, which is located in southwestern Saudi Arabia. The Quran’s revelation took place over 13 years in Mecca.
After prophet Muhmeed immigrated to Medina, Allah sent down the rest of the verses in this city. It took place over ten years until the messenger’s death. Medina’s location is on the western side of Saudi Arabia.
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