Quran Revelation - All You Need To Know

admin April 25, 2024 Islamic Knowlodege

The Quran is a significant religious text that has influenced millions of people around the world. Its revelation is a fascinating story that spans over two decades. Let’s delve into the details of how and when the Quran was revealed.

The Revelation of the Quran

The Quran was revealed to the Prophet Muhammad by the Angel Gabriel. The revelation process began in 610 AD when the Prophet Muhammad was 40 years old. The revelations started in Makkah and continued in Medina, spanning 13 years and 10 years, respectively.

The first form of revelation was through dreams that carried messages of spiritual importance. In the month of Ramadan, on Laylatul Qadr (the night of decree), Angel Jibreel’s presence was revealed to the Prophet as he commanded the Prophet to recite a few verses. These verses marked the first verses to be included in the Quran.

The Beginning of Quran Revelation

The revelation of the Quran began when Prophet Muhammad was 40 years old, in the year 610 AD. This period is known as the “Year of the Elephant” in Islamic history. The Prophet was in the cave of Hira, located on the mountain Jabal al-Nour, near Makkah, during the month of Ramadan. It was here that he received the first revelation from the Angel Gabriel.

The Angel Gabriel appeared to the Prophet and commanded him to “Read!” The Prophet, who was unlettered and could neither read nor write, was naturally frightened and replied, “I am not a reader.” The angel repeated the command three times and then recited the first five verses of Surah Al-Alaq (96:1-5):

Read in the name of your Lord who created –
Created man from a clinging substance.
Read, and your Lord is the most Generous –
Who taught by the pen –
Taught man that which he knew not.

These verses emphasize the value of knowledge and the importance of seeking it.

The Stages of Revelation

The Quran revelation took place for approximately 23 years. The revelations were not continuous but occurred intermittently over this period. The process can be divided into two main phases: the Meccan phase and the Medinan phase.

The Meccan Phase

The Meccan phase began in 610 AD and lasted until 622 AD. During this phase, the revelations focused on the oneness of God, the concept of the afterlife, moral and ethical issues, and stories of past prophets. The verses revealed during this phase are generally shorter and more poetic. They were intended to appeal to the Meccan audience, who were known for their love of poetry.

The Medinan Phase

The Medinan phase began after the Prophet’s migration (Hijrah) to Medina in 622 AD and lasted until Hazrat Muhammad (PBUH) died in 632 AD. The revelations during this phase were generally longer and dealt with social, economic, political, and legal issues. They guided how to establish a just and equitable society.

Modes of Revelation

The Quran was revealed to Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) through various modes. These modes are recognized in Islamic tradition and are unique to the prophetic experience. Here are the main modes of revelation:

Wahy (Direct Inspiration): This is the most common form of revelation, where the Angel Gabriel would bring the verses directly to Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).
Ilham (Indirect Inspiration): This is a form of inspiration that is more subtle and indirect. It often came in the form of dreams or intuitive knowledge.
Dreams: Dreams were another significant mode of revelation. The Prophet would see vivid dreams that carried messages of spiritual importance.

These modes of revelation were unique to Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and ceased with his passing, making the Quran the final and complete revelation from Allah. It’s important to note that the exact nature of these revelations and how they were brought to the Prophet are matters of the unseen, the details of which Allah chose not to clarify for us. What we should understand is that this process happened in a fashion that is befitting to the greatness and sacredness of the Word of Allah.

The Final Revelation

The last and final revelation of the Quran was in the 18th Century (632 AD), in the month of Dhul-Hijjah. This revelation was said to have been received by the Prophet as he was delivering a sermon.

Conclusion

The revelation of the Quran is a significant event in Islamic history. It is a process that took over two decades and resulted in a text that continues to guide and inspire millions of people around the world. The Quran’s revelation story is a testament to the enduring power of faith and the profound impact of divine wisdom. The story of its revelation is a testament to the divine origin of the Quran and the prophethood of Muhammad (PBUH).

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