The Quran was revealed over 23 years, starting in 609 CE, when Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) received the first verses in the Cave of Hira, Makkah. Delivered in Arabic, the Quran’s verses addressed real-life events, offering guidance for both the Prophet and his followers.
The Quran wasn’t revealed in chronological order but organized based on divine wisdom. With its initial focus on the Arabs, its messages have since spread globally, shaping Islam’s evolution from a call to belief in Makkah to state-building in Madinah, with significant revelations occurring during the month of Ramadan, especially on Laylatul Qadr.
To properly read and understand the Nobel Quran, you need to understand the nature of its revelation.
Understanding how the Quran was revealed will clear any confusion while reading it. It will also help you understand and appreciate the relation between the Quran and Sunnah (Prophetic Tradition). You will see how the Quran and Sunnah are intertwined and often inseparable.
So, let’s start and answer a few simple and easy question that helps understanding Quranic revelation.
Table of Contents
What is the Quran’s Revelation?
The Quranic revelation refers to how the Quran was revealed to the prophet peace be upon him and how the prophet taught it to his companions.
The Quran is Allah’s words, sent down with angel Gabrial to be delivered to Prophet Muhammed peace be upon him, who then revealed it to the whole world.
When prophet Muhammed peace be upon him received revelation, it had a physical impact on him. This was observed by many around him. Among these signs were that the prophet becomes very heavy, that if he is riding on a camel the camel wouldn’t bear it and sit down. His face would turn red and sweat a lot, have a heavy breath and he wouldn’t be able to communicate with others while the revelation was coming down. People around him would also often hear a voice described as the sound of bees or the ringing of bells
The revelation of the Quran not only proves that it isn’t prophet Muhammad’s words, but also that the literal words of God are very different from the words of men.
How was the Quran revealed?
The Quran was revealed in separate segments depending on the events that were happening.
Allah says: “And a Qur’an which We have separated [by segments] that you might recite it to the people over a prolonged period. And We have sent it down progressively.” Al-Israa
The Quran often comments, replies, or clarifies events that happened with the prophet during the time of revelation and allows contemporary Muslims as well as the later generation to contemplate its wisdom in light of these real-life events that were happening.
Why was the Quran revealed in Arabic?
Allah (God Almighty) chose the Arabic language to both convey His message and show the miraculous nature of the word of God in the Quran.
There are many reasons why the Quran is in Arabic
You can read our article on that subject for more details.
Although the Quran is for all of humanity, the first to receive it were the Arabs. The Quran had to be in Arabic so those who initially received it could understand it, recognize its miraculous nature, believe and follow it, and then share it with the world.
If the first generation to interact with the Quran couldn’t understand it, it would be a waste, and Allah is full of wisdom.
People can learn Arabic and Quran from all over the world today.
In modern days, you can easily learn Arabic and Quran from the comfort of your home. All you need is discipline and dedication.
How to learn the Quran?
You can learn the Quran today from any place you like in the world, with professional native teachers.
Read more about Riwaq Al Quran and see which course fits you best.
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Their experienced instructors use a structured curriculum to cover Tajweed, Tafsir, and Memorization, providing easy and effective access to learning the Quran.
The advanced online classes allow for seamless communication and interaction between students and teachers. Join Riwaq Al Quran for a deeper connection with the Quran.
Conclusion:
The Quran’s revelation was a gradual process that unfolded over 23 years, beginning in 609 CE when Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) first received guidance from the angel Gabriel. The revelations were delivered in segments, often responding to real-life situations, challenges, and incidents faced by the Prophet and his followers.
While the Quran was revealed in Arabic, a language that allowed for both understanding and showcasing the divine wisdom, its primary audience was initially the Arabs, with its messages eventually spreading worldwide. The Quran’s contents are not in chronological order but arranged as per the Prophet’s guidance, making it versatile and relevant even when read out of sequence.
The revelation began in the Cave of Hira, located on the Mountain of Light in Makkah, with the first verses urging the Prophet to “Read in the name of your Lord” from Surah Al-Alaq. Over the years, the Quran was revealed in Makkah and Madinah, corresponding to different phases of Islam’s evolution—from its early stage as a call to belief to its establishment as a state in Madinah.
The Quran was revealed during the month of Ramadan, particularly on Laylatul Qadr, a night considered to be of great spiritual significance. These contextual details are essential for understanding the Quran, as they offer insight into the challenges and teachings that shaped its divine message.
