Over a period of twenty-three years
The Quran, the holy scripture of Islam, stands as a beacon of guidance and wisdom for millions of believers worldwide.
Its revelation is a profound aspect of Islamic faith, believed to be the literal word of God as revealed to the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).
Understanding how the Quran was revealed is essential to appreciate its significance and impact on Islamic history and culture.
The Revelation Begins:
The revelation of the Quran commenced in the year 610 CE, during the month of Ramadan, in a cave on Mount Hira, near the city of Mecca in present-day Saudi Arabia.
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), then in his early forties, received the first verses of the Quran through the angel Gabriel (Jibreel in Arabic).
The encounter was both awe-inspiring and overwhelming for Muhammad, who was initially startled by the experience.

The First Revelation:
The initial revelation, which marks the beginning of Muhammad’s prophethood, occurred during one of his customary retreats to the cave for contemplation and spiritual reflection.
The angel Gabriel appeared before him and commanded him to “Read!” Muhammad, being illiterate, responded, “I am not a reader.”
The angel then embraced him tightly and repeated the command, which became the opening verses of Surah Al-Alaq (Chapter 96), verses 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 not only marked the beginning of the revelation but also emphasized the importance of knowledge and education in Islam.
The Gradual Revelation:
The revelation of the Quran unfolded gradually over a span of twenty-three years, from 610 to 632 CE, until the passing of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).
This gradual process allowed for the timely guidance of the Muslim community in various socio-political contexts and circumstances.
During this period, the revelations were received in different settings and situations, including moments of solitude, communal gatherings, and in response to specific events and inquiries posed to the Prophet.
The Quran addresses a wide array of topics, ranging from theology, morality, law, spirituality, history, and guidance for personal and communal conduct.
Modes of Revelation:
The Quran was revealed to the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) through various modes, which are elucidated in Islamic tradition:
1. Wahi (Revelation):
The primary mode of revelation involved direct communication from the angel Gabriel to the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). This form of revelation often occurred during moments of spiritual retreat and contemplation.
“The sentence “This form of revelation often occurred during moments of spiritual retreat and contemplation” refers to the mode in which the primary method of revelation, known as Wahi, occurred.
In Islamic tradition, it is believed that the angel Gabriel communicated the divine message directly to the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) during his periods of seclusion and introspection.
The phrase “moments of spiritual retreat and contemplation” denotes times when the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) would withdraw from the hustle and bustle of daily life, seeking solitude in places such as the cave on Mount Hira near Mecca.
These moments allowed him to focus on prayer, meditation, and deep reflection, creating an environment conducive to receiving divine revelations.
So, the sentence is highlighting that the primary mode of revelation, the direct communication from the angel Gabriel to the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), often occurred during these periods of spiritual seclusion and contemplation.”
2. Dreams:
Another mode of revelation was through prophetic dreams, where the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) would receive divine guidance and instructions during his sleep.
These dreams were considered a form of revelation and played a significant role in shaping Islamic teachings and practices.

3. Inspiration:
The Quran also acknowledges the concept of divine inspiration (Ilham), where the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) would receive insights and guidance from Allah without direct verbal communication from the angel Gabriel.
4. Angel Gabriel:
The angel Gabriel served as the intermediary between Allah and the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), delivering the divine message in its pristine form.
The Prophet would then convey these revelations to his companions and followers.
Compilation of the Quran:
During the lifetime of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), the Quranic revelations were memorized by his companions and meticulously recorded in written form on various materials such as parchment, leather, and bones.
The Prophet himself ensured the preservation of the Quranic text through oral recitation and written documentation.
The Final Revelation:
The revelation of the Quran concluded with the revelation of Surah Al-Maidah (Chapter 5), verse 3, during the farewell pilgrimage of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) in the year 632 CE.
This verse, known as the “verse of completion,” declared the perfection and completion of Islam as a religion:
“This day I have perfected for you your religion and completed My favor upon you and have approved for you Islam as religion.”
The compilation and preservation of the Quranic text were further solidified during the caliphate of Abu Bakr, the first caliph, and later during the reign of Uthman ibn Affan, the third caliph, who standardized the Quranic text into a single authoritative manuscript.
Conclusion:
The revelation of the Quran over a period of twenty-three years stands as a testament to the divine wisdom and guidance bestowed upon humanity by Allah. Its gradual unfolding provided timely guidance and direction to the Muslim community, addressing the challenges and circumstances of the time.
The Quran remains a timeless and universal scripture, offering guidance and enlightenment to believers across generations and cultures, reaffirming its status as the eternal word of God.
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