The Quran is the final divine message to humanity. However, it did not come down to earth all at once. To truly appreciate this Holy Book, every Muslim must study The History of the Revelation (Wahy) of the Quran.
This process connected the heavens to the earth for 23 years. It transformed a simple society into a global civilization. In this article, we will examine the significance of Laylatul Qadr, explain How Quran was revealed to the Prophet (PBUH), and detail the specific Stages of revelation.
The Beginning: Laylatul Qadr
The magnificent journey began in the Cave of Hira. Allah chose the blessed night of Laylatul Qadr (The Night of Power) for the first contact.
Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) was meditating when Archangel Jibril appeared. He commanded the Prophet to “Read.” This event marked the start of the revelation. Therefore, this night holds immense value in Islam. The Quran states that this night is better than a thousand months. Consequently, we cherish this event as the turning point in human history.
How Quran Was Revealed: The Method
Many people ask: How Quran was revealed to the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH)? It was not a simple reading process. It was a heavy spiritual experience.
Scholars explain that the revelation occurred in different forms:
- The Ringing of a Bell: This was the hardest form. The Prophet would sweat heavily, even on cold days.
- Angel in Human Form: Jibril would appear as a man and speak directly.
- True Dreams: The revelation sometimes came through vivid dreams.
Thus, the Prophet (PBUH) bore a great physical and spiritual weight to receive these verses. He memorized them immediately and instructed the scribes to write them down.
The Stages of Revelation
Allah revealed the Quran gradually to strengthen the hearts of the believers. We categorize the Stages of revelation into two distinct periods.
1. The Makkan Period
This period lasted for approximately 13 years. The verses focused on:
- Monotheism (Tawhid)
- The Day of Judgment
- Building moral character
2. The Madinan Period
This period lasted for 10 years after the Hijrah. These verses focused on:
- Laws (Sharia)
- Social issues
- State affairs
Furthermore, this gradual descent allowed the Companions to memorize and implement the verses easily.
Conclusion
To summarize, The History of the Revelation (Wahy) of the Quran is a miraculous timeline. It started on Laylatul Qadr, continued through the challenging process of How Quran was revealed, and completed its course through the Stages of revelation.
We must honor this history. By understanding how this Book reached us, we learn to respect every letter of the Quran.