History of Delivering Quran

Summary

The history of the Quran’s revelation to Prophet Muhammad spans 23 years, from 610 CE to 632 CE. Initially revealed in the cave of Hira, the Quran was delivered gradually by the angel Jibril, addressing various issues of faith, law, and social matters. Prophet Muhammad, though illiterate, memorized the verses, which were also recorded by his companions. The Quran’s final revelation came shortly before the Prophet’s death, and its compilation into a single text occurred under the Caliphs Abu Bakr and Uthman. The Quran remains the divine and unaltered word of Allah, providing Muslims with complete guidance on all aspects of life.

Takeaways

• 😀 The Quran was revealed gradually over 23 years, from 610 CE to 632 CE, through the angel Jibreel to Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).
• 😀 The first revelation occurred in 610 CE in the cave of Hira, where Jibreel commanded the Prophet to recite the first verses of Surah Al-Alaq.
• 😀 The revelations occurred in two major periods: the Meccan period (610-622 CE), focusing on faith and the Oneness of God, and the Medinan period (622-632 CE), which addressed social, legal, and political issues.
• 😀 The angel Jibreel acted as the intermediary, delivering Allah's message to Prophet Muhammad, sometimes directly, and other times through inspiration.
• 😀 Prophet Muhammad often experienced physical and emotional strain during the revelation process, including feeling heavy, sweating, and intense pressure.
• 😀 The Quran was preserved through memorization by the Prophet and his companions (the Sahabah), many of whom became Hafiz (those who memorized the entire Quran).
• 😀 Despite being illiterate, Prophet Muhammad appointed scribes, such as Zayd ibn Thabit, to write down the revelations on materials like parchment, palm leaves, and bones.
• 😀 Jibreel guided Prophet Muhammad on the order of the verses and surahs, ensuring the Quran's present arrangement.
• 😀 The final verse of the Quran was revealed shortly before Prophet Muhammad's death during his Farewell Pilgrimage in 632 CE. It declares the completion of the religion in Surah Al-Ma’idah (5:3).
• 😀 After Prophet Muhammad's death, the Quran was compiled into a single book form under the Caliphates of Abu Bakr and Uthman, ensuring its preservation for future generations.
• 😀 The Quran is considered the literal word of God, covering all aspects of life and serving as the ultimate source of guidance for Muslims, confirming and correcting previous scriptures.

Q & A

When and where did the first revelation of the Quran occur?

The first revelation of the Quran occurred in 610 CE in the Cave of Hira, located on Jabal al-Noor (Mountain of Light) near Mecca.

How did Prophet Muhammad respond to the first command from Angel Gabriel?

Prophet Muhammad, being illiterate, responded by saying 'I cannot read' when Angel Gabriel commanded him to 'Read' or 'Recite.' The command was repeated twice before the first five verses of Surah Al-Alaq were revealed.

What were the key themes of the revelations during the Meccan period (610–622 CE)?

The revelations during the Meccan period focused on the Oneness of God (Tawhid), the afterlife, moral guidance, and preparing the Muslim community for spiritual and social change.

How did the revelations change after the migration to Medina in 622 CE?

After the migration to Medina, the revelations became more detailed and included social, legal, and political guidance. They addressed topics such as family law, inheritance, warfare, and community governance.

What forms of delivery were used in transmitting the Quran to Prophet Muhammad?

The Quran was delivered through different forms, including auditory revelation (where Prophet Muhammad heard the words of Allah), physical and emotional strain (manifesting as heaviness or pressure), and occasionally in dreams.

What role did Angel Gabriel play in the revelation of the Quran?

Angel Gabriel acted as the intermediary between Allah and Prophet Muhammad, bringing the words of Allah either directly or through inspiration. He guided the Prophet on how the verses and chapters should be arranged.

Who were the 'Hafiz' in relation to the Quran?

The 'Hafiz' were the companions of Prophet Muhammad who memorized the entire Quran. They played a significant role in preserving the Quran through oral transmission.

How was the Quran recorded during Prophet Muhammad's time?

Although Prophet Muhammad was illiterate, he appointed scribes, such as Zaid ibn Thabit, to write down the revelations. These were written on materials like parchment, palm leaves, and bones.

What was the final verse revealed in the Quran, and when was it revealed?

The final verse of the Quran was revealed shortly before Prophet Muhammad's death in 632 CE, during his Farewell Pilgrimage. It is from Surah Al-Ma’idah (5:3) and states: 'This day I have perfected for you your religion, completed my favor upon you, and have chosen for you Islam as your religion.'

How was the Quran compiled after Prophet Muhammad's death?

After Prophet Muhammad's death, the Quran was compiled into a single book during the caliphates of Abu Bakr and Uthman ibn Affan. Uthman standardized the text to ensure its accuracy and preservation.

What is the significance of the Quran in Islam?

The Quran is considered the literal word of God, directly conveyed to Prophet Muhammad without alteration. It serves as the ultimate source of guidance for Muslims, addressing spiritual, moral, legal, and social aspects of life, and confirming the messages of previous scriptures while correcting distortions.