How the Revelation of the Quran Happened: A Night That Changed the World
The revelation of the Quran is one of the most powerful and sacred moments in all of human history. It was the beginning of divine guidance for mankind — sent from the Creator to the creation — through the heart of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ.
🌙 Laylat al-Qadr: The Night of Revelation
It all began on a night unlike any other — Laylat al-Qadr (The Night of Power) — in the last ten nights of Ramadan. It was on this blessed night that the first verses of the Quran were revealed to the Prophet ﷺ through Angel Jibreel (Gabriel).
📍 Location: Cave of Hira, Makkah — where the Prophet ﷺ would retreat for solitude and worship.
📜 First Revelation: Surah Al-Alaq
The first words to be revealed were from Surah Al-‘Alaq. Imagine the stillness of the cave, the silence of the night, and suddenly — the voice of Jibreel calling out:
اقْرَأْ بِاسْمِ رَبِّكَ الَّذِي خَلَقَ
“Read in the Name of your Lord who created.”
(Surah Al-‘Alaq 96:1)
خَلَقَ الْإِنسَانَ مِنْ عَلَقٍ
“Created man from a clinging substance.”
(96:2)
اقْرَأْ وَرَبُّكَ الْأَكْرَمُ
“Read, and your Lord is the Most Generous.”
(96:3)
🕊️ How Was the Quran Revealed?
The Quran was revealed in two main stages:
1. In One Go to the Lowest Heaven (Al-Inzal)
Scholars explain that the entire Quran was sent down from Al-Lawh Al-Mahfuz (The Preserved Tablet) to the lowest heaven (Bayt al-‘Izzah) all at once on Laylat al-Qadr.
إِنَّا أَنزَلْنَاهُ فِي لَيْلَةِ الْقَدْرِ
“Indeed, We sent it [the Quran] down on the Night of Decree.”
(Surah Al-Qadr 97:1)
2. Gradually Over 23 Years (At-Tanzeel)
Then, it was revealed gradually to the Prophet ﷺ over 23 years — addressing real-life situations, strengthening the believers, and guiding the ummah.
وَقُرْآنًا فَرَقْنَاهُ لِتَقْرَأَهُ عَلَى النَّاسِ عَلَىٰ مُكْثٍ وَنَزَّلْنَاهُ تَنزِيلًا
“And [it is] a Qur’an which We have separated [by intervals] so that you might recite it to the people over a prolonged period. And We have sent it down progressively.”
(Surah Al-Isra 17:106)
🕋 Why Is This Important Today?
This revelation is not just a historical event — it’s a living miracle. The Quran continues to guide hearts, change lives, and provide light in times of darkness.
When we understand how it came — gradually, purposefully, and with divine wisdom — we appreciate its beauty and power even more.
📍 Learn and Reflect with MakkahMadinah.ca
At MakkahMadinah.ca, we aim to revive the love and understanding of our deen. Whether you’re preparing for Umrah, exploring Islamic history, or seeking Quranic knowledge — we’re here to walk the journey with you.
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Let’s reconnect with the Quran — not just as a book, but as a revelation that shaped the destiny of mankind.
💭 Final Reflection
نَزَلَ بِهِ الرُّوحُ الْأَمِينُ عَلَىٰ قَلْبِكَ لِتَكُونَ مِنَ الْمُنذِرِينَ
“The Trustworthy Spirit has brought it down – upon your heart, [O Muhammad], that you may be of the warners.”
(Surah Ash-Shu’ara 26:193–194)
This Ramadan, let’s honor the Quran not just by reciting it, but by reflecting on how it came, why it came, and what it continues to mean for us today.