Sample Notes: The Revelation of The Quran To Prophet PBUH Between The Years 610 and 632 AD

The History and Importance of the Qur’an – Revelation to the Prophet (pbuh) between 610 and 632 CE

Background Context Before the Revelation

• Arabia in the 6th–7th century CE was primarily a tribal, desert-based society.
• No central government existed – instead, independent tribes lived according to their own customs and traditions.
• Mecca was a central hub for trade and religion due to:
  • The Ka‘bah: Considered sacred since the time of Prophet Ibrahim (AS) and Isma‘il (AS), but at this time filled with idols representing various deities.
  • Annual pilgrimage (Hajj) bringing in trade and wealth.
• Society was dominated by idol worship, superstition, and moral corruption:
  • Practices like female infanticide, exploitation of the poor, and tribal warfare were common.
  • No widely accepted scripture existed in Arabia; poetry was the highest form of linguistic expression.
• Prophet Muhammad (pbuh), known for his honesty, integrity, and wisdom (Al-Amin), spent much time reflecting on society’s ills.
• He would frequently retreat to the Cave of Hira for solitude and contemplation, worshipping the One God according to the remnants of Abrahamic tradition.

The Beginning of Revelation – 610 CE

• Age of the Prophet (pbuh): 40 years.
• Location: Cave of Hira, Mount Noor, near Mecca.
• Event: First revelation through Angel Jibril (Gabriel).
• Details of the First Revelation:
  • Angel Jibril appeared suddenly and embraced the Prophet (pbuh), commanding: “Iqra” (“Read” or “Recite”).
  • The Prophet (pbuh) replied: “I cannot read.”
  • This happened three times before the angel recited the first verses of the Qur’an:
    • Surah Al-‘Alaq (96:1–5)
      “Read in the name of your Lord who created – created man from a clot. Read, and your Lord is the Most Generous – who taught by the pen – taught man that which he knew not.”
  • This marked the start of his prophethood and the divine mission.
• Emotional Response:
  • The Prophet (pbuh) was deeply shaken.
  • He returned home trembling and asked Khadijah (RA) to wrap him in a blanket.
  • Khadijah (RA) comforted him and took him to Waraqa bin Nawfal, a learned Christian relative, who confirmed that this was the same angel who had come to earlier prophets like Musa (AS).

The Pause in Revelation (Fatrah)

• After the first revelation, there was a pause (estimates range from weeks to months).
• This served as:
  • A period of spiritual preparation for the Prophet (pbuh).
  • A time to reflect on the magnitude of his responsibility.
• The pause ended with the revelation of Surah Al-Muddaththir (74:1–7):
  • “O you who are wrapped up, arise and warn, and magnify your Lord, and purify your garments, and shun the idols…”
• This marked the instruction to begin delivering the message.

Stages of the Revelation

1. Secret Preaching (610–613 CE)

• Initially, the message was conveyed privately to avoid immediate hostility.
• First believers:
  • Khadijah (RA) – first to accept Islam.
  • Abu Bakr (RA) – close friend and merchant.
  • Ali ibn Abi Talib (RA) – cousin, only about 10 years old.
  • Zayd ibn Harithah (RA) – freed slave and adopted son.
• Meetings often held at the house of Arqam bin Abi Arqam.
• Focus of revelations during this period:
  • Tawhid (Oneness of Allah)
  • Accountability and life after death
  • Purity in worship and character.

2. Public Preaching (613–622 CE – Meccan Period)

• The Prophet (pbuh) publicly called the Quraysh to Islam, beginning with relatives (Surah Ash-Shu‘ara 26:214 – “Warn your nearest relatives”).
• Meccan revelations focused on:
  • The oneness and uniqueness of Allah.
  • Condemnation of idol worship.
  • The Hereafter and moral accountability.
  • Stories of previous prophets as lessons.
• Opposition intensified:
  • Verbal abuse, physical torture of followers, economic boycott.
  • Migration to Abyssinia (615 CE) for protection under Christian King Negus.
• Example revelations: Surah Al-Fil, Surah Quraysh, Surah Al-Kafirun.

3. Medina Period (622–632 CE)

• After the Hijrah (migration) to Medina, revelations addressed:
  • Building a Muslim community (Ummah) based on justice, compassion, and unity.
  • Detailed laws of worship (Salah, Zakah, fasting in Ramadan, Hajj).
  • Social laws (marriage, inheritance, business ethics).
  • Rules of warfare, treaties, and peace agreements.
• Medinan revelations were generally longer and more legislative.
• Example revelations: Surah Al-Baqarah, Surah An-Nisa, Surah Al-Ma’idah.

Modes of Revelation

• Direct instruction via Angel Jibril – most common, either in human form or angelic form.
• Inspiration into the heart – without visible form.
• True dreams – visions that came true.
• Sound of a bell – most intense form, requiring the Prophet (pbuh) to concentrate fully.

Compilation and Preservation During the Prophet’s Lifetime

• The Qur’an was revealed over 23 years: 13 years in Mecca, 10 years in Medina.
• Each time a revelation came:
  • The Prophet (pbuh) memorised it immediately.
  • He recited it to companions, many of whom memorised it.
  • Scribes wrote it on materials like parchment, bone, leather, and palm leaves.
• Notable scribes: Zayd ibn Thabit (RA), Ubayy ibn Ka‘b (RA), Abdullah ibn Mas‘ud (RA).
• The arrangement of verses and surahs was divinely instructed by Angel Jibril.
• In Ramadan, the Prophet (pbuh) revised the Qur’an with Jibril – in the last Ramadan of his life, he revised it twice.

Final Revelation

• Many scholars agree the last complete verse revealed was Surah Al-Ma’idah (5:3):
  • “This day I have perfected for you your religion, completed My favour upon you, and have approved for you Islam as your religion.”
• Revealed during the Farewell Pilgrimage in 632 CE.
• Shortly after, the Prophet (pbuh) passed away, leaving the Qur’an complete and preserved.

Importance of the Qur’an

• Direct word of Allah – revealed in Arabic, preserved without alteration.
• Final Revelation – confirming and completing previous scriptures (Torah, Psalms, Gospel).
• Universal guidance – applicable to all people, times, and places.
• Primary source of Islamic law – alongside Sunnah.
• Moral and spiritual reform – encourages justice, compassion, honesty, and humility.
• Miraculous nature – unmatched in language, style, and depth.
• Protection from corruption – Allah promises in Surah Al-Hijr (15:9): “Indeed, it is We who sent down the Qur’an and indeed, We will be its guardian.”

The Qur’an as a Living Miracle

• Linguistic excellence: Even the most skilled Arab poets could not match its style.
• Fulfilled prophecies: e.g., victory of Romans over Persians (Surah Ar-Rum 30:2–4).
• Scientific signs: References to embryonic development, water cycle, expanding universe – knowledge unknown at the time.
• Impact on hearts: Even enemies of Islam acknowledged its beauty and power.

Relevance for Muslims Today

• Daily prayers include recitation from the Qur’an.
• Source of legal rulings, ethical guidelines, and spiritual advice.
• Encouragement to read, understand, and implement its teachings.
• Role in uniting the global Muslim community through a single unchanged text.