According to Sheikh Abd al-Azim Az-Zurqani, the revelation of the Quran occurred in three stages. The first stage was the revelation of the entire Quran to the lauh mahfuz all at once. However, the timing of this revelation is known only to Allah, as Allah says:

بَلْ هُوَ قُرْاٰنٌ مَّجِيْدٌۙفِيْ لَوْحٍ مَّحْفُوْظٍ ٢١ – ٢٢

“Nay, this is a Glorious Qur’an, (Inscribed) in a Tablet Preserved!” [Al-Buruj 85:21-22]

The second stage was the revelation of the Quran from lauh mahfuz to Baitul Izzah in the world’s heaven, all at once on the night of Al-Qadr during the month of Ramadan. This is what is referred to in the following verse of the Quran:

“The month of Ramadan is the one in which the Quran was sent down.” Then it is further clarified in another verse which states. Allah says:

اِنَّآ اَنْزَلْنٰهُ فِيْ لَيْلَةِ الْقَدْرِ ١

“We have indeed revealed this (Message) in the Night of Power.” [Al-Qadr 97:1]

The third stage was the revelation of the Quran from Baitul izzah to the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, which occurred gradually over the course of 23 years of his life. Allah explains this gradual revelation in the following verse of the Quran:

وَقُرْاٰنًا فَرَقْنٰهُ لِتَقْرَاَهٗ عَلَى النَّاسِ عَلٰى مُكْثٍ وَّنَزَّلْنٰهُ تَنْزِيْلً ١٠٦

“(It is) a Qur’an which We have divided (into parts from time to time), in order that thou mightest recite it to men at intervals: We have revealed it by stages.”  [Al-Isra 17:106]

The wisdom behind the initial revelation of the Quran all at once was to honor the Quran that was placed in the Lauh Mahfuz. In addition, it was to inform the inhabitants of the heavens that this is the last book that will be revealed to the last prophet. However, the gradual revelation of the Quran also carries many benefits, such as:

1. It strengthened the heart of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ who faced a lot of opposition during his preaching. Therefore, the gradual revelation of the Quran was meant to strengthen the Prophet’s heart to continue spreading the truth.
2. It also addressed all the questions posed by the polytheists. There are many verses in the Quran that begin with the phrase يسألونك which means “they ask you” and Allah answers them.
3. To make it easy to memorize and understand. This is because the gradual revelation of the Quran in small portions made it easier for the companions to memorize it.
4. The gradual revelation also allowed for the gradual implementation of laws and judgments. There were laws revealed in response to certain events, which provided solutions to problems faced by the companions of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ . There were also laws that changed gradually, which allowed the companions to accept them openly without rejection.

Don’t forget to watch Tadaruz Al Quran: 30 Juz for 30 Days on Qalbox. This special program offers a unique opportunity to deepen your understanding of the Quran. Set aside some time each day to watch and reflect on the teachings of the Quran, and experience the blessings of the Nuzulul Quran and the holy month of Ramadan. Tune in to Qalbox and make the most of this special time of the year!

Written by Abdul Rahman Rahuni

Ustaz Abdul Rahman Rahuni. The author is a graduate of the Islamic University of Madinah studying in the field of Islamic Sharia. He is currently an instructor at Sekolah Menengah Ugama Islamiah, Tawau, Sabah.