The Qur’an, the final revelation, didn’t all come down at once. It was revealed gradually over 23 years, corresponding with the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ’s life, hardships, and mission.
“And [it is] a Qur’an which We have divided so that you might recite it to the people over a prolonged period. And we have sent it down gradually.”
(Surah Al-Isra 17:106)
Stage 1: Preserved in the Lawh al-Mahfuz (The Protected Tablet)
Before any word was revealed, the Qur’an existed in the heavenly record.
“Nay! This is a Glorious Qur’an. [Inscribed] in a Tablet Preserved.”
(Surah Al-Buruj 85:21–22)
And this is the eternity and perfection of the Quran, it is not of time or of change, but held in a decreed place in the highest realm, itself eternal.
Stage 2: Revelation to the Lowest Heaven (Bayt al-‘Izzah)
In the Night of Decree (Laylat al-Qadr), the Qur’an was sent down in its entirety from the Preserved Tablet to the lowest heaven (Bayt al-‘Izzah).
“Indeed, We sent it down during the Night of Decree.”
(Surah Al-Qadr 97:1)
This had been a one and only, the great descent, one moment of such tremendous force occurring in the last ten nights of Ramadan, marking the start of the earthly mission.
Stage 3: Gradual Revelation to the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ (Over 23 Years)
From Bayt al-‘Izzah, Jibreel (AS) would take the Qur’an in piecemeal to the Prophet (SAW), a verse here, a collection there, as and when required, for two decades.
“And those who disbelieve say, ‘Why was the Qur’an not revealed to him all at once?’… Thus [it was revealed] that we may strengthen your heart thereby.”
(Surah Al-Furqan 25:32)
Reasons for Gradual Revelation:
- To strengthen the heart of the Prophet ﷺ.
- To address events and live questions.
- To enable a phased introduction of legislation and judgments.
- To help with retention and reflection.
- To demonstrate the living nature of divine guidance.
Types of Revelation
The Qur’an came through several distinct methods:
- Inspiration (Ilham): Directly inserting meaning into the heart of the Prophet.
- Dreams (Ru’ya Sadiqah): True visions that later became confirmed verses.
- Angel Jibreel (AS): Most commonly, Jibreel would come in human form or another form or a hidden form.
- Heavier experiences: At times, the Prophet ﷺ explained the significance of the revelation in a way that described weight being like the weight of a bell or heavy pressure.
They were serious, purposeful, and they bore the weight of the divine message.
Compilation of the Qur’an
While it was revealed over time, the Qur’an was preserved instantly:
- The Verses were written down by the Prophet’s ﷺ secretaries.
- He commanded their exact order (non-chronological).
- It was memorised by more than one Companion.
- It was later compiled into one official Mushaf during Abu Bakr’s (RA) reign, and standardized during the time of Uthman (RA).
This way it was kept, laid down, in both content and recitation.
Conclusion
The Qur’an was not sent down at one time, it was lived, experienced, and observed over 23 years. It came to people where they were, it healed their wounds, it answered their questions, and it formed a community of faith and obedience.
“A Book We have sent down to you, full of blessing, so that they may ponder its verses and that those of understanding would be reminded.”
(Surah Sad 38:29)
And now, centuries later, the same divine process continues as we too are to receive the Qur’an verse by verse, day by day, with truthfulness and reflection.
