Q.

(a) Describe how the holy Quran was revealed during the
years from 610 to 632 AD. W/18 (Reference based
answer)

Ways of revelation with age and growing understanding, the Holy

Prophet ‫ صلى هللا عليه وسلم‬became more aware of the corrupt
society around him. The Holy Prophet (pbuh) approached the age
of forty; he started retiring his time in a Cave nearby mountain
known as Hira. One day, Hazrat Gabrael (a.s) appeared with the
first revelation on the Holy Prophet (pbuh) in 610 AD. The holy
Quran says, “Proclaim in the name of your Lord, and the
Cherisher, Who created Man … taught what he knew not” (Surah
–Al-Alaq)

Since then, the holy Prophet (pbuh) had been receiving

revelations as Divine instructions on all the important occasions of
his life which continued for 23-years. Allah (swt) did not send
down the holy Quran at once, but sent into intervals so the holy
Prophet (pbuh) may get enough time to preserve and preach to
the people. The Holy Quran says, “And We sent down the holy
Quran in pieces so that you may read to mankind at intervals
and We have sent it down gradually bit by bit” (Al-Isra-106)

After a few years, a revelation came in which the Holy Prophet

(pbuh) was advised to extend the circle of teachings up to his
relatives, family and friends. The holy Quran says, “And admonish
your nearest Kinsman” (As-Shura-214). The Holy Prophet (pbuh)
invited his relatives to his house, hosted them with feast and
introduced them about the teachings of Islam. After hearing this,
all the people made fun of him and dispersed. Only Hazrat Ali
(R.A) stated that and even declared that, “I shall stand by you in
all the ways”.

In 613 AD, the holy Prophet (pbuh) was ordered by Allah (swt) to
start open preachings in these words. The holy Quran says,
“Expand openly what you are commanded and turn away from
those who join false gods with Allah (swt).”(Al-Hijr-94). When
the holy Prophet (pbuh) called the Quraish party on Safa Hill and
started preaching about one God and introduced himself as His
Messenger. At once, they fell upon him since that day the holy
Prophet (pbuh) and his companions were the target of tortures
and persecutions of pagans. Throughout all years of persecutions
and hardships in Makkah, the Prophet (pbuh) received revelations
which not only consoled and comforted him but also his followers
like Surah Al-Doha and Al-Kusar were revealed in this regard.

In 622 AD, the holy Prophet (pbuh) and his followers migrated to
Madinah while he was encouraged through revelations in these
words, “They plot and plan and Allah (swt) too plans, but the
best of planners is Allah (swt)” (Al-Anfal-30). Another revelation
of the holy Quran says, “Those who migrate in the cause of Allah
(swt) after having being wronged, We will surely give them
better place in this world” (Al-Nahl-41). In 624 AD, 2-AH, the holy
Prophet (pbuh) received revelation in which the permission of
fighting was granted in these words. The holy Quran says, “Fight
in the cause of Allah (swt) against those who fight you” ((Al-
Baqarah-190). The holy Prophet (pbuh) prayed, “Oh, Allah, if this
small party of believers perished, there will be no one to worship
You on the earth”. Allah (swt) replied, “ Oh Messenger, you
implored our help. I shall help you through ranks and ranks”.

In 628 AD, the holy Prophet (PBUH) received another revelation

on the eve of treaty of Hudabiya in these words, “Verily, we have
granted you a manifest victory” (Al-Fatah: 1). In 8-AH, the
revelations also came when the holy Prophet (pbuh) was cleaning
Kaaba from 360 idols after peaceful conquest of Makkah. The holy
Quran reminds in these words, “And say: the truth has come, and
falsehood has been perished, falsehood is bound to be perished”
(Bani-Israel -81)

Later on, the holy Prophet (pbuh) continued to receive revelations

till his farewell pilgrimage in 631 AD. The last revelation received
by the holy Prophet (pbuh) was in the plain of Arafat when the
Holy the holy Quran says, “This day have I perfected your Deen
upon you and completed my favour upon you and have chosen
for you Islam as your Deen”. (Al-Maiydah-3).
Overall, the Holy Quran was revealed upon the holy Prophet
(pbuh) in different ways. Hazrat Gabrial (A.S) brought revelations.
Hazrat Ayesha (r.a) reports, “O Allah (swt)’s Messenger! How is
Divine revelations revealed to you? He (pbuh) replied,
sometimes, he (Hazrat Gabriel) would come in human form
(Dahiya-Al-Qalbi) and spoke tothe holy Prophet (pbuh) and he
would grasp it. Sometimes, the revelations came in ringing bell,
the inspiration was very hard, he (pbuh) would perspire even in
cold days. Sometimes, he (pbuh) grew heavy when revelations
came”.
(b) The Muslims around the world memorise/recite the Qur’an
in Arabic even if they do not understand it. What do you think
are the benefits of this? [4]

Ans: Hadith of the holy Prophet (pbuh)