Allâh’s Books

Q: Revelation Statements Contradict?

All three statements are correct. There were two stages of revelation:

• First: The Qur’aan was sent as a whole from Lawh-e-Mahfooz to the first Heaven in Ramadaan.
• Second: It was revealed to the Prophet ﷺ over 23 years in parts.

Q: When and where did revelation begin?

Revelation began in the cave of Hira near Makkah when the Prophet ﷺ was 40 years old.

Q: How did the revelation begin?

Jibra’eel عليه السلام appeared and said “Iqra.” The Prophet ﷺ replied, “I am not a reader.” This happened three times. Then Jibra’eel recited the first verses of Surah ‘Alaq, which the Prophet ﷺ repeated.

Q: Is the present Qur’aan in the same order of revelation?

No. Revelation came according to need. The present order was arranged under the instruction of the Prophet ﷺ through Jibra’eel عليه السلام.

Q: Did the Prophet ﷺ decide the order himself?

No. The order, surah boundaries, and number of verses were all commanded by Allâh through Jibra’eel.

Q: Proofs that the Qur’aan today is unchanged

• Tawaatur: So many people transmitted it that it is impossible they all lied.
• Huffaaz: Millions memorized it from the beginning until today.
• Allâh’s promise: “We are its Guardian.”
• Challenge of the Qur’aan: No one has ever matched its style.