How Was the Qur’an Revealed?
The Qur’an was revealed in stages according to the wisdom of Allah.
This overview explains the three stages described by scholars.
1. Written in Al-Lawh Al-Mahfuz
Before the creation of the heavens and the earth, the entire Qur’an was written by Allah in Al-Lawh Al-Mahfuz (The Preserved Tablet).
It is the ultimate, perfect record that remains with Allah’s knowledge.
2. Sent to the Lowest Heaven
At the beginning of the month of Ramadan, the Qur’an was sent all at once from Al-Lawh Al-Mahfuz to the lowest heaven (Bayt Al-‘Izzah).
There it remains in its complete form.
3. Revealed Gradually to the Prophet ﷺ
Over a period of twenty-three years, the Qur’an was revealed in parts to the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ through
the Angel Jibril, in accordance with events and the needs of guidance.
185شَهْرُ رَمَضَانَ ٱلَّذِىٓ أُنزِلَ فِيهِ ٱلْقُرْءَانُ هُدًى لِّلنَّاسِ
وَبَيِّنَٰتٍ مِّنَ ٱلْهُدَىٰ وَٱلْفُرْقَانِ“The month of Ramadan [is that] in which was revealed
the Qur’an, a guidance for the people and clear proofs
of guidance and criterion.”
— Surah Al-Baqarah (2:185)