Module 1 – Circle 14 The Revelation of the Quran

Module 1 – Circle 14 What is a Revelation? Revelation refers to the way in which God discloses Himself and His will to His creatures

Module 1 – Circle 14 Were there any previous Revelations from Allah swt to mankind? The Quran mentions the Scrolls given to Ibrahim (as), the Tawrat given the Musa (as), the Zabur (Psalms) given to Dawud (as) and the Injeel given to Isa (as).

Who is the Angel Jibril (Gabriel)? Jibril (as) is amongst the greatest and most famous of the Angels of Allah swt. He is the Angel who is responsible for communicating with the Messengers of Allah swt and delivering the message from Allah swt to the Prophets. Module 1 – Circle 14

Why does mankind need revelation from Allah swt? We said, "Go down from it (Jannah), all of you. And when guidance comes to you from Me, whoever follows My guidance - there will be no fear concerning them, nor will they grieve.” (2:38) Allah swt informs mankind what He expects from mankind, through revelation, and how mankind can save themselves from loss through lessons about the people from the past.

Module 1 – Circle 14 Which Prophet received the Holy Quran? The final revelation, was received by the best of the Prophets and the best of Creation, Muhammad pbuh.

Module 1 – Circle 14 What state was mankind in when the Quran was first revealed? Mankind was lost, and in need of guidance. The people used to worship idols, and even the Kabah had 360 idols within it. The people used to bury their daughters alive, and quarrel over trivial matters. There were only a few people left who would still follow the religion of Allah swt and worship just One God. This period was known as the Period of Jahiliyya (ignorance).

Module 1 – Circle 14 How did the revelation begin? The Prophet pbuh used to receive good dreams He used to go to the Cave of Hira to worship Allah swt Jibril (as) visited him, and thus began the first revelation

Module 1 – Circle 14 What was the response of the Messenger pbuh? “The Messenger pbuh said, speaking of that period when the revelation ceased: ‘Whilst I was walking, I heard a voice from the sky. I looked up and saw the angel who had come to me in Hira, sitting on a chair between the heavens and the earth. I felt scared of him, so I came home and said, “Cover me, cover me [with blankets]!” So they did, then Allah revealed the words: “O you (Muhammad) enveloped in garments! Arise and warn! And magnify your Lord (Allaah)! And purify your garments! And keep away from Ar-Rujz (the idols)!” [al-Muddathir 74:1-5].’”

Module 1 – Circle 14 How did the family of the Prophet pbuh comfort him? The Prophet pbuh said to Khadeejah (ra), ‘O Khadeejah, I fear for myself,’ and he told her what had happened. Khadeejah said, ‘No, you are of good character, for by Allah, Allah will never disgrace you. You uphold the ties of kinship, speak truthfully, help the poor and destitute, serve your guests generously and assist those who are stricken by calamity.’

Module 1 – Circle 14 How were the people of this time entertained? The Arabs used to be entertained by listening to poetry. Great poets became highly respected, and could honour a person, or completely destroy the reputation of a person for life.

Module 1 – Circle 14 What effect did the revelations have on the people when they heard them? "And if you are in doubt about that which We have revealed to Our Servant, then bring a surah like it and call your witnesses, other than God, if you are truthful." (2:23) Umar ibn Al-Khattab, who was on his way to kill the Prophet pbuh, discovered his sister and her husband reciting the Qur'an. Upon reading twenty verses, instead went to the Prophet, peace be upon him, and embraced Islam.

Module 1 – Circle 14 Why did Allah swt choose Muhammad pbuh to carry this message? The Prophet pbuh had the most noble character He was known as ‘Al-Amin’ (the trustworthy) His family were very respected, and his Grandfather Abdul Muttalib had a very high status amongst the Arabs The lineage of the Prophet pbuh can be traced back to Ibrahim (as) and beyond. “The 100: A Ranking of the Most Influential Persons in History”

Module 1 – Circle 14 What was the next revelation? "By the forenoon, and by the night as it spreads its wings over the world in peace, your Lord has not forsaken you; nor is He displeased with you. Surely, the end shall be better for you than the beginning. Your Lord will soon give you of His bounty and you will be well pleased. Did He not find you an orphan and give you shelter? Did He not find you erring and guide you to the truth? Did He not find you in want and provide for you? Do not, therefore, oppress the orphan nor turn away whosoever seeks your help. And the bounty of your Lord, always proclaim."[Qur'an, 93:1-11]

Module 1 – Circle 14 How was the revelation received by the Messenger pbuh? Narrated Aisha, the mother of the faithful believers: Al-Harith bin Hisham asked Allah's apostle: 'O Allah's apostle. How is the divine inspiration revealed to you?' Allah's apostle replied, 'Sometimes it is "revealed" like the ringing of a bell, this form of inspiration is the hardest of all and then this state passes off after I have grasped what is inspired. Sometimes the Angel comes in the form of a man and talks to me and I grasp whatever he says'. [Bukhari, I, No. 2.]

Module 1 – Circle 14 Why was the Quran sent down in stages? To strengthen the heart of the Prophet pbuh by addressing him continuously and whenever the need for guidance arose. Out of consideration for the Prophet since revelation was a very difficult experience for him. To gradually implement the laws of God. To make understanding, application and memorisation of the revelation easier for the believers.

Module 1 – Circle 14 Were these revelations written down? The revelation was committed to memory by the Messenger pbuh Scribes such as Zaid Ibn Thaabit would write down the revelation as instructed and checked by the Prophet pbuh Quranic verses were mostly written on stone slabs, parchments, date branches, bamboo, tree leaves and animal bones.

Module 1 – Circle 14 Have there been any changes in the Quran? "Verily, it is We Who have sent down the Quran and surely, We will guard it (from corruption)." (Quran 15:9) Ibn 'Abbas narrates "that the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) was the most generous person, and he would be at his most generous in Ramadan because Jibril would come to him every night and he would rehearse the Qur'an with him." (Bukhari)