Five Qur'anic Verses Explaining the Nuzul of the Qur'an

Muslims observe Nuzul al-Qur’an in Ramadan as the moment when the first revelation to Prophet Muhammad (SAW) began. The event is described directly in several Qur’anic verses relating to the time, process, and initiation of the holy book’s descent. In a tafsir study cited from NU Online, the revelation occurred in two main phases.

Phase one: the Qur’an was revealed in a single descent from Lauh al-Mahfuz to the worldly heavens (Bayt al-’Izzah) on the night of Laylat al-Qadr.

Phase two: it was revealed to Prophet Muhammad (SAW) gradually over more than 22 years via the Angel Jibril.

Several Qur’anic verses are commonly cited to explain the event.

Surah Al-Baqarah, Verse 185: The Qur’an Was Revealed in Ramadan

One of the verses most often linked with Nuzul al-Qur’an is Surah Al-Baqarah, Verse 185. In this verse, the Qur’an is described as being revealed in the month of Ramadan as guidance for humanity.

“The month of Ramadan, in which was revealed the Qur’an, a guidance for mankind and clear proofs of guidance and the criterion (between right and wrong). So whoever of you is present this month should fast…” (Arabic: shahru ramadan alladhi unzila fihi l-qur’ani hudan lin-nasi wa bayyinatim minal-huda wal-furqan, fa man syahida minkus-syahra falyashum-h…).

The month of Ramadan is the period during which the Qur’an is revealed as guidance for people and explanations of that guidance, along with the criterion to distinguish right from wrong. Therefore, those who are present in the month should fast, and those who are ill or travelling should make up the days later. Allah desires ease for you and does not desire hardship. Complete the prescribed period and exalt Allah for His guidance that you have received, so that you may be grateful.

That verse explains that the Qur’an functions as hudan (guidance), bayyināt (clear explanations), and furqan (the criterion between truth and falsehood).

Surah Al-Qadr, Verses 1–3: Revelation on Laylat al-Qadr

The descent of the Qur’an is also described in the opening verses of Surah Al-Qadr. The first verse states:

“Indeed, We have sent it down on the Night of Decree (Laylat al-Qadr).” (Arabic: innā anzalnāhu fī l-lailah al-qadr).

This verse shows that the revelation of the Qur’an is closely linked to Laylat al-Qadr, the night described as better than a thousand months. Scholars understand this as describing the initial phase of the Qur’an’s descent from Lauh Mahfuzh to the world.

Therefore, Laylat al-Qadr is regarded as among the most noble nights in Islam.

Surah Al-’Alaq, Verses 1–5: The First Revelation to Prophet Muhammad

The first revelation received by the Prophet Muhammad is recorded in Surah Al-’Alaq, verses 1–5, which begin with the command: “Read in the name of your Lord who created…”

“Read in the name of your Lord who created!” (Arabic: iqra’ bismi rabbikalladzî khalaq).

These verses were revealed by the Angel Jibril while the Prophet was in the Cave of Hira. This event marks the initiation of divine revelation to the Prophet and the start of the second phase of the Qur’anic revelation, which would continue gradually for more than two decades.

The gradual descent occurred in response to the circumstances and events faced by the early Muslim community.

Surah Ad-Dukhan, Verses 2–3: The Qur’an Revealed on a Blessed Night

The descent of the Qur’an on Laylat al-Qadr is echoed in the early verses of Surah Ad-Dukhan.

“By the clear Book” (Arabic: wal-kitābil-mubīn) and

“Indeed, We sent it down on a blessed night. Indeed, We have been prophets or warners” (Arabic: innā anzalnāhu fī laylatin mubārakatin inna kunnā mundhīn).

Allah then emphasises the Qur’an’s role as a message of warning to mankind.

Surah An-Nahl, Verse 102: The Qur’an Descended on a Blessed Night

The process of revelation via Jibril is further described in Surah An-Nahl verse 102:

“Say: He has sent it down the Holy Spirit (Ruh al-Qudus) from your Lord with the truth to strengthen those who have believed and as a guidance and glad tidings for the Muslims.” (Arabic: qul nazzalahû rûḥul-qudusi mir rabbika bil-ḥaqqi liyutsabbitalladhīna āmanū wa hudan wa busyrā lil-muslimīn).

The Qur’an was revealed to the Prophet Muhammad (SAW) through the Angel Jibril to strengthen the believers and act as guidance and good news for Muslims.

The Two-Phase Descent of the Qur’an

Scholars explain that the Qur’an’s descent occurred in a unique two-phase pattern, unlike previous scriptures.

• Phase one: The Qur’an was revealed in full from Lauh Mahfuzh to the world on Laylat al-Qadr.

• Phase two: The Qur’an was revealed to Prophet Muhammad (SAW) gradually over more than two decades via Jibril.

This gradual method served a significant purpose: it allowed the teachings of Islam to be understood and implemented by society at a measured pace.