Nuzulul Qur'an on 17 Ramadan: How the Qur'an Was Revealed

Muslims worldwide mark one of the most significant events in Islamic history, the Nuzulul Qur’an, the moment of the first revelation to Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).

This year, the Nuzulul Qur’an anniversary falls on 17 Ramadan 1447 AH, corresponding to Saturday, 7 March 2026, allowing Muslims to observe the vigil from Friday night, 6 March 2026.

The event marks the commencement of the Qur’an’s descent as guidance for humanity. The first revelation came to Prophet Muhammad while he was in retreat in the Cave of Hira, through the intermediary of the Angel Jibril.

That first revelation is contained in Surah Al-‘Alaq, verses 1–5, which begin with the command ’Iqra’ bismi rabbikalladhi khalaq.’ This verse signals the beginning of the prophetic mission and also emphasises the importance of knowledge in Islam.

Stages of the Revelation

Scholars explain that the Qur’an was revealed in two stages. First, some scholars hold that the entire Qur’an was revealed at once from Lauh Mahfuz to Baitul Izzah (the heaven of this world) on the Night of Decree, Laylat al-Qadr.