Six Lessons from Nuzul al-Qur'an for Muslims in Enhancing Worship, Faith, and Taqwa
Nuzul al-Qur’an is the event of the first revelation consisting of the Qur’an from Allah to the Prophet Muhammad, observed on the 17th night of Ramadan in the Hijri calendar. It is celebrated in Ramadan according to the Hijri calendar. The Qur’an was revealed gradually over 23 years, as described by Imam Ibn Kathir in Al-Bidayah wan Nihayah: ‘The commencement of the revelation to the Messenger of Allah occurred on Monday night, the seventeenth of Ramadan. It is said to correspond to the twenty-fourth of Ramadan.’ (Ibn Kathir, Al-Bidayah wan Nihayah, Beirut: Dar al-Fikr, vol. III, p. 11). Therefore, as Muslims guided by the Qur’an, it is fitting to commemorate Nuzul al-Qur’an because it contains many merits and hikmah that can be emulated.
What are the hikmah (wisdoms) of Nuzul al-Qur’an for a Muslim? A summary from DetikJateng of the Ministry of Religious Affairs RI, North Sulawesi Province, UIN Sunan Gunung Djati, NU Online, and MUI Digital explains the following:
The six hikmah of Nuzul al-Qur’an for Muslims:
Strengthening faith and taqwa toward Allah the Almighty. The moment of Nuzul al-Qur’an serves as a reminder that the Qur’an is Allah’s revelation guiding human life. By remembering the descent of the Qur’an, Muslims are motivated to increase faith, improve worship, and elevate taqwa.
Remembering the history of the Qur’an’s descent. Since Nuzul al-Qur’an marks the descent of the Qur’an, its annual remembrance reminds Muslims of the process of the first revelation to Prophet Muhammad SAW. It is hoped to cultivate a willingness to strengthen the bond with the Qur’an by increasing recitation, understanding its meanings, and applying its teachings in daily life.
Bestowing blessings upon the Muslim Ummah. The Qur’an is not merely a text but a guide regulating all aspects of life, from recommendations to prohibitions. By using it as a guide in worldly life, Muslims are believed to receive blessings, peace, and a clear life direction aligned with Allah’s will. Additionally, on this night angels including Gabriel descend to Earth with the Qur’an. Allah says: ‘On that night descend the angels and Gabriel by the permission of their Lord to govern all affairs’ (Qur’an 97:4).
As a symbol of Islam and a means to propagating the Qur’an. The commemoration of Nuzul al-Qur’an is part of the Islamic da’wah. The night is often celebrated with various Islamic activities, such as study circles or lectures, so the Qur’anic values become more widely known. It is a form of da’wah reminding people that the Qur’an is a foundation for thought and action.
A perfect time to increase worship. Nuzul al-Qur’an is a moment to enhance the quality of worship and earn more rewards. The night contains many virtues that can be readily attained. Muslims gather to increase Qur’an recitation, perform the night prayer, engage in dhikr, supplicate, and undertake other good deeds to enliven the night.
A space for education and literacy. In commemorating Nuzul al-Qur’an, communities often fill the day with Islamic activities such as pengajian, tadarus, deepening Qur’an understanding, and even quizzes. These activities make Nuzul al-Qur’an a tangible space for education and literacy, as well as a communal learning experience that broadens religious knowledge and fosters the understanding and practice of Qur’anic teachings in daily life.
- Practices for the Night of Nuzul al-Qur’an. In pursuit of the hikmah of Nuzul al-Qur’an, in addition to attending Islamic activities such as study circles, lectures, or competitions, there are several recommended acts for Muslims to maximize reward, including:
Increasing Qur’an recitation. As the name suggests, Nuzul al-Qur’an—the descent of the Qur’an—encourages Muslims to recite more Qur’an. This practice is especially emphasised in Ramadan, particularly on the night of Nuzul al-Qur’an, and many Muslims strive to complete their Qur’anic recitation on this night.
Reciting dhikr.
Performing the night prayer.
Observing i’tikaf.
Increasing supplication.