Revelation of the Qur’an in a Nutshell by Rifqah Dollie, Student at Zahraa Institute.
The Quran was revealed over a period of 23 years to Prophet Muhammad ﷺ.
How did He ﷺ receive the Qur’anic revelations?
By the command of Allah ﷻ, Jibreel (as) would convey the Qur’anic revelation to him ﷺ in one of two ways:
The revelation would come in a severe manner, like the ringing of a bell.
This manner of Revelation was the hardest on him ﷺ, and it is reported that he ﷺ would break into a sweat due to the difficulty. After passing this state, he ﷺ would recall what was inspired to him.
Angel Jibreel (as) would appear in the form of a man and he would come to the prophet ﷺ with Revelation.
This method of Revelation was easier for the Prophet ﷺ to endure. [Sahih Bukhari]
In addition, Ubadah ibn Samit reported that whenever the revelation descended on the Prophet ﷺ , his ﷺ face would become pale. He ﷺ would also lower his ﷺ head during the process of revelation and because of their love for him ﷺ the Companions would do the same, until the Revelation had ended. [Sahih Muslim]
Two Major Signs indicating the closeness of Revelation:
(1) Indications in his ﷺ sleep:
During sleep, he would see exactly what would occur as he had dreamt it, and these dreams would occur shortly before receiving Revelation.
(2) Yearning for Spiritual Retreat and Solitude:
He ﷺ became accustomed to seclusion in the Cave of Hira to devote himself to Allah ﷻ therein. When this state increased, it indicated that Revelation would follow shortly thereafter.
When and Where did he ﷺ receive the first Qur’anic Revelation?
It was revealed during one of the odd nights after the 21st night of Ramadaan – Laylatul Qadr (the Night of Power).
The Prophet ﷺ was 40 years old at that time – approximately in the year 610.
When Jibreel (as) appeared with the verses of the Quran the Prophet ﷺ was in I’tikaaf (Seclusion) in the cave of Hira, on Jabal Nur (The Mountain of Light) near Makkah.
How did it take place?
Jibreel (as) appeared in the form of a man, and tightly embraced the Prophet ﷺ against his chest thrice, each time saying “IQRA” – “RECITE”. The first two times, the Prophet ﷺ replied, “I am not a reciter.”
Jibreel (as) then embraced him ﷺ for a third time and continued until the Prophet ﷺ could no longer bear it, and then He ﷻ revealed the first revelation.