By: Nur Izzah Sofea binti Johari

Qur’an is one of the great miracles of the Prophet Muhammad SAW which is used as a guide for the lives of Muslims. Al-Quran is a book that has never been changed since it was revealed until now and it is also a perfect book covering all matters including belief, worship, muamalah, morals and so on.

Nuzul Quran Day is the day when the Quran was revealed to Prophet Muhammad SAW from Allah SWT. Linguistically, “nuzul” derived from an Arabic term meaning to remain in one spot or to descend from a high position. The night of the 17th of Ramadan is renowned for being the initiation night for the revelation of the Al-Quran from Baitul Izzah to Prophet Muhammad SAW. Allah says in Surah Al-Baqarah verse 185:

شَهْرُ رَمَضَانَ الَّذِي أُنزِلَ فِيهِ الْقُرْآنُ هُدًى لِّلنَّاسِ وَبَيِّنَاتٍ مِّنَ الْهُدَىٰ وَالْفُرْقَانِ

Means: “The month of Ramaḍān [is that] in which was revealed the Qur’ān, a guidance for the people and clear proofs of guidance and criterion”

Prophet Muhammad SAW received the Al-Quran in phases. The Quran descends in three stages: from Allah to Luh Mahfuz, from Luh Mahfuz to Baitul Izzah; and last stage from Baitul Izzah to the Prophet Muhammad SAW through the angel Gabriel Alaihissalam. Starting on the night of the 17th of Ramadhan, the Al-Quran was gradually revealed to the Prophet Muhammad SAW and the first verse that was revealed was Surah Al-Alaq verses 1 to 5. The gradual descent of the Al-Quran enables its teachings to address specific circumstances, offer direction in a range of life domains, and progressively establish a community of believers.

Besides, the night of Lailatul Qadr is also one of the nights mentioned as the night of the revelation of the Quran. However, according to the Mahabis fi Ulumul Quran by Al-Qattan and Mana’ Khalil, the difference between the revelation of the Quran on the night of the 17th of Ramdhan and the night of Lalilatul Qadr is in terms of level. Lailalul Qadr night is the night of the revelation of the Quran from Allah to Luh Mahfuz to Baitul Izzah and the night of the 17th of Ramadhan is the night of the revelation of Quran from Baitul Izzah to Prophet Muhammad SAW.

As a Muslim, Nuzul Quran Day is important because it honors the day that Allah revealed the Al-Quran, the last book of guidance to humanity. The Nuzul Quran also demonstrates how wisely God has responded to the increasing needs of both individuals and society. Thus, we cannot simply benefit from the holy day unless we convert the blessings of the day into our actions. On the Nuzul Quran day, we can spend more time reading Quran either alone or with our beloved family or friends. Besides, recite the Quran at a slow tempo to better understand and assimilate the verses’ pure core.

Al-Quran just not directs people to the right path but it also gives Muslims instructions on how to do Ibadah and establish a spiritual bond with Allah SWT. Surely, a strong spiritual bond with Allah will give a good impact to our soul. Thus, one of the occasions that Muslims should remember during Ramadan is the revelation of the Quran.

Ref: -Al-Qattan, Mana’ Khalil. 2011M/1433H. Mabahis Fi ‘Ulum al-Quran. Cet 3. Riyadh: Maktabah al-Ma’arif. Hlm 105