MUSLIMS worldwide observe Nuzul Al Quran, which falls on the 17th day of the holy month of Ramadan of the Islamic calendar every year.
Nuzul translates to the descent of something special, while Al Quran means a set of readings.
According to Islamic teachings, the holy scripture was descended from heaven to earth, revealing its first verses of Al Quran Nur Karim with surah Al-Alaq to the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) – the final messenger of Allah.
The prophet was visited by archangel Gabriel as he was performing ‘ibadah’ (worshipping The Almighty) in the Cave of Hira on Mount Jabal Nur, neighbouring the Holy land of Makkah Al-Mukarramah.
Hence, Muslims celebrate Nuzul Al Quran to commemorate the revelation of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) to complete the Holy Al Quran, as he was the chosen recipient and messenger of the word of Allah through the divine revelations.
In conjunction with Nuzul Al Quran this year, The Vibes Culture and Lifestyle spoke to Yayasan Prihatin Nasional (Prihatin) Board of Trustees and Religious Advisor Datuk Tuan Asmawi Tuan Umar.
“Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) was taking refuge in the Cave of Hira… all by himself, devoting himself to The Almighty Allah by performing ‘Dhikr’ (a form of Islamic meditation) when archangel Gabriel appeared before him.
“Gabriel revealed the first five verses of Surah Al-Alaq to Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), and after this preliminary revelation, he had many more revelations of the holy sacred scripture over the remainder of his life,” he told The Vibes.
Asmawi, who is widely known as Ustaz Asmawi, further explained that the Al Quran was executed in stages.
It is understood that the holy Al Quran, in the first stage, was kept safely in ‘Luh Mahfuz’ – a place where the ‘decrees’ / ‘orders’ of Allah are kept; where everything that happened and that will happen is written.
The holy Al Quran was then revealed completely to Baitul Izzah, ‘House of Might or Nobility’ – where it was sent to the Prophet in phases across 23 years until its contents were completely revealed, becoming the one that is read to this day.
While touching on the ways this auspicious day is being celebrated, Tuan Asmawi reiterates that Nuzul Al Quran is significant as it commemorates the day Allah gave mankind the last direction through the sacred book.
“It is a spiritual day when Muslims from all walks of life are able to reflect on the verses of the Holy Al Quran by trying to inculcate The Almighty's teachings and guidance in their lives,” he added. – The Vibes, April 8, 2023