Islamiyat · May / June 2021 · Paper 11 · Question 2

Give an account of the different ways in which the Prophet (pbuh) received revelation.

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Candidates may include some of the following information. All other relevant information must be credited. Candidates should write about the different ways in which the Prophet (pbuh) received revelation and not focus on the first revelation only.

The Qur’an was revealed to the Prophet (pbuh) over a period of 23 years. After the first revelation, in Cave Hira, revelation stopped for a period which caused the Prophet (pbuh) to worry. Once they started again, they came strongly and frequently.

There were different ways in which the verses were revealed to the Prophet (pbuh). A few times the Prophet (pbuh) saw the Angel in his original form. For example, on the night journey (Sura Najm), and at the time of the first revelation.

Sometimes the Angel Jibril came in the form of a man, and he resembled the Companion Dihya al Kalbi.

The revelations also came in the form of dreams, and he would wake up and remember them.

The most difficult revelations were when they came as the ringing of a bell. The revelations would weigh down on the Prophet (pbuh) so much so that his camel could not withstand the weight. During one of the revelations it put pressure on Zayd’s thigh when he was sitting next to the Prophet (pbuh). They would cause him to sweat even in the winter and shiver in the summer. Ayesha’s Hadith could be given as reference for this.

They were not within his control (Sura 75:16–19), he had no idea when they were coming, and they were safeguarded by God.

The Prophet (pbuh) also had direct revelation, when he went on the night journey and ascension.

The candidates might also mention how different verses/Suras were revealed according to the need of time and circumstances.

The Qur’an was not revealed all at one time. Why do you think this was important?

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Candidates may include some of the following information. All other relevant information must be credited.

It was important because the power and words of the Qur’an weighed heavily on the Prophet (pbuh) so it was better for it to be revealed over time. Also, the way the revelation came was physically demanding for the Prophet (pbuh) and so again it was easier for him if the revelations were spaced out. Another reason was that the new Muslims needed change slowly and so the Qur’an being revealed gradually, allowed them to put actions into practise before new ideas and rules were given.

Being revealed over time also meant that questions that arose from the Quraysh or the Muslims were given an answer through new revelation. Gradual revelation also catered for the changing needs and circumstances of the emerging Muslim community.