The Holy Quran: Guidance for Mankind

The Holy Quran is the speech of Allah the Almighty, which He revealed for the guidance of mankind. The Holy Quran is the most important and valuable book in our lives. It is not written by any human; it is the speech of Allah the Almighty, which He revealed for all of mankind. The Quran is not only for Muslims, but rather a guidance and direction for all human beings. It is the final heavenly book (Asmani Kitab). It is applicable for all eras until the Day of Judgment (Qiyamah). It has been revealed for the entirety of mankind.

📖 In the Holy Quran, Allah the Almighty says—

“This is the Book about which there is no doubt, a guidance for those conscious of Allah (Muttaqin).” — Surah Al-Baqarah: 2

In another verse, Allah says—

“This [Quran] is enlightenment for mankind and guidance and mercy.” — Surah Al-Jathiyah: 20

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Where Was the Quran Before Being Revealed to Earth?

Before being revealed, the Quran was preserved with Allah the Almighty in the Preserved Tablet (Lauh al-Mahfuz).

📖 In the Holy Quran, Allah says—

“But this is an honored Quran, [Inscribed] in a Preserved Slate (Lauh al-Mahfuz).” — Surah Al-Buruj: 21–22

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You might be wondering, what is the "Lauh al-Mahfuz", right? Let’s find out – 

What is Lauh al-Mahfuz? 

"Lauh al-Mahfuz" (Arabic: اللوح المحفوظ) literally means "Protected/Preserved Tablet". In Islam, it refers to a tablet where Allah the Almighty’s plans, blessings, and all events of creation are written, which are unalterable.

• Lauh" means a tablet/writing surface.
• "Mahfuz" means guarded/protected. Therefore, "Lauh al-Mahfuz" is a protected, unalterable tablet.

• According to commentators, Lauh al-Mahfuz is the tablet or place where all of Allah's decreed laws, creation, and plans are recorded.
  
• It is entirely secure and safe, where nothing can be altered or subtracted.
  

The concept of the Preserved Tablet highlights for us the truth that—
✔️ Allah knows everything in advance and has recorded/written it down.
✔️ Everything he will do has already been firmly determined.
✔️ Every action and event happening on Earth is covered by this record.

How the Quran Was Revealed

The Quran was revealed in two stages—

1. The Complete Qur'an at Once
   
   • It was revealed from the Preserved Tablet to the House of Glory (the first heaven).
     
2. Gradually revealed
   
   • After that, over a period of approximately 23 years, it was revealed to the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) according to various circumstances and needs.
     

In the Holy Qur’an, Allah tells us:

In the Holy Qur’an, Allah tells us:
“And [it is] a Quran which We have divided [into parts] that you might recite it to the people at intervals…” — Surah Al-Isra: 106

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How Many Years Did It Take to Reveal the Quran?

• Total time: It took 23 years for the Qur'an to be fully revealed.
  
  • In Mecca: about 13 years
    
  • In Madinah: about 10 years
    

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Through Whom Was the Quran Revealed?

Angel Jibril (a.s.) would bring the Quran from Allah the Almighty and deliver it to Prophet Muhammad ﷺ.

In the Holy Quran, Allah says—

“The Trustworthy Spirit (Jibril) has brought it down, upon your heart.” — Surah Ash-Shu'ara: 193–194

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How the Quran First Came to Earth / The First Revelation (Wahi)

Due to the idol worship, injustice, and moral decline in society, the Prophet (ﷺ) decided to stay alone in seclusion away from all of this. In search of truth, he used to stay alone in this cave. Night after night, he would reflect on the greatness of Allah’s creation.
This seclusion was a preparation for the revelation (Wahi).

During the month of Ramadan, on the night of Laylat al-Qadr at the age of 40, the first revelation (Wahi) came in the Cave of Hira—Angel Jibril (a.s.) arrived with this revelation by Allah's command. 

The very first verses of the Quran to be revealed were—

“Recite in the name of your Lord who created…” — Surah Al-Alaq: 1–5

After this event, the Prophet ﷺ became frightened and went to Khadijah (r.a.), and Khadijah (radiAllahu anha) comforted him. This marked the beginning of the Prophet's ﷺ prophetic life (Nabuwwat).