What happened on Laylatul Qadr?

On this night, in the year 610 CE, the first verses of the Qur’an were revealed to the beloved Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) through the angel Jibreel (Gabriel).

At the age of 40 years old, the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), who had been born into the Quraysh tribe and lived in Mecca, present day Saudi Arabia, was living with his beloved wife Khadijah (RA).

The Prophet (PBUH) would often travel to the Cave of Hira in Mecca to be in seclusion and meditate on the creation of the world, as he had rejected the worship of idols as was custom within the Quraysh tribe.

In the lead up to the revelation, Muhammad (PBUH) was troubled with the state of the society he was living in and resolved himself to seeking true religion within his heart.

Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) meeting Angel Jibreel (RA)

During the month of Ramadan in the year 610 CE, the Prophet (peace be upon him) was meditating in the Cave of Hira, when the Angel Jibreel suddenly revealed himself to him by the order of Allah, commanding him to read, “Iqra!”.

The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) was illiterate, and his inability to read prevented him from reading the words before him, he said, “I am not a reader”. The Messenger of Allah relayed that Jibreel (as) then took hold of him and squeezed him until he could not bear it any more, then he released the Prophet (peace be upon him) and said, “Read!“.

The Prophet (peace be upon him) said again, “I am not a reader”.

The first revelation of Quranic verses

Jibreel (as) took hold of him and squeezed him a second time until he could not bear it any more, then Jibreel released him and said, “Read!“. The Prophet (PBUH) said, “I am not a reader”. Jibreel took hold of him (peace be upon him) and squeezed him a third time until he could not bear it any more, then Jibreel (as) released him and said:

"Read! In the Name of your Lord Who has created (all that exists). He has created man from a clot (a piece of thick coagulated blood). Read! And your Lord is the Most Generous. Who has taught (the writing) by the pen. He has taught man that which he knew not."

Qur’an, 96:1-5

These were the first verses of the Qur’an to be revealed as narrated in Bukhari.

Because Ramadan was the month in which the Holy Qur’an was revealed, it’s important to revive our love and attachment for the Holy Qur’an during Ramadan, and especially on Laylatul Qadr.

Try to increase the amount of Qur’an you reach each day during the month. Many aim to read the entire Qur’an during Ramadan. It’s also nice to take time to simply sit and listen to recitations of the Holy Qur’an, which can help bring peace to our souls. Read more about what to do on Laylatul Qadr here.

If you do not understand Arabic, read translations and contemplate on the beautiful meanings of the Holy Qur’an, with the intention of implementing what you learn. May Allah Almighty accept our efforts. Ameen!

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We ensure our content is reviewed and verified by qualified scholars to provide you with the most accurate information. This webpage was last reviewed by Mufti Bilal Omarjee.

Page last reviewed: 8 March 2023

Next review due: Within 12 months

Laylatul Qadr

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