Tarikh Nuzul al-Quran
- Author died
- 1425 AH
- Editions
- Dār al-Wafāʼ
Tarikh Nuzul al-Quran (The History of the Revelation of the Quran) is a contemporary study in Quranic sciences by the Egyptian scholar Muhammad Ra'fat Sa'id (d. 1425 AH / 2004 CE), professor of Sharia and Islamic Studies, vice dean of the Faculty of Arts at Menoufia University, and member of the Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs. The work examines the history, chronology, and mechanics of the Quranic revelation over the twenty-three years of the prophetic mission.
Scope and Objectives
The book traces the historical journey of the revelation from its inception in the cave of Hira—when the archangel Gabriel commanded the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ to read—up to the completion of the faith and the revelation of the final Quranic verse. Sa'id presents the history of revelation as an interconnected study of both the Quran and the Prophetic Sunnah, treating the Sunnah as the divinely inspired exposition of the revealed text. It also explores how the Prophet ﷺ and his companions interacted with the text through memorization, recording, understanding, and practical application.
Key Themes and Content
The work addresses several core areas within the sciences of the Quran:
- The Concept of Revelation (al-Wahy): Examines the lexical and technical definitions of revelation, discussing its primary linguistic connotations of swiftness and secrecy, and differentiating divine inspiration from demonic whispering.
- Modes of Divine Communication: Analyzes the forms through which God communicates with human beings as outlined in وَمَا كَانَ لِبَشَرٍ أَن يُكَلِّمَهُ اللَّهُ إِلَّا وَحْيًا أَوْ مِن وَرَاءِ حِجَابٍ أَوْ يُرْسِلَ رَسُولًا فَيُوحِيَ بِإِذْنِهِ مَا يَشَاءُ ("It is not given to any human being that God should speak to him except by direct revelation, from behind a veil, or by sending a messenger..."), as well as the specific stages and forms of revelation experienced by the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ.
- Stages of Descent (al-Tanzilat): Discusses the three stages of the Quran's descent, its piecemeal revelation (al-munajjam) according to events and circumstances, and the divine wisdom behind this gradual disclosure.
- Chronology and Apologetics: Traces the chronological sequence of revealed surahs and verses, establishes the first and last verses revealed, and refutes doubts and misconceptions raised against the process of revelation.
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