Its significance in Ramadan:
“Ramadhan is the (month) in which the Qur’an was sent down, as a guide to mankind, also clear (Signs) for guidance and judgment (Between right and wrong). So every one of you who is present (at his home) during that month should spend it in fasting…” Qur’an (2:185).
“Shahru ramadaana llethi unzila feehil quraana huda linnaasi wa bayyinaatin minal hudaa wal furqaan. Fa man shahida minkumu shahra fal yasumhu”
This Qur’anic verse explains the inseparable link between the Qur’an and the month of Ramadan. The revelation of the Qur’an to the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon Him) began in this month. Some scholars have explained that the word ’so’ (fa) in this ayah leads to the following paraphrase of one aspect of its meaning: “Fast this month because it is the one in which the Qur’an was sent down”. The night in which the Qur’an was revealed is known as The Night of Power or The Night of Destiny. This night is referred to by the Qur’an in the following verses:
“Indeed, We have indeed revealed this (Message) in the Night of Power. And what will explain to thee what the night of power is? The Night of Power is better than a thousand months.” Qur’an (97:1-3)
Some Key facts on the Qur’an:
Revelation It was revealed to the Prophet Muhammad (may the peace and blessings of Allah be upon Him) over a period of 23 years.
No. of Chapters (Surah) 114
Revealed in Makkah 86
Revealed in Madinah 28
Total number of verses 6239
Longest chapter (Surah) Chapter 2 (Suratul Baqarah): 286 verses
Shortest chapter Chapter 108 (Suratul Kawthar) 3 verses
Given the importance attached to this night, Muslims are expected to exert themselves in worship in it. It is a time for especially fervent and devoted prayer, and the rewards and blessings associated with such are manifold. Muslims are told in the Qur’an that praying throughout this one night is better than a thousand months of prayer. No one knows exactly which night it is; it is one of God’s mysteries. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) instructed Muslims to search for this Night of Power during the odd nights of the last ten days of Ramadan without specifying any day. However, due to the sayings of some of his companions, many scholars believe it to be on the 27th day. During this night it is highly meritorious to spend as much time as possible in prayer, seeking forgiveness and supplicating to God Almighty
Another traditional link between the Qur’an and Ramadan is that it is highly meritorious to complete reciting the Qur’an in the holy month of Ramadan. The word ‘Qur’an’ in Arabic comes from the root word ‘qa ra a’ which means to recite. Hence it literally means ‘recitation’ or ‘proclamation’. It is believed that it was recited to the Prophet Muhammad(peace be upon him) by the Archangel Gabriel (Jibreel, alayhi salaam) over a period of twenty three years. Muslims are encouraged to read the Qur’an regularly and more so in the holy month of Ramadan. The Prophet (peace be upon him) used to recite the whole Qur’an to the Archangel Gabriel (Jibreel, alayhi salaam) once every Ramadan and twice in the year in which He died. Muslim scholars over the centuries have been known to leave other optional acts of worship in order to focus on reciting the Qur’an in the blessed month of Ramadan. Hence many Muslims emulate this practice by completing the recitation of the whole Qur’an at least once in the month of Ramadan - especially during the night (taraweeh) prayers.
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Wed Sep 10, 2008 3:47 am