The blessed month of Ramadan Al-Mubarak is a period of great anticipation for Muslims, not only for the obligation of fasting but because it is a month steeped in sacred history. Among its noble nights, one stands out as a landmark of Islamic greatness: Malam Nuzul Quran (the Night of the Revelation of the Qur'an).

Nuzul Quran refers to the momentous historical event of the descent of the Holy Verses of the Qur'an from Allah SWT to Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him) through the Angel Jibreel. In Malaysia, this solemn occasion is commemorated with deep reverence, and the date of Nuzul Al Quran, specifically the 17th of Ramadan, is declared a public holiday to allow Muslims to seize the opportunity for worship and remembrance of this sacred event.

This event reminds us that Ramadan is the month of the Qur'an; therefore, its spiritual appreciation must be enhanced, not just by marking the date, but by making the Qur'an a guiding light in our lives.

What is Nuzul Al Quran? Linguistically, Nuzul Quran is a combination of Arabic words: Nuzul meaning 'descent' or 'coming down from above', while Al-Quran means 'the recitation' or the compiled book. Hence, the Nuzul Al Quran meaning is the revelation of the Holy Book. This descent began on a blessed night in Ramadan.

Scholars explain that the revelation of the Qur'an occurred in two main stages. The first stage was its wholesale descent from the Luh Mahfuz (The Preserved Tablet) to Baitul Izzah (the nearest heaven). The second stage was its gradual revelation from Baitul Izzah to Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), spanning a period of 23 years (13 years in Mecca and 10 years in Medina).

The first revelation delivered to the Prophet (PBUH) comprised the first five verses of Surah Al-'Alaq, when he was in uzlah (seclusion) in the Cave of Hira' on the 17th of Ramadan. The primary command, "Iqra'" (Read/Recite), underscores the importance of knowledge, reading, and deep wisdom as the foundation of the Islamic civilisation.

For Muslims, celebrating the Night of Nuzul Quran is more than attending official ceremonies or sermons; it is an opportunity to multiply acts of worship to attain blessings. The primary focus of this night is the Holy Book of Allah.

Here are some recommended practices encouraged during this night and throughout Ramadan:

Coinciding with this noble night, Muslims are encouraged to increase their supplications. The prayer on Malam Nuzul Quran is a specific plea for the blessings, understanding, and love of the Qur'an.

Among the essential elements in these supplications are asking that:

A simple example of a commonly recited prayer essence: "O Allah, make the Qur'an our leader, the light of our hearts, the cure for our sorrows, and the remover of our sins. Shower upon us Your mercy and guidance to always act upon it."

Understanding the supplication is more important than mere recitation. It is a time for us to reflect on the extent to which we have implemented the Qur'anic teachings in our daily lives.

Spreading joy and reminding others about the blessedness of Nuzul Al Quran is part of digital da'wah (preaching). Short messages are shared via social media, containing prayers and good wishes. Sharing Nuzul Quran wishes and greetings encourages friends and family to join in the spiritual appreciation of this night of revelation. The spirit of the celebration must be maintained even as the Gregorian date changes.

Here are 10 examples of greetings and Nuzul Quran wishes that can be shared:

Malam Nuzul Quran is the culmination of the reminder of how precious the gift of the Qur'an is. It is not just a historical event celebrated on the Nuzul Quran date every year, but it is a benchmark for us to renew our relationship with the Word of Allah.

For Muslims, let us seize the opportunity of this blessed night to enliven it to the best of our ability, perform the recommended practices, and increase our supplications. Let us make the Qur'an our main guide, not just during Ramadan, but throughout life, so that we may be among those who attain its intercession in the Hereafter.