Studying the Qur'an with Gabriel "Peace be Upon Him"
Mufti Dr. Abdallah Rabab'ah
Praise be to Allah, Lord of the worlds, and the best blessings and the most complete peace be upon our Master Muhammad, and upon his family and all of his companions.
Gabriel (peace be upon him) used to study the Qur’an with the Prophet (PBUH). Among these meetings were those that occurred during the month of Ramadan and while fasting, where the Prophet (peace be upon him) had reviews and reflections on the Book of Allah in the presence of Gabriel. The secret behind choosing Ramadan for this study is because Ramadan is the month of the Qur’an. Allah the Almighty said (What means): "The month of Ramadan in which the Qur’an was revealed, as a guidance for people and clear proofs of guidance and criterion" [Al-Baqarah/185]. It is mentioned in a hadith from Al-Bukhari narrated by Abu Huraira that: "Gabriel used to review the Qur'an with him." The term "review" here means that Gabriel would study with him all the portions of the Qur'an that had been revealed up to that time.
This studying of the Qur’an brought many benefits, as described by Imam Ibn Hajar (may Allah have mercy on him), who said: "Studying the Qur'an renews for him (the Prophet) a bond of greater richness of the soul, and such richness is a reason for generosity. Generosity in the Sharia refers to giving what is due to those who are entitled to it, and it is more comprehensive than charity. Moreover, Ramadan is a season of blessings, as Allah’s gifts to His servants increase in it more than in any other time. Therefore, the Prophet (PBUH) sought to follow Allah’s Sunna with His servants. With the combination of time, revelation, the one who descends (Gabriel), and the mutual study, the Prophet’s generosity increased."
This generosity was particularly evident in Ramadan when Gabriel met with the Prophet (PBUH). Ibn Abbas (may Allah be pleased with them) narrated: "The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) was the most generous of people, and he was most generous during Ramadan when Gabriel would meet him every night and study the Qur'an with him. The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) was more generous than the wind that is sent forth (in spreading goodness)." [Ahmad]. The hadith indicates many benefits, including:
The significance of Ramadan, as it was specified for the beginning of the Qur'an's revelation, followed by the review of what had been revealed during this month. This necessitates the frequent descent of Gabriel during this time, and with his frequent descent, an abundance of blessings and goodness comes.
From this, we learn that the virtue of a time is gained through an increase in worship during it. Also, the continuous recitation of the Qur’an increases goodness.
It shows the recommendation of increasing acts of worship at the end of life, engaging in mutual study of good and knowledge with a virtuous person, even if he already knows it, as a means of increased reminder and reflection.
It indicates that the nights of Ramadan are better than its days, and that the purpose of recitation is presence of heart and understanding, as the night is the best time for this due to the distractions of the day.
Ibn Al-Jawzi explained the Prophet’s condition and his increased generosity in Ramadan, saying: "His generosity increased in Ramadan for five reasons: The first is that it is a virtuous month, and the reward for charity is multiplied in it, as are other acts of worship." Al-Zuhri said: "One Tasbeeh (glorification of Allah) in Ramadan is better than a thousand Tasbeeh outside of it." The second is that it is the month of fasting, and giving charity helps people with their breaking of the fast and pre-dawn meals. The third is that Allah’s generosity increases during it, as it is mentioned in a hadith that a believer’s sustenance is increased in Ramadan, and that Allah frees a thousand people from the fire each day. The Prophet loved to match his Lord’s Generosity. The fourth is that the frequent generosity was in gratitude for Gabriel's repeated visits every night. The fifth is that his studying the Qur’an every night with Gabriel caused him to have a greater vision of the Hereafter, so he gave away what was in his hands from worldly possessions.”
Gabriel (PBUH) used to visit him every year and review with him what had been revealed. In the year the Prophet (peace be upon him) passed away, Gabriel reviewed it with him twice, as established in the hadith narrated by Fatima (may Allah be pleased with her). This indicates the increasing rank of the Prophet in knowledge and closeness to Allah, especially with the mutual study of the Qur'an.
The scholar Al-Zubaidi mentioned several benefits from this hadith, including: "The Prophet’s generosity in Ramadan surpassed his generosity at other times, and the purpose of his studying the Qur’an with Gabriel was to compare and confirm what had been revealed to ensure the preservation and accuracy of the text. This is why it was reviewed twice in his final year."
Thus, fasting individuals should reflect on the wisdom behind Gabriel's review of the Qur'an with the Prophet twice, and they should also beware of neglecting the recitation of the Qur'an, which is unfortunately observed in people’s behavior after Ramadan.
We are, however, encouraged by the increasing attention people are giving to learning, memorizing, and reflecting on the Qur'an, and the hastening to complete its recitation with understanding. Some people complete the Qur'an once in Ramadan, while others do so every week. Let them be among those who compete in good deeds.
In addition, we say: Indeed, these people are on a great reward, and they have immense goodness, but they should not abandon the Qur'an after Ramadan, for Allah condemned those who forsake it. Allah The Almighty Says (What means): "And the Messenger has said: "O my Lord, indeed my people have taken this Qur'an as [a thing] abandoned." [Al-Furqan/30].
As for those who read the Qur'an throughout the year, they are the people of the Qur'an, the people of Allah and His chosen ones. They are the followers of the noble Prophet in studying and teaching the Qur'an, as was done between Gabriel and our beloved Prophet (PBUH).
A Muslim must be devoted to the Qur'an, reciting it as it should be recited, adhering to its lawful and unlawful rulings, acting upon its clear verses, believing in its ambiguous ones, pondering over its marvels, and applying its lessons and stories. The Qur'an was revealed to be acted upon and implemented, although reciting it is itself an act of worship with reward.
We ask Allah The Almighty to help us all make the most of the month of the Qur’an, as He commanded us, where He Says (What means): "Indeed, those who recite the Book of Allah and establish prayer and spend from what We have provided them, secretly and publicly, [can] hope for a transaction [with Allah] that will never perish." [Fatir/29]. All praise is due to Allah, The Lord of The Worlds.
