Part 5 Kitabullah

“And thus We have revealed to you (O Muhammad) a Ruh (the Qur’an) by Our command…”
(Surah Ash-Shura, 42:52)

One of the signs of the end times discussed by the scholars is the “removal of the Qur’an” from the chests of humankind. According to several narrations, at the end of time, the contents of the Qur’an will disappear, whether from the mushaf or from people’s memory and practice. Among these is a narration from Hudhaifah bin Al-Yaman RA who said:

“​The Qur’an will be removed (from the mushaf) in one night until not a single verse remains, and so too from people’s hearts.”
(Reported by al-Darimi, Chapter: The Disappearance of the Qur’an)

Nevertheless, an important question for us to reflect upon is:

• When exactly was the Qur’an revealed into the hearts of believers before it is removed?
• How does the Qur’an “live” in the chest, not merely on the lips or in the mind?

Concept of "Nuzul Al- Quran" Into The Chest

Outwardly, it is well known that the Qur’an was revealed by Allah SWT to the Prophet Muhammad SAW through the intermediary of the angel Jibril (see Surah Al-Baqarah, 2:97). From a spiritual perspective, scholars of tasawuf explain that “nuzul” (descent) is not only limited to the revelation of verses to the Prophet SAW, but also includes the process by which the Words of Allah “penetrate” into the hearts of believers. Allah SWT says:

“​It is (Jibril) who has brought the Qur’an down upon your heart by the permission of Allah…”
(Surah Al-Baqarah, 2:97)

This verse affirms that the Qur’an is not merely knowledge stored in the intellect, but a ruh that enlivens the soul. This is what is meant by the “Ruh of the Qur’an,” such that the Prophet SAW said:

“Recite the Qur’an, for on the Day of Resurrection it will come as an intercessor for its companions.”
(Reported by Muslim, no. 804)

Why Are There Certain People From Whom The Qur’an Is Not Removed? 

According to the interpretation of some scholars, at the end of time, there will still exist a group who truly preserves the Ruh of the Qur’an, not merely its wording. These individuals consistently adhere to the guidance of the Qur’an and make it a guiding light in their lives. Among their characteristics:

1. Practicing the content of the Qur’an – Not just reading it; they manifest Qur’anic values in their character and worship.
2. Tadabbur (understanding and reflecting) – They strive to comprehend the meaning of the verses and put them into practice.
3. Emulating the character of Rasulullah SAW – Loving and following the Prophet SAW, for he was sent to perfect human character (see Hadith reported by Ahmad, no. 8952).

They enjoy a special status in the sight of Allah because they carry the nur of the Qur’an in their chests, so even when the wider community drifts far from Divine guidance, they remain steadfast.

Hadith reported by At-Tirmidhi 3786

عَنْ جَابِرِ بْنِ عَبْدِ اللَّهِ،

From Jabir bin Abdullah

قَالَ رَأَيْتُ رَسُولَ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم فِي حَجَّتِهِ يَوْمَ عَرَفَةَ وَهُوَ عَلَى نَاقَتِهِ الْقَصْوَاءِ يَخْطُبُ فَسَمِعْتُهُ يَقُولُ

He said: I saw the Messenger of Allah SAW during his Hajj on the Day of Arafah; he was on his camel Al-Qaswa’ delivering a sermon, and I heard him say:

يَا أَيُّهَا النَّاسُ إِنِّي قَدْ تَرَكْتُ فِيكُمْ مَا إِنْ أَخَذْتُمْ بِهِ لَنْ تَضِلُّوا كِتَابَ اللَّهِ وَعِتْرَتِي أَهْلَ بَيْتِي‏

“O people! Indeed, I have left among you that which, if you hold fast to it, you will never go astray: the Book of Allah, and my household (Ahlul Bait).”

Grade: Sahih (Darussalam)
Reference: Jami` at-Tirmidhi 3786
Reference in Book: Book 49, Hadith 185
English reference: Vol. 1, Book 46, Hadith 3786

Hence arises the question: what is the real way of holding fast to the Book of Allah?

• Is it by printing the mushaf with a luxurious design?
• Is it merely decorating the walls of the house with Qur’anic verses?
• Is it installing Qur’anic passages in vehicles and storing them in phone memory?

All of these are good practices that can serve as reminders. However, they are not sufficient if not accompanied by deeper internalization. We must emphasize the element of the Ruh of the Qur’an, which is attained by reading it, understanding its meanings, putting its teachings into practice, and consistently maintaining our relationship with Allah SWT.

The Ruh Of The Qur’an As A Fortress Against Misguidance

Allah SWT affirms that the Qur’an is a guidance, a mercy, and a cure for hearts (see Surah Al-Isra’, 17:82). If one’s heart is truly alive with the Qur’an, it becomes a stronghold against misguidance. This is implied in the Prophet’s statement that we will “not go astray” so long as we hold firmly to the revelation of Allah and the guidance of His Messenger.

Connection With Maqam Mahmuda

In Surah Al-Isra’ (17:79), Allah SWT says:

“…Perhaps your Lord will raise you to a praiseworthy station (maqam mahmuda).”

Commentators of tafsir explain that this verse refers to the rank of Rasulullah SAW on the Day of Judgment. However, from a spiritual perspective, “maqam” can also denote a level of spiritual perfection guided by the Qur’an and the Sunnah of the Prophet SAW, namely the connection with the Spirit of Prophet Muhammad SAW.

• To draw near to “maqam mahmuda,” one must devote oneself entirely to Allah SWT, following the way shown by Rasulullah SAW in the Qur’an.
• We strive for the Qur’an to flow within our chests, thereby radiating nur and hadi, shaping our faith and righteous character.

Revitalizing The Qur’an In Our Chests

In conclusion, the question of “When does the Qur’an begin to descend into the hearts of the believers?” depends on how earnestly each person invites the Ruh of the Qur’an into themselves. We do not merely accumulate Qur’anic knowledge in the mind, but we endeavor to reflect its influence in every aspect of life—worship, character, dealings, and striving to uphold the truth.

May we be among those who firmly hold onto the Book of Allah and the Sunnah of the Prophet SAW, thus safeguarded from misguidance and ultimately granted an honored position in the sight of Allah SWT.

“Indeed, this Qur’an guides to that which is most just and gives good tidings to the believers who do righteous deeds that they will have a great reward.”
(Surah Al-Isra’, 17:9)