(32–33) “Those who disbelieve say, ‘Why was the Quran not sent down to him all at once?’ We revealed it in this way to strengthen your heart, and We delivered it in measured stages.”

This was one of the demands that the disbelievers’ own minds prompted them to make. They said, “Why was the Quran not sent down to him all at once?”—that is, as the scriptures before it had been revealed. Yet what harm was there in its being revealed in this manner? Indeed, its revelation in this manner was more perfect and better. Hence He said, “We revealed it in this way”—in separate portions—“to strengthen your heart.” For whenever a portion of the Quran was revealed to him, he grew in reassurance and steadfastness, especially when causes for anxiety arose. The Quran’s revelation as the occasion arose had a tremendous impact and greatly strengthened him—far more than if it had already been revealed and he then recalled it when the occasion arose.

“And We delivered it in measured stages.” That is, We revealed it at measured intervals and brought you through it stage by stage. All of this demonstrates Allah’s care for His Book, the Quran, and for His Messenger Muhammad (may Allah bless him and grant him peace), for He caused His Book to be revealed in accordance with the Messenger’s circumstances and what served his religious welfare.