Gabriel used to repeat the recitation of the Qur'an with the Prophet (ﷺ) once a year, but he repeated it twice with him in the year he died. The Prophet (ﷺ) used to stay in I`tikaf for ten days every year (in the month of Ramadan), but in the year of his death, he stayed in I`tikaf for twenty days.
Virtues of the Qur'an - Sahih al-Bukhari 4998
This narration from Sahih al-Bukhari contains profound wisdom regarding the final year of Prophet Muhammad's (ﷺ) life and the completion of divine revelation.
The Annual Review with Gabriel
The angel Gabriel's customary annual review of the Qur'an with the Prophet signifies the preservation and verification of revelation. The doubling in the final year indicates the completion and perfection of the divine message.
Scholars note this demonstrates Allah's special care for the Ummah, ensuring the complete transmission of the Qur'an before the Prophet's passing.
Significance of Increased I'tikaf
The Prophet's extended seclusion in the mosque during Ramadan from ten to twenty days reflects increased spiritual preparation and divine communion in his final year.
This additional devotion served as both a completion of his mission and a final example for the Muslim community in spiritual retreat and Qur'anic immersion.
Scholarly Commentary
Imam Ibn Hajar al-Asqalani explains in Fath al-Bari that these doubled practices signify the completion of revelation and the perfection of Islamic teachings.
The increased review ensured the complete preservation of the Qur'an's arrangement, while the extended I'tikaf provided final spiritual guidance for the Ummah's future practice.