Allah subhanahu wa ta`ala gave the Torah to Musa `alayhi salaam in forty days and nights. [The Arabic word Laila is used both for day as well as night because a new day in lunar calendar begins after Maghrib].
However, when it came to the Qur’an, Allah subhanahu wa ta`ala didn’t reveal it at once. He decided the time duration to be t.w.e.n.t.y. t.h.r.e.e. years.
Why the difference?
It is because Allah subhanahu wa ta`ala knows best . The lesson, however, for us is that “you need to set aside a time and study your religion.” It’s similar to setting meal and sleep time in our routine lives and busy schedules. We have an exam tomorrow we don’t skip our meals. We have work tomorrow we don’t miss our sleep. Then why can’t we take 5-10 mins to learn something of the Deen?
Moreover, both the Prophets had to spend some time in seclusion. Prophet Musa was called for a private meeting with his Creator, Nourisher, Sustainer at Mount Sinai. Prophet Muhammad would often seclude himself in Cave of Hira, and that is where he received the first revelation.
Takeaway Note for Us: We need to set a time for learning, AND take a break from the maddening world around us and be with Allah. Consider it an appointment with Him