The concept of divine revelation has been an uncertain concept to mankind since the beginnings of civilization. Throughout history, different belief systems that hold a belief in some sort of a Supreme being have depicted their view of the concept of divine revelation, which ranged from being viewed by some cultures as an ability that could attained by any individual or as an ability believed to not be possible. From a historical perspective, the concept of divine revelation goes back quite far in human history. Although, all societies had some sort of religous system, universal philosophy or traditional worldview, the idea of divine revelation to particular individuals within their own traditional cultures did not exist in every society.
In fact, the idea of divine revelation to particular individuals only emerged in certain societies throughout the Middle East, Africa and South Asia and for centuries the belief of revelation spread to various parts of the globe and continues to hold strong in many of these societies. However in the West, overtime as rationalistic thought from the Enlightenment replaced dogmatic religious philosophy, the idea and concept or revelation became ridiculed as it was often based and explained by non emperical or unauthentic sources or by irrational ideas that lied outside of the framework of the universe.
To come to a proper and objective conclusion on this topic some fundamental questions must be answered first.
1. What is the meaning of divine revelation and what is its purpose?
2. Is divine revelation even possible? If so, does it occur through an anachronistic, supernatural process i.e. ( an act that breaks and surpasses the laws established in the universe) or is it rather a selective process that occurs within the line of God’s established laws and plan?
This is a discussion that has occurred for many centuries in both scientific and religious circles. During the earliest periods of Muslim history this debate also occurred although at times the discussions were based on ideas outside the Qur’an. An interesting point that one can discern while reading the Qur’an that is different from other books that make a claim to come from the divine, is that not only does it attempt to explain its message but most importantly, it attempts to explain its meaning of revelation from the Supreme Force of the Universe, the first cause of reality. The Qur’an provides a frame of guidance claiming to come from revelation but unlike other revelatory books in the process clarifies the concept of divine revelation and prophethood of individuals from nations in the past that became very distorted and subsequently began to rejected by religious scholars and intellectuals centuries later.
2:2-“This is a Book whereof there is absolutely no doubt concerning its authority and authenticity. And it leaves no doubts lingering in a seeking mind.”
The Qur’an firmly states its authority of truth from early in the book. This statement is in fact a claim that was attempted to be proven throughout the Qur’an to not only in its discourse to its first audience but to generations who would follow in studying it. Additionally the Qur’an makes the statements like the ones below to show that it is not merely a book of subjective knowledge and personal desire from a human being or a product of deception that was copied from different written sources, but contains authoritative information verifiable to the intellect that would never be repeated in terms of its overall message and authenticity of claims.
17:88- “Say, “If all mankind, in towns and villages of the world, get together to produce a Qur’an like this, they will utterly fail, however strength they exert in aiding one another.”
29:48-"(O Prophet) you were never able to read a book before this (Qur’an), nor could you write anything with your own hand. Or else, they who try to disprove the Truth might have some reason to doubt it."
An unaware reader at this point might think that these are unusual claims for a book to be making from the beginning. One must ask themselves, could something that was produced by the subjective knowledge and desire of a human intellect be making this claim or is does the book have another explanation which shows to have truth to its claims? Hence, at this point one would expect that a book making this claim must have authoritative information and contain strong proofs for its statements. The Qur'an provides many statements to encourage individuals to investigate its claims. Many who have studied the Qur’an from many different perspectives have discovered that it has some unique features.
“Any science that collides with the Qur’an will turn out to be false.”(P.D. Ouspensky-Tertium organum)
This is in fact one of the proofs that a discerning reader will come across while reading the Qur’an. The book in itself contains statements of scientific phenomena that were unknown and near impossible to be confirmed without modern emperical study. These and other proofs will be discussed later in other posts.
Most notably, If one looks at the history of different civilizations we find that the Ancient Tribes of Israel to have the longest history of prominent figures that claimed to have received divine revelation. These figures usually performed their work in religious temples as high priests and some even became kings and rulers during their time. Throughout the history of the Tribes of Israel we find that after each successive figure that claimed divine revelation, the concept of divine revelation became clearer.
In the divine scriptures of the Ancient Israelites the notion of a Angels of Revelation explained the concept of divine revelation which brought revelation to individuals who led their nations towards the divine plan. Most notably, in Judaism the concept of the Ruach HaKodesh, Divine Spirit or Inspiration was used to explain the concept of revelation which they believed to be the Spirit of God which descended on the people who wrote their books of divine wisdom.
As the Jewish Nabi Jesus Christ came with his proclaimed mission and teachings the concept became known as the Holy Spirit and helped explain more of the role of divine revelation. The early followers of Jesus Christ believed that he possessed the Holy Spirit, an entity that allowed him to receive divine revelation. However, overtime uncertainty grew about the true nature of the Holy Spirit and its relationship to figures who recieved divine revelation.
Some early writings of figures from the family of Jesus show them viewing him as a human being but gifted because he was able to receive sacred knowledge that no one else could. By analyzing the many different viewpoints alone on this concept it is difficult to come to a proper conclusion about the concept of revelation.
Furthermore what has made the analysis of such viewpoints difficult is the fact that the documentations they are based upon are not purely authentic or doubtful in preservation. This fact alone, has in a sense caused some to disbelieve in the concept of divine revelation since there is a lack of an authentic source to analyze. But what other information do we have to discern the nature of divine revelation of these early figures? Is there any other source that could give us a better understanding of this concept?
Another unique feature of the Qur’an from other book is that it has been preserved in its original Quraishi Arabic Dialect which gives clearer meanings to words and concepts than those of previous divine scriptures.
Meaning of Angels
To begin with, the Qur’an clarifies the concept that are known as angels by using the term Malikah. Arnold Yasin gives an excellent explaination of this term in one of his articles on angels:
“The term Malikah comes from the root MLK, which means generally: have control, rule, reign, have power, be capable of, can do, have authority, hold. It is the same root from which the word Malik comes from, which means Supreme Master, King or Ruler. Malikah are told to control the Creation. So what does control the Creation? We know now that the Laws of the Universe, which determines the limits and measures of energy and matter, it are the forces that HOLD energy and matter, and have authority over all Creation. So this includes Gravity, Speed of Light, the Quantum Field, the Planck Constant and so on. Also it refers to the Laws that control your psyche. “
Therefore, Malikah are entities that possess a directive force, law or authority in the creation. The Qur'an often uses the singular Arabic form "We" to denote that there exists one constant sustaining and developing force behind all entities that have directive forces and laws in the dimensions of the universe , whose will is acted through Its appointed measures of these entities in the creation. In modern terms we simply refer to these entities as the physical /chemical laws and forces of nature that control the universe, nature and living beings. Additionally, the Qur'an reveals that the word Malikah also represents humans who have an authority to recieve and deliver God's revealed messages. The verses below give further explanation of this concept.
6:8 -”They ask, "Why is not an angel sent down unto him (for them to see)? Well if we did send down an angel, the matter would be judged at once. And no further time would be granted them after that."
6:9- "And even if We sent an angel,(for them to see and speak to) We would certainly have made him in the form of a man. And We (per our Law) would have kept them just as confused as they are confused now."( Since it would be a human being it would not fit their perception of what an angel should be or look like)
27:91- Say (O Prophet), “I am commanded to serve the Lord of this town (Makkah) - It Who has made it sacred, and to Whom all things belong. And I am commanded to be of those who surrender to It.
25:7- Yet they say, “What sort of Messenger is this who eats food and goes about in the market-places? Why is not an angel sent down to him to act as a warner together with him?”
17:94 -"Yet whenever Guidance came to people, nothing has ever kept them from accepting it as much as this objection, “Would God send a mortal man as Its Messenger?”
17:95- "Say, “If angels walked about and dwelled on the earth, We would have sent an angel from the cosmos as a Messenger.”
22:5: "(In His Almightiness) "God chooses Message-bearers from among the angels as well as from among mankind. Indeed, God is All Hearing, All Seeing. [Angels being Message-bearers = Angels of Revelation to the prophets]"
13:13: "And the thunder and the (other) angels strive to glorify It by carrying out their duties in awe of It. And It is the One whose physical Laws let loose the thunderbolt to strike the earth. And yet they stubbornly argue about God (and fall for superstitions). Though Awesome It is in Power! "
35:1 "All Praise is due to God, the Originator of all Highs and their
Lows, Who appoints Its Universal Forces as Message-bearers, having
the powers/functions/abilities, two, three and four. It increases in creation what It wills according to Its laws. For, God is the Appointer of due measure of all things, and It is able to do all things. [Malaaekah = Angels mentioned here, are the forces that evolve the universe. This is pointed out by Faatir which means Originator-Cleaver of the new creation. Ajniha = Powers = Wings = Abilities = Strength=Functions] "
35:2 "Whatever Grace God opens for mankind, none can withhold it. And whatever It withholds, none can release, for It is the Almighty, the Wise."
16:1-"God’s Command has come. Stop and think over these messages and hasten not in comprehending the Qur’an. Glorified, Exalted It is, High above what people associate with It."
16:2- "It sends down angels/authorities with Revelation of Its Command, to such of Its servants as It wills according to its laws/authorities/forces in creation. Saying, “Proclaim that there is no one worthy of obedience but Me, so be mindful of My Laws and live upright.”
16:3- " It has created the cosmos and the earth with Purpose. It is High, Exalted above all that they associate with It ."
These verses are important as they show that throughout history many societies developed distorted ideas of what came to be known as angels. Some societies began to depict them as winged beings created by God who abided in the clouds that walked around with prophets or as deities that acted as intercessors that were supposed to be worshiped and not as forces and laws in the creation or humans who had been given authority to deliver a message of what the Sustaining Force of the Universe willed according to Its laws because of their ability to recieve wahi or becuase they had been given authority to deliver a message at an appointed time ordained in previous revealed scriptures.
Verse 17:95 indicates that these Authorities or at times referred to as seers,astrologers and high priests in historical records recieved their messages through the signs, specific constellations,cycles and celestial phennomenon that appeared in the cosmos which represented coded messages that revealed the general frame for the potential of upcoming events, and phase changes in direction of the universe which directed a new path for mankind and usually were foretold in previous scriptures . The Qur'an makes note of an interesting fact that has been neglected or misnterpreted in other previous revelatory books that it confirms.
The cosmos have always been a subject of mystery as to what purpose the countless phenomena it contains serve, however the Qur'an is ahead of our current understanding of the cosmos and reveals that one of the main functions of the laws and bodies in cosmos is to inform the direction of intelligent life that inhabit planets as well providing a general frame for the potential for upcoming events. An interesting point that one will often find repeated in the Qur'an is that all things in the cosmos and the earth serve a fundamental purpose in the plan of the sustaining and developing force of the universe.
As indicated by verse 35:2 the system of the universe, mainly in the cosmos can at times opens up information that can inform the potenial for a general frame of upcoming events in the creation that can help guide the direction for which mankind is supposed to go. The Qur'an in fact gives a different perspective that clarifies and corrects the belief of ancient cultures who believed the system of the universe is divided into definite number of zones with the earth at the center of the universe often believed to be seven.
Instead, the Qur'an gives the notion that it is rather several universal body systems/spheres within the entire system of the universe with various forms of matter,phenomena and dimensions both seen and unseen, percievable and unpercievable to human beings that are controlled by directive forces and physical laws. The cosmos and all of the matter that lies between them with various phenenomena and dimensions that they belong to are in fact part of these these body systems.
Additionaly, the Qu'ran quite differently from other ancient texts that came before it was the first to introduce the idea that neither the earth nor human beings were the main focus and center of the universe, but rather that there exists a plurality of cosmological galaxies and planets that contain various planets and life forms that are part of the plan of the Maintaining force of Evolution in the Universe as indicated by 42:29.
Thus, other intelligent species similar to humans that exist in the universe might also use the study of the cosmos to help project general phases of the universe or their civiizations based on a scientific understanding of the framework of the cosmos. But most importantly, as the verse makes very clear this grace that God gives us is a grace appointed by It alone and It opens up messages through Its laws which cannot be forced or induced by any indivual without It willing it through Its laws,only particular information about events and the development of the universe can be extracted from this process with certainty.
Therfore, with this said information such as the exact time of the end of the universe could never be predicted based upon the postulates from the framework of both the cosmos and of laws of human societies. Additionally as this verse indicates, contrary to what is often believed in certain philosophies of modern astrology and certain ancient traditions, the cosmos in themselves do not have ultimate rule on influencing or projecting the outcome of all events or individuals, since we as human beings have free will within the creation.
The universe is very genial towards intelligent life and has left a copius amount of information that we can use to guide our species. Our planet Earth is positioned to a particular point where the cosmos in our point of reference contains information that can guide our species. Certain information in the cosmos and its laws can inform our species of the genreal frame of certain potential upcoming events that will occur amongst our race as a whole on this planet and the particular direction in which we should move towards in accordance with the divine plan.
Verse 16:2 above delineates the divine command of the cosmological-human civizilation phase change that was signaled, which was fortetold in previous prophetic scriptures. This command indicated a renewed directional path in our development process towards enlightenment of awareness of the universe and progress of our civilization. This message not only indicated that it was the right time for mankind to make this vital phase change but also the right person had been divinely selected and was present to implement this change.
As the verse states the command revealed exhorted to its the societies that first recieved the revelation to be aware of the one and only Sustaining and Developing force of the universe and the laws in which It has established in the creation. This verse is very signficant as it shows that one of the main points of the Qur'an and all of Gods messengers is to call mankind to study and be aware the laws that govern not only on our planet and our societal security and development but also the universe in general for the benefit of our species.
As one reflects on the history shortly after the revelation of the Qur'an, they will notice the early Muslim societies aquedetely fulfilled this command as not only were their societies able to develop a successful societal structure that kept them in a progressive and balanced movement, but scientific inquiry in various fields of social and physical sciences was also greatly emphasized during that time for the benefit of their societies.
However,this process that these authorities used to help in progressing the divine plan of the institution of prophethood must not be confused with fortune telling,soothsaying,clairvoyence or even astrology as it is practiced today, which holds very little weight on actual useful information of the system of universe and has not been perfected. A careful and precise process based on various posulates of the scientific framework of the cosmos and how it related to human beings and our societies was used to study and detect the authoritative theoretical laws of the universe that informed societies the direction they had to move towards and the genral potential frame of forthcoming stages in history.
These authorities usually operated in temples and religious orders and kept a vigilent guard over this sacred process as well as parts of divine scriptures that helped them recognize the characterstics of the time and individuals in the divine plan and passed it on for generations to come. When the time came to enact a phase of the divine plan they would use this process to direct or convey to either confirmed individuals who were part of the divine plan, annointed (confirmation process by crowning an individual to the position and mission of an Anbia) Anbia after they were deemed suitable or people in general at an appointed time their potential destiny or what the Supreme Force of the universe willed for them to do.
The Qur'an gives a notable example in explaining this concept in the 3rd surah of the book as it mentions authorities visiting Mary after her being chosen to marry an authority from the house of David and foretelling her that she would be giving birth to the Jewish Messiah Jesus of Nazereth and his upcoming mission. This is a link to an article that shows how angels were depicted throughout history.
Angels of direct revelation only to Anbia
Malikah in the Qur’an is also used to describe a special force/energy that brings extrinsic knowledge which the Qur’an calls Ruh Al-Qudus (pure divine essence/energy) or Jibril. Throughout history Jibril or Gabriel was depicted in pictures as an actual physical being that walked along everywhere with a Nabi and helped him by delivering revelations. However, unlike depicted in some stories Jibril mistakenly began to be confused with an angel who even delivered messages to people who were not Anbia,when they were in fact simply just authorities that were delivering God's messages to people who were part of the divine plan.
The Qur'an makes note that the Ruh Al-Qudus descended only on people who were to become Anbia. The earliest depiction of Jibril outside walking around and talking with a Nabi, represented the nature of how the Ruh Al-Qudus, although not a physical,visible being or force had its own particular character that was unique throughout history as it descended on each Nabi in their missions. The word Jibril has 2 main meanings: Mending of broken things by putting them straight and providing a poor man with strength, bravery and power to make him better off than other people.
These two meanings adequately describe divine revelation in the Qur’an which does the following
1. Confirming and correction of arguments that people had in the past in present in order to come to common ground and live in peace.
2. Establishment of laws, guidelines, principles that are in accordance with the nature of the times and create peace in the human society.
3. Reveals new details about the workings of the Universe and nature in general.
4. Gives the person who receives the revelations honor, status and superior knowledge amongst mankind because of ability to receive revelation which acts as a guide for the society.
5. Correcting and revealing of details about well known figures in past societies often prophets who received the same revelation and worked to progress God’s plans.
6. Revealing of laws about the sociology of people and nations.
7. Giving guidance and inspiration to society for oncoming events.
8. Reveals knowledge of what awaits mankind in the Hereafter.
9. Reveals the projection of events in the future.
10. Acts as a communication entity that takes information whether it is a command or a message to people from the first cause, reveals it to the Prophet into spoken language that people can understand.
17:85: "They ask you about Rooh (the Spirit, Revelation, Soul). Tell them, The Spirit is Divine Energy from which free will has been given to humans. Revelation is from your Sustainer's realm of Command of Laws/Order of Laws which you have been given little knowledge.” The Soul is your ’self’. [Rooh = Spirit = Soul = Revelation = Divine Energy = Angel of Revelation.]
Hence, wahi is extrinsic knowledge which tells humans how the sustaining force of the universe operates through the laws of command, order and design in It's creation that humans have been given as a part of our development. The Qur'an terms these laws as the Kalimaatillah(Allah's laws in theory and nature/words of Allah) and Sunnatillah(Allah's Laws in Practice/Traditions of Allah). Wahi occurs when the human intellect comes to a meeting point with the realm of knowledge of Sustaining Force of the universe and Its laws,principles and guidance in the creation that cannot be reached by the normal processes of human faculties alone.
Muslim Scholar G.A Parwez explained the concept of Wahi and Nabi as the following in his glossary of Qur'anic Terms:
Wahi - (Wao-Ha-Ya) - (Revelation).
Al-Wahiyo is a suggestion by a sign that is extremely quick and fast. It also means to inform quickly, to whisper (Taj / Raghib). In Surah Mariyam, verse (19/11) says that he (Zachariah) informed the people by sign. Raghib says, and he is supported by the author of Taj-ul-Urus, that Al-Wahiyo means very quick suggestion by sign. That is why Shaiun Wahiun means a thing that comes very quickly - very fast. Auhal 'Amala means he acted in haste (Taj / Raghib).
It also means writing. Wahaitul Kit'ab means I wrote the book. W'ahin is the writer. Al-W'ahin is a written thing or document. As such Jauhri says that Al-Wahi mean Al-Kit'ab. This is also supported by the author of "Lat'aif-ul-Lugh'at," Ibn-e-Faris and Raghib. In verse (5/111) this version is clarified, when he (Jesus) conveyed to his companions the written message which was revealed to him.
Auha means to order, command. The above verse (5/111) of conveying Wahi to the companions means that Allah had ordered them (Taj / Raghib) and this Wahi (revelation) was received by the companions through Jesus (Raghib). Ibn-e-Faris says that anything which is communicated to someone and he comes to know about it, is called Wahi; the method, mode and type of communication may be by secret means, or otherwise. Verse (41/12) says, "He created several spheres in two phases and communicated through Wahi the destiny of every sphere," i.e., the law that regulates and guides everything in the outer universe, and everything
is busy performing the task assigned to it. Verse (24/41) is very important in this context. It says that everything in the universe knows its Tasbeeh and Sal'at, i.e., its duties, functions and how to perform them. Verse (99/5) further says that Allah conveyed His Wahi to Earth, i.e., the earth was communicated its functions and duties, and similarly to the honeybee (16/68) as to her duties.
Everything in the universe is busy performing its duties as per functions assigned to it. This is Wahi of Allah which is ordained unto them. This is called the law of nature or instinct and has not been created or evolved by them but ordained by Allah.
Man is also a part of the universe and a law has also been laid down for him. Besides physical life, he is also given a personality which he has to develop in this world. The law according to which man has to lead his life is called Wahi, which has the following ingredients:-
This Wahi is not given to every human being individually. This is given to one man who communicates it to others. The person to whom Wahi is given is called a Nabi or Rasool.
Except man, nothing in the universe has been given the option to follow or disobey the Wahi. Everything in the universe is forced to follow this law of nature, by virtue of an in-built system or instinct.
Man has been given this option; he may or may not obey the Wahi; but he is not given the option to escape the results that would naturally ensue from obeying or disobeying this law, e.g., he has the choice to swallow even poison but then he cannot expect to have a different result of his choice.
The mode and method of this communication cannot be understood or explained to a person who is not a Nabi or Rasool. Allah Almighty sometimes communicated by signs, and at times from behind a veil. But no other person can claim to be receiving Wahi or any message from Allah or call it by any different name like Ilh'am or Kashf, etc. The last human being who received Wahi was Muhammad Rasool-Allah (peace be upon him) and this Wahi is final, complete and preserved in the Holy Quran. The concept that Wahi, which was received by Rasool-Allah (peace be upon him) was of two types; Wahi matloo, which is in the Quran and is being read and Wahi ghair matloo, that - which is outside the Quran and is contained somewhere else, has no truth in it and is not supported by the Quran. It was only the Quran which was revealed through "Wahi".
Auha-Ilaihe also means to send a Rasool (a messenger). Auhar-Rajalo means he sent his special messenger to his most reliable slave (Taj
Ibn-ul-Anb'ari says that Wahi is called so because Gabriel communicates it to the selected person in complete secrecy and confidence.
Eihaun means to whisper secret things with one another in privacy. Abu-Ishaque says that the basic meanings of Wahi is to communicate in secrecy, that is why verse (6/113) says, "People who are opposed to the Anbia indulge in secret conspiracies .... ."
Verses (28/7, 20/38) say, "We sent Wahi to the mother of Moses ....... suckle him - but if you are afraid then cast him away in the river without any fear." So Wahi means Divine communication in some way that the person concerned comes to know about the message sent.
Verse (2/120) terms Wahi as Ilm (knowledge) which is absolutely free from any feelings, desires or thoughts of a human being (53/35).
It is however, important to understand that the recipients of Wahi, i.e., the Anbia were in no position themselves to obtain Wahi at their own instance. This was solely at the discretion of the giver of Wahi - Allah. Allah, exercising His absolute authority and will, chose whosoever He thought fit to be the recipient of His Wahi (6/125).
It was never possible for a human being to attain the exalted status of a recipient of Allah's Wahi with his own efforts - it was always Wahi that descended on the selected persons, i.e., receiving Wahi was not at all a subjective effort, it was entirely an objective phenomenon (2/97, 42/51, 69/43).
The final, complete and unalterable guidance from the Sustainer of the Universe - Allah The Almighty - was revealed to Muhammad Rasool-Allah (peace be upon him) (6/19, 6/116), and thereafter Allah took upon Himself to provide it with an exhaustive safeguard (15/9). Therefore, the institutions of Nubuwwat and Wahi were permanently closed.
"Whatever the Creator and the Sustainer of this universe wished to say to the man on earth was finally revealed in the Holy Quran. Whatever laws were needed to be given for the enrichment and growth of human personality were communicated in their most perfect form through Rasool-Allah Muhammad (peace be upon him). In order that the man attains his designated status in this universe, he needs no other torch now to illuminate his path, nor does he require any more guides. The only course open to him to regain his lost paradise, is to traverse the same path which is forever illuminated by the footprints of that exalted person who stands at the highest pinnacle of human success, the Rasool-Allah Muhammad (peace be upon him) ."
Nabi - (Noon-Ba-Alif or Noon-Ba-Wao).
Its plural is Anbia. Naba means to give news. According to Ibn-e-Faris its basic meanings are to move from one place to another; that is why news are called Al-Anba because they go from one place to another. Raghib says that every news cannot be called Nab'aun, but only those which are of use, enrich the information and are true; the element of truth in its meaning is however not supported from the Quran.
Nabaa, Nubuan means to rise high. An-Nabiun is a raised ground or a plateau, a visible path in front (Taj).
If the root of this word is taken as Noon-Ba-Wao, then it would mean to become elevated. An-Nab'awatu is that piece of land which is higher than the others; a high sign-post from which one gets guidance (Taj). Some people think that this word is derived from Nab'aun which means a person who gives news or makes prophecies. In fact, in Jewish religion Nabi was the title of a priest who used to make prophecies; it is not so according to the Quran.
Therefore, we think that its correct root is Noon-Ba-Wao, which means the one who stands at a high place, from where he can see what others cannot. The author of Kit'ab-ul-Ishtiq'aq writes that a person addressed Muhammad as Ya Nabi-il-Allah! Muhammad said I am not "Nabi-il-Allah" (Lasto Be Nabi Illah) but "Nabi-Ullah." Not one who gives news, but the one who stands at a high place and with the light of Wahi and can see things which others cannot. Its usual translation in English as "Prophet" is, therefore, incorrect and misleading. "
Thus from these definitions we can see that wahi of a Nabi(one who stands on a high plane with the light(guidance) of wahi and sees and understands what others cannot)- is quite different from intrinsic knowlege, inspiration, or a creature or deity physically coming down to dictate its message. Wahi literally means to infuse a thought into a being, just as stated by above by Parwez, the sustaining force of the universe gives wahi to the universe and animals on this planet which they have no other choice to follow since its part of them.
All situations other species on this planet encounter they react in perfect accordance to the wahi or as we call it instinct that is given to them and provides the specific reaction, guideline or direction they should follow or go about in any particular situation. Hence, additionally one can say that the general definition of wahi(usual translation as reveal) is a quick infusion of a thought that has a message which is given or suggested by ayat(authortative signs and evidences seen, heard,felt,sensed ).
The higher the intelligence and complexity of particular species the more complex and comprehensive the natural law that is given to them to develop. With that said for other intelligent species on other planets in the universe, either of greater or same intelligence as us, the way that their law of nature is given to them although may not be exactly the same as ours, may share some similarities in the way that their law of nature is conveyed to individuals of their species.
Since human beings are an intellegent,complex and social species that require several complex factors for development our wahi or law of nature depends on more than our basic desires, it also relies on our outlook of reality, the knowledge of working laws in societies and the creation in general, and the cosomolgy of the universe which helps guide our progression. Furthermore, all of these factors most importantly must be inculcated through social interactions, inquiry and ideas based on particular guidelines.
Unlike other species on this planet who are given wahi, the law of nature in the human species by design of the sustaining force of the universe was given only to a paritcular individual during certain periods of human history which was conveyed in a way that all people around him could easily understand and inculcate. This law of nature for humans to use has also been called (Al-Kitab) or The Book which refers to the collection of laws and guidelines that the Sustaining Force of the Universe established that govern nature, societies, development in creatures and the workings and design of physical laws in the universe.
The Book of God as was referred to often by the communities of the Anbia, contained not only the universal laws of design and order, and societal guidelines shown through the time contexts of each Anbia but examples of the Sustaining Force of the Universe in practice in the creation on nations through the actions of Anbia and, notable figures and leaders of different nations in the past.
Thus, the Qur'an use of the term Ahl Al-Kitab(People of the Book) can be seen as a general term to refer to people who were following messages mainly from anbia but also general teachings by people who claimed to be messengers and sages that were based upon service to God, natural order and benefiting the creatioin, even though it did not specifically affirm all previous ways of lives that preceded it as truly guided under its same concept of revelation.
While, the entire general essence of the Book was conveyed to groups of people only by Anbia, since the conveyed form of the Book by the Anbia contained the examples of people who were not Anbia, but rather notable individuals who simply proclaimed service to God(benefiting the Creation) , their conveyed messages were also considered to be as a part of the book as they fell in line with the criterion of God's message.
As a result of the sucessive progression of The Book, throughout history the word Nabi or Nevi as the person was called in the Ancient Israelite scriptures although was not believed to be literal was at times translated as the "mouth of God" to nations who were sent these figures since he brought the complete essence of the message and will of the Sustaining Force of the Universe into a human language for people to understand.
6:38- "[There are signs in the Universe to behold] All creatures on earth and all the birds that fly on its wings, are communities like you. We did not omit any knowledge from this Book (that was essential to be given through Revelation to any creature.) And they all will be gathered to their Developer in the end".
Hence, rather than displaying God as a confined human like being or a Godhead Monarchial ruler the Qur'an displays a concept of God as the Supreme Force of the Universe, which as the First Cause and reagnant Force behind the universe, is beyond comprehension, has no position nor is confined to a form in space in the creation. Rather than constant biased actions or interference of this Force in the direction of the creation, Its will is connected to the creation through the unchanging laws, forces and principles that control and develop all actions of beings and events past, present and the future in the universe of which It sustains.
Although it is not possible to know the exact ways of which the Nabi came upon each verse of revelation from the Sustaining force of the creation, the Qur'an through its concept of God and verses shows that Its communication to the Anbia that became transcribed into book form unlike actual conventional human speech, was based upon various signs and evidences of these laws and principles that are either constantly working throughout the creation or that manifested in the creation through events, actions and experiences that relate to the overall message of God to mankind.
53:3: “Nor does he utter the Word out of his desire”
53:4: “This (Qur’an) is but a Revelation that is being revealed to him.”
53:18- "And indeed, he has seen the great signs of his Developer."
22:46- "Have they never journeyed about the earth, letting their hearts gain wisdom, and causing their ears to hear? Indeed, it is not their eyes that become blind, but their hearts that are in the chests become blind."
34:50- Say, “When I was searching for the Truth, I was searching for the Truth for myself. And now I am rightly guided because of what my Lord has revealed unto me. It is the Hearer, Ever-Near.”
53:11-And never did he find contrary to reason what he learned.
53:12-Will you, then, contend with him concerning what he has learned (that you have not)?
Thus, a Nabi was a human being who unlike other people was able to be given revelation which was brought about by certain signs and evidences that he encounterd or experienced in the creation, that revealed to him the vital messages for humans that tell the order of laws in nature, natural events, guidelines and design from the sustainer of the universe, that other people have yet not come to know, cannot comprehend through ordinary means, had misunderstood overtime or cannot easily recognize with their faculties alone. This revelation provides a law of nature and guidance for human beings which gives the Nabi and other humans examples,guidelines, laws and the direction that they should follow individually and collectively.
The special event of individual reaching a point of where they became a Nabi at a point in his life when he had been deemed suitable through his unique actions, personality, encountered signs and experiences in his life was often described in scriputres as "God making Himself known" to the person who was then chosen as a Nabi. Malikah Jibril or Ruh Al-Qudus represented the collective energy of consciousness of the Book(what is written in the framework and language of nature) that had descended on the mind of a person who was chosen as a Nabi that infused thoughts in him of the essence of God's messages(Al-Kitab) given by encountered signs and evidences.
Whether it was laws that govern human nature or societies or general laws in nature and the universe, the Ruh-Al Qudus that descended on him infused the connected the pieces of the signs that comprise (Al-Kitab) that the Nabi encounntered and made the matters clear and understandable to people and the Nabi. Hence, the Ruh Al-Qudus that descended on Anbia brought God's communication or Kalim(Laws in Nature, Commands and Laws in Theory) and Gods Laws in Practice or Sunnah, translated into the human language of the Nabi in a way easily understood to all.
However, the Quran does give one situation in which the wahi of the Nabi recieved was differerent with the Nabi Moses. Moses unlike other anbia when recieved the divine infused messages with the signs/ Nar(light/fire/divine signs and guidance) that they encountered, experienced a different revelatory nature and understood the messages in the actual continuous and complex coded language of the developing force of the universe and how it connected to certain things and events in the creation (i.e God spoke directly to him) .
Nevertheless all of the revealed messages were meant to guide societies back into a order that is in accordance with the laws that govern the progress of their species in nature that they either deviated from, misunderstood overtime or that was needed at a particular time period of their development. Thus, all of the revealed messages in a sense contained the thought of God that told how humans should progress in peace and about the workings of laws in nature and the universe.
2:97: They are displeased with Jibril for bringing Revelation to a gentile Prophet. 2:90.) Say (O Prophet), “Who bears a grudge against Jibril?” For, it has revealed (the Qur’an) upon your Qalb(mind/center/heart) باذن الله [by/with God’s Leave/ Pardon/Permission/Command/Acknowledgement/Laws], confirming what was revealed before it. And it is a Beacon of Light and glad tiding for all those who accept it.
16:102: “Tell them, “Jibril has brought it down from your Sustainer in Absolute Truth. This Revelation will keep firm in thought and action, those who accept it. And it will provide Guidance and good news to Submitters.” [Roohul Qudus = Sacred Energy = Gabriel 2:97. Rooh, Raooh = Soothing Mercy 12:87. Trustworthy angel 26:193]”
As stated before the Qur’an talks about the revelation received by individuals in the past.
2:253: All messengers were one in Purpose. They were assigned different strategies suitable to their times, locations and people.) We caused some of those messengers to excel others. God spoke to some of them. Others It raised in degrees of high honor. Jesus son of Mary was one of those messengers whom We gave clear signs of Truth and strengthened/empowered/helped him بروح القدس (with the Sacred Energy of Consciousness/Sacred Revelation/the Divine Essence in Nature/Force that mends broken things by bringing revelation/Truthful Spirit (Ruh Al-Qudus)=The Angel of Revelation(The Energy of Consciousness that infuses thoughts of the essence of God's messages (actions,guidelines,design,laws) given by encountered signs and evidences] .
4:163: "We have sent you the Revelation as We sent it to Noah and the Anbia after him. We sent revelations to Abraham, Ishmael, Isaac, Jacob, and his progeny (the Tribes), Jesus, Job, Jonah, Aaron, and Solomon; and to David We gave Zaboor". [Zaboor = The Psalms = A book of Divine Wisdom]
16:36-And certainly, We have raised in every nation a Messenger, saying, “Serve God alone and shun الطاغوت (aggression, misguidance,tyranny, and corruption).”
This verse states that out of the messengers sent to all nations only some of them were Anbia. The Messengers who were not Anbia were (Malikah) Authorities who proclaim God's will to individuals as well as some of the highly honored leaders of all nations throughout history who preached God's basic message of serving God alone when they recognized signs of their nations falling and regressing by promoting social order, unity, peace, security, service to humanity and awareness of laws in the creation.
Verse 16:36 is important as it shows the continous and eternal message of Islam that has been conveyed to different nations throughout history. All nations had people who conveyed the message of serving God. The notion of messengers being sent to all nations has often been misunderstood by scholars as God sending Messengers commanding people to the same rituals and conformity of culture to upheld for all times, while it was simply that all messengers proclaimed the obligation of people in their society to the ideas Al-Islam( maintainence of peace, security, development) in times when they saw their societies were regressing. Jesus son of Mary is mentioned in the verse and it states that he was given clear signs of truth of his message and strengthened with the Ruh Al-Qudus.
The Ruh Al-Qudus seems to be referring to the same concept as the early concept of the Holy Spirit (Ruach HaKodesh) . Thus, from this we can come to the conclusion that Jesus Christ and other Anbia received revelation in manner that was same as the way of Muhammad recieved it. Also, since the wahi that is revealed to Anbia in the same way, their messages, such as the guidelines that they delivered to their societies, the working of laws in nature, and the view of the Akhira(the return of the universe after its collapse) were originally essentially the same since the Sustaining Force of the Universe's ways and signs in the creation remain the same. The only slight differences are in the language spoken by each prophet and the implications of certain commands due to the settings and time of each revelation. The wahi of the Qur'an as the last revelatory book of a Nabi attempts to show the following :
1. Establish proof of its claim and truthfulness to not only the people whom it was first revealed in various forms of discourse but also to those in the future.
2. Convey the message as clearly and as easily comprehendable as possible in a way that not only the people of its first audience can understand but also can be used and understood by future generations for as a means of universal guidance by guiding each command with eternal principles in order to be properly extracted.
The Divine Election of Anbia
72:26: “Knower of the Unseen (and the future), and It makes known unto none Its secret,”
72:27: “Except as It wills according to its laws unto a Messenger whom It has elected, and unto him It reveals Its powers/actions/ abilities (from the past,present and the future), and ensures that the Revelation is guarded".
72:28: "That It may make manifest that it is indeed their Sustainers’s messages (and nothing else) that these messengers deliver. For, It encompasses all the Revelation they have, and takes account of all things".
3:74: “It elects for Its Grace whom It wills according to Its Laws. For, God is the Sustainer of Infinite Bounty (and It knows the proper time, place and person for Its Revelation.)”
The 3 and only ways for humans to recieve God's message
42:51: "And it is not for any human being that God will speak to them other than through direct revelation by a quick infusion of a message that is given by authoritative signs and evidences (wahi)(on the minds/hearts of Its Anbia) or Its direct message from behind a barrier/veil (such as at Mount Sinai to Moses) or by sending a Messenger to suggest by signs what It wills according to Its laws by/with Its Leave/Permission(as all Anbia ,Malikah and various people in general throughout history did). Surely, It is the Most High, the Wise".
From the verses above we can discern that the raising to the rank of a Nabi is a selective process and only a few people throughout the history of mankind received it. The Qur’an states that Muhammad was the last of these types of human beings (33:40). Although, it is a superior ability given to an individual as stated by verse (3:74) it is nevertheless a process in accordance with the divine plan amongst mankind as well as the framework of the universe.
Rather than an anachronistic, supernatural process in the history of human beings that individuals encountered, the process and of wahi to Anbia and Malikah was selective in their own individual methods and were conveyed for the purpose of the evolutionary and developmental process of the human species. However, in terms of knowing God's message, in addition to studying these claims in a sense one can say through our studies that we discover through scientific and emperical approaches to various aspects of the universe, mankind can collectively continue to gain knowledge of the laws and ways of God operating in the Universe.
But how the Qur'an fits into the successive line of divine revelations is another important aspect of consideration. As one looks throughout history there is a noticeable trend of the development of divine revelation. Each successive divine revelation brought a more detailed message that was in accordance with its environment. Moreover, each Nabi or Malikah added details about the characteristics of the type individual that would come after them, the nature of the time and the environments of successive revelations.
The divine revelation recieved by Anbia and Malikah was able to project the logic of events and change of societies with time and became clearer to mankind with each Nabi. The selection as an Anbia was not a subjective mystical experiance an individual recieved through self-inducement , through training to produce a supernatural feat or something an individual felt inspired to produce at a time in their lives, it is selection of an ability given to an individual through the laws of revelation by God. Due to these factors, the Final Nabi that was expected by previous nations did not come until the 7th century.
Mankind was at a significant period in their development and formation of societies during the time of the revelation of the Qur'an. The environment of the world had been suitable for revelation for quite some time. Much of the world had been in conflict and had been tremendously degressing in civilization. This time was significant as it brought about the one of the most important phase changes in of our planet and the evolution of mankind according to one of the potentials of divine plan. The revelation of the Qur'an was able to regenerate the progession of societies within its region which it foresaw having a global impact.
The phase of our planet at this time marked the end of the line of Anbia for the human species and mankind was then able with its mature mind free to use their reason in accordance with the guidelines established through the revelation of the Qur'an. Although, there are no more Anbia, nor is there any need for another one to be sent to mankind with a new law of nature or revelation, this does not mean that mankind should stop reflecting further on God's designs and ways in the creation nor that we should forfeit or personal obligations to carry on the Its Message. In fact since knowledge of Its laws and messages in the universe can further be understood and also be obtained outside of the Qur'an through our own scientific means and trials, mankind is exhorted to explore the First Cause's creation and all of its splendors to help guide our development and confirm Its signs and evidences of existence in the universe.
41:53- "In time We will show them Our signs in the utmost Horizons and within themselves, so that it will become clear to them that this Qur’an is indeed the Truth. Is it not enough for them to know that your Developer is a Witness to all things in the creation".
As the Qur’an is the last revelatory book delivered by a Nabi or Malikah one notices that it is clearer and more detailed than the previous revelations as it is a book that constructs a universal guidance through its temporal discourse in our general understanding of the universe,societies and the natural world around us until we finally inculcate its principles. The revelation is conveyed in a way that with the use of reason its message, guidelines and principles can be extracted for all times. Additionally, as the Qur'an has been looked at more as a book of social and physical science and guidance, one notices that the proof of its origins and claims have been able to show itself in different ways through changing times.
12:108-Say (O Prophet), “This is my way. Resting my call upon reason, I am calling you all to God - I and those who follow me.” Glory to God! And I am not one of those who ascribe divinity in any form besides It.”
12:111-“As for this Revelation, it could not possibly be a Hadith(saying), fabricated. It confirms the (surviving Truth in) the previous Scriptures, and gives a detailed explanation of everything. And it is a Beacon and Mercy for all those who accept it.”
12:105- "How many a sign is there in the heavens and the earth which they pass by with their faces turned away!"
27:93- And say, “All Praise is due to God! In time It will show you Its Signs, so that you will recognize them.” And your Sustainer and Developer is not unaware of all that you do.
However, it is now only proper to ask what is the purpose of divine revelation given to mankind and what does it bring that is not able to be reached by human reason and intellect alone?
“The code of permanent values can only come through Revelation to chosen personalities (messengers) of God.” (Albert Einstein 1879-1955-Out of My Later Days)
“A complete way of life which would be universal is neither present in human instinct nor can we devise it through intellect. It can only come through Revelation. “ (Prof Alfred Cobban-The Crisis of Civilization)
Divine revelation does in fact establish permanent values and a complete way of life which is vital for mankind to collectively progress. Although, human intellect and reason are extremely vital for mankind and have produced marvels throughout history ,only divine revelation can make the human species realize their full potential and purpose and guide them pragmatically towards a common goal. There are indeed many things that man can realize through a long period of trial and error but with this process especially in huge developing societies also comes alot of risk and harm the species can experience.
The process of revelation actualizes all the factors that mankind needs within an exponentially short amount of time. This is important for mankind that is currently in a period of their existence where they have formed large constantly developing and connected societies that need guidelines to keep a balance in the species. Hence, the use of exracted principle from revelation economizes effort and order in societies faster, more effectively and without the potential risks and damage that humans might experience in going through trial and error. Revelation when followed and inculcated keeps mankind constantly focused on their purpose of collective growth.
“If the society is not conducive to the growth of human personality, people would remain slaves even if such a society were perceived to be free.“(Nicholes Berdyeau-Destiny of Man)
Without revelation human interests and selfish desires, would prevent the human species from developing a collective way of life that would be beneficial to all. Like animals that have instincts which are programmed in their biology as a guide for their functions and progress as a species, revelation acts as an instinct for mankind as it gives a layout for mankind of all that is needed for them to progress in peace, calls their attention to things that would be neglected due to their abstract nature and acts as a constant reminder for the direction humans have to go to survive as a species. I will discuss more about the role of divine revelation in upcoming blogs especially in my explanation of the Qur’an's concept of the Yaum Ad-Deen.
Quran verses from
The Qur’an as it Explains Itself volume IV by Dr. Shabbir Ahmed.
Additional Comments by Kamran Cheikh
Copyright ©2010 Kamran Cheikh