Revelation and Its Types
Definition of Revelation
(Revelation) Wahy is the message that Allah Almighty conveys to His creation through His chosen messengers. The purpose of revelation is to communicate Allah’s commands and guidance to humankind and to clarify the foundations of the religion. The Qur’an and Sunnah mention various types of revelation. Below is an introduction to the different types of revelation:
1: Wahy Matlu (Recited Revelation) – Qur’anic Revelation
Definition: This is the revelation that Allah Almighty directly sent down in the form of the Qur’an. It is called “Matlu” (recited) because it is the literal speech of Allah that exists in the form of the Qur’an, and its recitation is an act of worship.
Example: All verses of the Holy Qur’an are part of Wahy Matlu. This revelation is the word-for-word speech of Allah, which was revealed to the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) through Angel Jibril (عليه السلام).
2: Wahy Ghair Matlu (Non-Recited Revelation) – Non-Qur’anic Revelation
Definition: Wahy Ghair Matlu is the revelation that is not part of the Qur’an but was given to the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) as divine commands and guidance from Allah. These commands are reflected in the sayings and actions of the Prophet (ﷺ) and are referred to as Sunnah or Hadith.
Example: Hadith Qudsi and the sayings and actions of the Prophet (ﷺ) that are not part of the Qur’an but were given to him through revelation.
3: Wahy Jali (Clear Revelation)
Definition: This is the type of revelation that is directly and clearly revealed to the Prophet without any obscurity. There is no veil in this form of revelation, and it is a direct and open communication from Allah.
Example: Angel Jibril (عليه السلام) bringing down the Qur’an or Allah directly inspiring divine words into the heart of the Prophet (ﷺ).
4: Concealed Revelation (Wahi Khafi)
Definition: This is the type of revelation that is instilled into the heart of the Prophet, but it does not take the form of recited revelation and is not a part of the Qur’an. This revelation often comes as an inspiration to the heart or in the form of dreams.
Example: The commands or guidance given to the Prophet (ﷺ) through dreams, such as the dream about the Battle of Badr or the migration (Hijrah).
5: Revelation through Dreams (Wahi Bil-Ru’ya)
Definition: At times, Allah grants prophets commands or guidance through dreams. A prophet’s dream is a form of revelation, and their dreams are always true.
Example: Prophet Ibrahim (عليه السلام) was commanded in a dream to sacrifice his son, Prophet Ismail (عليه السلام). Similarly, the Prophet (ﷺ) received many important directives through dreams.
6: Human-Mediated Revelation (Wahi Bashari)
Definition: In this type of revelation, Allah appoints an angel or messenger to deliver the divine message to the prophet. The angel may sometimes take human form to convey the message.
Example: Angel Jibreel (عليه السلام) appearing before the Prophet (ﷺ) in different forms, such as in the human form of the companion Dihyah Kalbi (رضي الله عنه).
7: Inspired Revelation (Wahi Ilhami)
Definition: Inspired revelation is instilled into the heart of a prophet or a chosen servant of Allah, but it is not directly part of the Shari’ah. At times, this type of inspiration also occurs to pious individuals and saints.
Example: The inspiration given to the mother of Prophet Musa (عليه السلام) to place him in the river (Surah Al-Qasas, 28:7).
8: Revelation Through an Angel (Wahi Bil-Wasilah Malak)
Definition: In this form of revelation, Allah’s message is directly conveyed to the prophet through an angel, as seen in the case of the Qur’anic revelation delivered by Angel Jibreel (عليه السلام).
Example: Angel Jibreel (عليه السلام) bringing down the Qur’an to the Prophet (ﷺ).
9: Direct Divine Speech (Wahi Kalami)
Definition: This type of revelation occurs when Allah directly speaks to the prophet without any intermediary. This is considered the highest form of revelation.
Example: Allah directly speaking to Prophet Musa (عليه السلام) on Mount Sinai, which is why he is known as “Kalimullah” (the one who conversed with Allah).
10: Revelation in the Form of the Ringing of a Bell (Wahi Bisoorat Salsalatul Jars)
This refers to the experience where the Prophet (ﷺ) would perceive a sound similar to the ringing of a bell during the descent of revelation. This was one of the most intense forms of revelation upon him.
A narration from Aisha (رضي الله عنها) states:
The Prophet (ﷺ) said, “Sometimes the revelation comes like the ringing of a bell, and this form is the hardest upon me. Once it ends, I have memorized what has been revealed.”
(Sahih Bukhari, Hadith No. 2)
During this form of revelation, the Prophet (ﷺ) would experience extreme physical strain. It has been mentioned that his body would sweat profusely, even in cold weather, and he would feel an increased weight. This method was employed by Allah for a specific wisdom—to emphasize the importance and depth of the revelation, ensuring its full retention and preservation.
These various types of revelation explain the different ways in which Allah conveyed His message to His prophets, guiding humanity and completing the religion of Islam.
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