Necessity of Revelation in Islam and Its Different Types

Revelation in Islam: Its Necessity and Different Types​

Reference: Fatāwā Muḥammadiyyah, Vol. 1, Page 220

❖ Question​

What is the necessity of revelation (waḥy), and how many types does it have? Kindly explain in detail in the light of Qur’an and Sunnah.

❖ Answer​

Al-ḥamdu lillāh, waṣ-ṣalātu was-salāmu ʿalā Rasūlillāh, ammā baʿd!


Since the Qur’an al-Karīm was revealed to the Messenger of the Universe, Prophet Muḥammad ﷺ, through revelation, it is necessary to understand the concept of waḥy and its types.

The Necessity of Revelation​

Allah created man for a test in this world and burdened him with responsibilities, while subjugating the entire creation to his service. For human life on earth, two things are indispensable:


① To benefit correctly from the creation and its resources.
② To ensure that while using creation, he remains within the pleasure of Allah and avoids His displeasure.


Both require knowledge, which comes through:

• Senses (ḥawās): e.g., seeing the wall is white.
• Reason (ʿaql): e.g., understanding the wall must have a builder.
• Revelation (waḥy): e.g., knowing which usage pleases or displeases Allah.

Thus, waḥy provides knowledge beyond the scope of senses and reason.

Rational Necessity of Waḥy​

Waḥy is the highest source of knowledge because it gives answers that intellect and senses cannot reach, yet are necessary for guidance. Denial of revelation is, in reality, denial of Allah’s perfect wisdom, for His wisdom demands that He not leave man in darkness without divine guidance.


Hence, revelation is not only a religious belief but also a rational necessity.

Types of Revelation​

The chain of waḥy and risālah (prophethood) was completed with the Prophet ﷺ. After him, no revelation descends.

Forms of Waḥy Reported in Ṣaḥīḥ Bukhārī (Ḥadīth of ʿĀ’ishah RA):​

1. Like the sound of a bell
   
   • The hardest form.
   • Continuous, without direction, as the divine word has no direction.
   • Caused intense strain on the Prophet ﷺ — his forehead would sweat in winter, his face would pale, and even a riding animal would collapse under the weight.
   • Zayd b. Thābit RA reported his leg nearly broke under the pressure.
   • Companions sometimes heard a faint humming, like bees.
2. Angel in human form
   
   • Jibrīl (AS) would often appear as Dihyah al-Kalbī (RA) or in another man’s form.
   • This was the easiest form of revelation.
3. Jibrīl (AS) in his original form
   
   • Occurred three times:
     ▸ Once at the Prophet’s ﷺ request
     ▸ During the Miʿrāj
     ▸ Once at Ajyād, Makkah (weak in chain).
4. Direct speech with Allah (Kalām Allāh)
   
   • Granted in wakefulness during Miʿrāj, and once in a dream.
5. Casting into the heart (nafh fī al-rūʿ)
   
   • Jibrīl (AS) would instill meanings directly into the Prophet’s ﷺ heart without appearing.

Summary​

• Waḥy is necessary as guidance beyond senses and intellect.
• Sources of knowledge: senses, intellect, revelation.
• Forms of waḥy: bell-like sound, angel in human form, Jibrīl in his original form, direct divine speech, inspiration into the heart.
• The Prophet ﷺ experienced all these forms, and with him the cycle of revelation ended.

ھذا ما عندی واللہ أعلم بالصواب