❀ The Nature of Revelation and Human Comprehension
Revelation is a form of divine guidance from Allah in matters that human intellect alone cannot comprehend. Since no one except the Prophets (عليهم السلام) has directly experienced revelation, it is impossible for anyone else to truly understand its essence. Under the influence of Western thought, today’s world often views the concept of revelation as alien and regards it with skepticism. Some even openly reject revelation, dismissing it as mere fable, while others feel hesitant to mention it in this era of scientific advancement.
Before delving into the matter of revelation, it is essential to address a fundamental question: Does this universe have a Creator and Owner, or did it come into existence on its own?
If a person denies the existence of God, then it is impossible for them to accept the reality of revelation. In such a case, the discussion must begin with the existence of God.
However, for those who believe in the existence of God, it becomes easier to understand the rational necessity, possibility, and reality of revelation.
If one accepts that the universe was created by a Wise and All-Powerful Being, and that this Being sent man here for a purpose, then it must also be accepted that He did not leave man without guidance.
Is it conceivable that someone would send an employee to do a task without explaining the purpose of the task?
Similarly, to think that Allah Almighty created man but did not provide any system of guidance is to go against His supreme wisdom.
Revelation is not merely a religious belief; it is a rational necessity. Its denial is, in fact, a denial of Allah’s supreme wisdom.
If scientists, with their limited intellect, can create devices for communication—such as telephones, radios, and other tools—then is it not possible for Allah Almighty to establish a powerful and effective system of communication with His servants?
The essence of revelation is that Allah conveys His words—directly or through a means—to one of His Prophets.
Some people reject revelation on the grounds that they have not observed it. However, rejecting a reality simply because it has not been personally witnessed is not a sound scholarly approach.
A few centuries ago, if someone were told about airplanes or space travel, they would have considered it a fable. But did the absence of observation nullify those realities?
Similarly, revelation cannot be rejected just because it transcends human understanding.
It becomes easier to understand how one person can influence the thoughts of another by reflecting on human experiences.
Among the Sufis, there is the concept of “Tasarruf-e-Khayali” (imaginative control), wherein a person uses their imaginative power to subdue the mind and heart of another.
In the West, hypnotism has been accepted on a scientific basis as a method of controlling another’s mind. Experiments by James Braid and other specialists have proven that one person can influence the thoughts and actions of another.
If a human being can exert such control over another human, is it not possible that Allah Almighty can send revelation to the heart of a Prophet?
The very Allah who has given human beings the ability to control thoughts—can He not send down revelation for the guidance of His creation?
The system of revelation is a manifestation of Allah’s supreme wisdom, and to deny it is, in fact, to deny the power of Allah Himself.
