Revelation: Introduction

Revelation (Wahy): Introduction

The Arabic word Wahy (وحي) literally means to indicate, to communicate something in a hidden or subtle way, to inspire into the heart, or to provide instinctive guidance. In the Qur’an, this term is used in several different contexts, reflecting its broad linguistic range.

1. In the sense of making an indication

Regarding Prophet Zakariya (peace be upon him), Allah says:

“فَخَرَجَ عَلَىٰ قَوْمِهِ مِنَ الْمِحْرَابِ فَأَوْحَىٰ إِلَيْهِمْ” (Surah Maryam: 11)

“So he came out to his people from the prayer chamber and indicated to them…”

Here, the word awha does not mean verbal communication; rather, it refers to a gesture or sign.

2. In the sense of inspiration into the heart

Allah says regarding the mother of Prophet Musa (Moses, peace be upon him):

“وَأَوْحَيْنَا إِلَىٰ أُمِّ مُوسَىٰ أَنْ أَرْضِعِيهِ” (Surah Al-Qasas: 7)

“And We inspired the mother of Musa, saying: ‘Suckle him…’”

This is not prophetic revelation, but an inspiration placed into the heart.

3. In the sense of instinctive guidance

Allah says:

“وَأَوْحَىٰ رَبُّكَ إِلَى النَّحْلِ” (Surah An-Nahl: 68)

“And your Lord inspired the bee…”

Here, wahy refers to natural instinct and divinely guided behavior.

4. In the sense of secret communication

Regarding the devils, Allah says:

“وَإِنَّ الشَّيَاطِينَ لَيُوحُونَ إِلَىٰ أَوْلِيَائِهِمْ” (Surah Al-An‘am: 121)

“And indeed the devils inspire their allies…”

Here, it refers to whispering or secret evil suggestions.

Technical Definition of Revelation

In Islamic terminology, Wahy refers to the divine message that Allah sends to His chosen servants, the Prophets (peace be upon them), for the guidance of humanity. This form of knowledge is beyond human intellect and ordinary experience and originates solely from Allah.

As stated by Imam Al-Suyuti in Al-Itqan fi ‘Ulum al-Qur’an (Vol. 1, p. 46):

It is the communication from Allah to His Prophets in a manner that is exclusive and divinely controlled.

The Qur’an states:

“وَمَا كَانَ لِبَشَرٍ أَنْ يُكَلِّمَهُ اللَّهُ إِلَّا وَحْيًا أَوْ مِنْ وَرَاءِ حِجَابٍ أَوْ يُرْسِلَ رَسُولًا فَيُوحِيَ بِإِذْنِهِ مَا يَشَاءُ ۚ إِنَّهُ عَلِيٌّ حَكِيمٌ” (Surah Ash-Shura: 51)

“It is not for any human that Allah should speak to him except by revelation, or from behind a veil, or by sending a messenger who reveals by His permission whatever He wills. Indeed, He is Most High, All-Wise.”