Bismillahir Rahmanir Rahim, today’s topic of discussion is What is the meaning of Wahi (Wahy) and its types in Islam, and what are they.
Meaning of wahi in Islam
The lexical meaning of the word Wahi is to hint, to suggest, to throw something into the mind, to say something secretly. According to the description of Allama Abu Ishaq, in all dictionaries, the real meaning of Wahi is to inform someone secretly. In Islamic terminology, Wahi is “Kalamullahil Munjal Ala Nabiyyin.”
Abu Ishaq Lughawi said: In all dictionaries, the word ‘Wahi’ means to reveal something secretly.
Imam Ragheb Isfahani wrote:
‘Wahi’ means a rapid gesture, a hint; it can also be done by speaking in a gestural manner. It can also be in words that have no proper form. It can also be with the help of gestures or writing.
The Holy Quran states:
Then Allah said to them in English: “Recite Tasbeeh in the morning and evening.”
The words of Allah that are conveyed to the minds of the prophets are also called ‘revelation’.
What is Wahy
Sheikh Abdullah Sarkawi wrote:
‘Wahi’ means to inform. And in the terminology of Sharia, Wahi is – Allah’s speaking to His prophets about something, or sending angels, or in dreams, or with the help of inspiration. This word is also used in the sense of ‘giving orders’.
No one knows the true meaning and secret of Revelation except Allah. Lexicographers, theologians, and philosophers have tried to define it and describe its significance and identity. From this, a clear and general idea about ‘revelation’ is easily formed. What Shaykh Bu Ali Sina said in this context is quoted below in the words of Allama Abu’l-Baka:
We perceive things through our senses; the Prophet perceives things with the help of internal and inherent powers. We see first, then we know about it. And the Prophet knows first, then he sees. Wahi meaning in Islam
How many types of Wahi are there, and what are they?
Islamic scholars have divided the messages sent by Allah Almighty to the last messenger, Hazrat Muhammad Mustafa (PBUH), into two categories. One is the revelation that is revealed, and the other is the revelation that is not shown.
Wahi e matlu
The revelation is the word that Hazrat Jibraeel (AS) used to recite verbatim to the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and the Prophet (PBUH) used to repeat it to Jibraeel (AS) every Ramadan during his lifetime. The Holy Quran is such a revelation. Every word and sentence of the message sent by Allah is narrated exactly in the Holy Quran, and it was the duty of the Prophet (PBUH) to preserve it. Therefore, the Quran is the word of Allah Almighty sent through Jibraeel (AS).
“Indeed, it is We who revealed the Quran and We will be its guardian.” (Al-Hijr, verse 9)
In another verse, it is stated as follows:
“Do not move your tongue quickly to quickly master (the Quran), for its preservation and recitation are my responsibility. So when I recite, follow my recitation.”
(Surah Al-Qiyamah, verses: 16-18)
After the revelation was revealed to the Prophet, he used to recite it quickly and repeatedly to memorize it, so Allah advised him not to do so. Because Allah Himself has taken the responsibility of preserving the words of the Quran, its recitation, and interpretation. The words and sentences (verses) mentioned in the Quran have been preserved exactly as they were revealed to the Prophet. Therefore, the Quran is the hidden word of Allah, or the revelation.
Wahi e ghair matlu
The second type of revelation is the non-verbal revelation. In the revelations in which only the content is described, it is not described verbally or literally, nor is there any arrangement for doing so. The Prophet (peace be upon him) was not obliged to describe the word or sentence literally in such a revelation. He had the right to describe the main idea of the revelation in his language. All kinds of activities, sayings, statements, and activities of others in the life of the Prophet (peace be upon him) were observed in which his support and silent consent were observed.
In Islamic terminology, it is called Sunnah, and its other synonym is Khabar. The Prophet (PBUH) was a living example for his Ummah. His every action was guided by the will of Allah Almighty. Hazrat Aisha (RA) was once asked to describe the Prophet (PBUH). In response, she said that the life of the Prophet (PBUH) is the embodiment or reflection of the Quran, i.e,. The Quran is the theory, and the life of Muhammad (PBUH) is the practical Quran.
The Messenger does not speak of his own free will. What he says is the word of Allah revealed to him. (Surah An-Najm, Verses: 3-4)
This verse proves that every statement of the Prophet regarding his religion is either a revelation from Allah or a revelation other than that.
