بِسْمِ ٱللَّهِ ٱلرَّحْمَٰنِ ٱلرَّحِيمِ
In Islam, the concept of Revelation (Wahy) is central to the belief system, as it refers to the process by which Allah (سبحانه وتعالى) communicates His guidance to humankind through His chosen prophets and messengers. The ultimate and most complete form of this revelation is the Qur’an, the final divine scripture sent to humanity through Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ). Muslims believe that the Qur’an is the literal and unaltered word of Allah (سبحانه وتعالى), preserved and protected from any distortion or corruption.
Revelation is not only the foundation upon which the Islamic faith is built but also the means through which believers understand their purpose in life, their relationship with their Creator, and their responsibilities in this world. It is through revelation that Allah (سبحانه وتعالى) has communicated His guidance, laws, and wisdom to humanity across time.
Definition of Wahy (Revelation) in Islam
Wahy in Arabic means “to inspire, to reveal, or to communicate discreetly.” In the Islamic context, wahy refers to the divine communication from Allah (سبحانه وتعالى) to His prophets (عليهم السلام). This revelation serves as a direct source of knowledge and guidance, allowing humans to understand what Allah (سبحانه وتعالى) expects from them.
The process of revelation in Islam is unique and specific to the prophets. It is a means by which Allah (سبحانه وتعالى) conveys His divine wisdom, laws, and commands in a manner that the human mind could not independently access. Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), the final messenger, received revelation through the angel Jibreel (Gabriel, عليه السلام), who brought the words of Allah (سبحانه وتعالى) directly to him.
The Qur’an describes this process of revelation:
“Indeed, We have revealed to you, [O Muhammad], as We revealed to Noah and the prophets after him. And We revealed to Abraham, Ishmael, Isaac, Jacob, the Descendants, Jesus, Job, Jonah, Aaron, and Solomon, and to David We gave the book [of Psalms].”
(Qur’an 4:163)
This verse illustrates the continuity of divine revelation through various prophets, culminating in the final revelation given to Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ).
The Qur’an: The Final and Unaltered Word of Allah (سبحانه وتعالى)
Muslims believe that the Qur’an is the last and final revelation from Allah (سبحانه وتعالى), superseding all previous scriptures, which include the Torah (revealed to Moses, عليه السلام), the Psalms (revealed to David, عليه السلام), and the Gospel (revealed to Jesus, عليه السلام). While these earlier scriptures were also divinely revealed, Islam teaches that they were altered or corrupted over time. In contrast, the Qur’an has been preserved in its original form since the time of its revelation over 1,400 years ago.
Allah (سبحانه وتعالى) promises in the Qur’an to protect it from any alteration or corruption:
“Indeed, it is We who sent down the Qur’an and indeed, We will be its guardian.”
(Qur’an 15:9)
This verse reassures believers that the Qur’an will remain intact and unaltered until the end of time, a testament to its divine origin. The Qur’an is not merely a book of guidance but a living miracle, revered for its unmatched linguistic beauty, wisdom, and timeless relevance.
The Role of the Qur’an in a Muslim’s Life
The Qur’an occupies a central place in the life of every Muslim. It serves as the primary source of Islamic law (Shari’ah), ethics, spirituality, and moral guidance. Muslims turn to the Qur’an for answers to life’s most profound questions, such as the purpose of existence, the nature of good and evil, and the reality of life after death. Every aspect of a Muslim’s life—personal, social, economic, and spiritual—is shaped by the teachings of the Qur’an.
The Qur’an itself declares its purpose as a book of guidance:
“This is the Book about which there is no doubt, a guidance for those conscious of Allah.”
(Qur’an 2:2)
Muslims recite the Qur’an daily in their prayers, seek comfort in its words during times of hardship, and strive to implement its teachings in their lives. The Qur’an is viewed as a comprehensive guide, containing detailed instructions on worship, justice, ethics, family life, and social relations.
How the Qur’an was Revealed: Gradual Revelation
The Qur’an was not revealed all at once, but rather gradually over a period of 23 years. This gradual revelation allowed Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) and his companions to internalize its teachings and apply them to the evolving circumstances of the early Muslim community. Allah (سبحانه وتعالى) mentions this gradual process in the Qur’an:
“And those who disbelieve say, ‘Why was the Qur’an not revealed to him all at once?’ Thus [it is] that We may strengthen thereby your heart. And We have spaced it distinctly.”
(Qur’an 25:32)
The gradual revelation also allowed for the verses to be contextualized and understood in relation to specific events in the life of the Prophet (ﷺ) and the nascent Muslim community in Mecca and Medina.
The angel Jibreel (عليه السلام) would deliver the verses to the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), who would memorize them and recite them to his companions. These companions, known for their sincerity and devotion, meticulously memorized the Qur’an and transcribed it under the Prophet’s (ﷺ) guidance, ensuring its accurate preservation.
The Inimitability of the Qur’an
Muslims believe that the Qur’an is inimitable (i’jaz al-Qur’an), meaning that no human can produce a text that matches its linguistic, literary, and intellectual depth. The Qur’an challenges disbelievers to produce even a single chapter like it:
“And if you are in doubt about what We have sent down upon Our Servant [Muhammad], then produce a surah the like thereof and call upon your witnesses other than Allah, if you should be truthful.”
(Qur’an 2:23)
Despite the simplicity of this challenge, no one has been able to meet it, affirming the Qur’an’s divine origin. The linguistic beauty of the Qur’an, its profound meanings, and its transformative power on those who engage with it continue to be a source of inspiration and awe for Muslims and non-Muslims alike.
The Qur’an as the Final Revelation
Islamic belief holds that Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) is the last and final prophet, and the Qur’an is the final revelation. This finality is crucial to the Islamic understanding of the continuity of revelation, as it marks the completion of Allah’s message to humanity.
The Qur’an itself confirms that Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) is the last of the prophets:
“Muhammad is not the father of [any] one of your men, but [he is] the Messenger of Allah and the Seal of the Prophets.”
(Qur’an 33:40)
This finality means that the Qur’an is meant for all people, at all times, and no further revelation will come after it. The Qur’an contains everything necessary for human salvation, spiritual growth, and ethical guidance.
The Role of the Sunnah in Relation to the Qur’an
While the Qur’an is the final and complete word of Allah (سبحانه وتعالى), the Sunnah (the teachings, actions, and sayings of Prophet Muhammad, ﷺ) plays a crucial role in explaining and elaborating upon the Qur’an’s teachings. The Qur’an provides general principles, and the Sunnah offers detailed guidance on how to implement those principles in daily life.
For instance, the Qur’an instructs believers to pray, but it is the Sunnah of the Prophet (ﷺ) that teaches Muslims how to perform the prayer properly. The two sources, Qur’an and Sunnah, work together in harmony, providing a comprehensive framework for Islamic life.
The Preservation of the Qur’an
The preservation of the Qur’an has been a miraculous process, safeguarded by divine will. From the time of its revelation, the Qur’an was meticulously memorized by the companions of the Prophet (ﷺ) and later compiled into a single, authoritative text during the caliphate of Uthman ibn Affan (رضي الله عنه). To this day, millions of Muslims around the world continue to memorize the Qur’an, a practice that ensures its accurate transmission from generation to generation.
Allah (سبحانه وتعالى) has taken it upon Himself to preserve the Qur’an from any form of corruption:
“Indeed, We sent down the Qur’an, and indeed, We will guard it from corruption.”
(Qur’an 15:9)
This promise of preservation is unique to the Qur’an and is one of the reasons why it has remained unchanged for over 1,400 years.
Conclusion: The Significance of Revelation (Wahy) and the Qur’an in Islam
The concept of revelation (wahy) is fundamental to Islamic belief, as it connects humanity to Allah (سبحانه وتعالى) through His guidance and commands. The Qur’an, as the final and unaltered word of Allah (سبحانه وتعالى), serves as the ultimate source of guidance for Muslims. It is revered not only for its spiritual and ethical teachings but also for its miraculous nature as a divine text that has remained preserved