A Simple Guide to ISLAM
The Qur’an
~ 66 ~
He (Muhammad) does not speak out of his own fancy.
This is no other than an inspired revelation. He is
taught by one who is mighty in power and vigorous.
(53:1)
The external inspiration or
wahy matlu
has been divided into three
categories.
1.
Wahy
Quran, that which was given by the mouth of the angel
Gabriel and which reached the ear of the Prophet after he knew
it that it was Gabriel who spoke to him.
2.
Isharatul Malik
: that which was received from Gabriel, but not
by word of mouth. On such occasions the Prophet said: ‘The
Holy Ghost has breathed into my heart.’
3.
Ilham
or
Wahi
Qalbi
: That which was made known to the
Prophet by light of prophecy.
Ilham
or inspiration of the
sufis
should not be confused with the
ilham
of the Prophets.
Wahy Matlu
is to be recited and forms part
of the Quran while wahy
ghair matlu
is the
wahy
which is not meant
to be recited. This is preserved in the form of the authentic
traditions.
So far as
wahy matlu
is concerned it has reached us without the
slightest possible error. The whole of it is preserved in the form of
the Quran. But so far as
Wahy Ghair Matlu
is concerned the actual
wordings of all the sayings have not been preserved intact.
