Kinds of Revelation

It is interesting to note how the message was revealed to the Prophet (s.a.w.).

Allah mentions the manifestations of the holy revelation in the following verses:

And it is not for any mortal that Allah should speak to him except by revelation or from behind a veil, or by sending a messenger and revealing by His permission what He pleases; Surely He is High, Wise. And thus did We reveal to you an inspired book by Our command. You did not know what the Book was, nor (what) the faith (was), but We made it a light, guiding thereby whom We please of Our servants; and most surely you show the way to the right path.

Holy Qur'an (42:51-52)9

In this respect, we understand from the Qur'anic texts and the holy sunna that Allah revealed to the Prophet (s.a.w.) His message in many ways.

One way was that Allah, the Most Exalted and High, would reveal to him, directly and without any other means, the truth. It is said that this kind of revelation was the most majestic and so moving that his mule would sink to the ground 21, and that his forehead would break into sweast even if it is . was bitterly cold. 22

Another way was that Allah would send a messenger to His Prophet. He would appear in his angelic shape, or in the shap of a human being.

Another method was the true vision, for the Prophets never saw false dreams. Whatever they saw in their dreams they saw in reality, because of the immense spiritual powers they had, through which they perceived the truth during sleep and wakefulness. That was in addition to the divine inspiration and the guidance of the Holy Spirit.

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21. Bihar al-Anwar, vol. 15, (How divine revelation began).

22. Al-Mizan Exegesis, vol. 18, research based on traditions about ayah 51 of Surah of al-Shura.

Adapted from the book: "Muhammad The Messenger of Allah"