Notes on Quranic and Non-Quranic Wahi
Quranic and Non-Quranic Wahi
Classification of Wahi based on recitation:
Two types: recited and non-recited.
Wahi Matloo (Recited Wahi)
Verses of the Quran.
Both words and meanings are from Allah.
Preserved in the form of the Quran until the Day of Judgment (Qiyama).
Immutable; no changes are possible, not even a dot.
Recited by people.
Religious scholars term this as Wahi Matloo.
Wahi Ghair Matloo (Non-Recited Wahi)
Does not form part of the Quran.
Includes Islamic commandments and rulings, found in Hadith.
Also known as Wahi Ghair Matloo because it is not recited.
Fundamental beliefs and basic teachings of Islam are primarily defined through Wahi Mathloo (Quran).
Details and elaborations are found in Hadith (Wahi Ghair Mattlu).
Examples:
Quran mentions to perform Salah and Ruku, but detailed rulings are in Hadith.
Instructions about fasting are mentioned, but details of breakers of Wudu are in Hadith.
Words are from Prophet Muhammad, but the meanings and context originate from Allah.
Preserved in the form of traditions, the sayings (Aqwal) and deeds (Af’al) of the Prophet, termed as Hadith.
Sunnahs of the Prophet originate from Allah's commandments.
Hadith indicates that Prophet Muhammad was given the Quran and something similar to it, referring to Ahadis.
Details such as how to perform Salah, Hajj, fasting, breakers of Wudu, etc., come from Ahadis.
Ahadis are Wahi, but Ghairi Mathloo.
Every action of Prophet Muhammad is a commandment of Allah.
Details of Islamic laws are provided through this non-Quranic Wahi.
Those who reject non-Quranic Wahi are considered mischievous.
They claim that all Wahi was sent only in the form of the Quran.
Denial of Ahadis leads to incomplete Islam.
Saying "La ilaha illallah" is incomplete without "Muhammadu Rasulullah".
Following the actions of the Prophet is essential because they originate from Allah.
Rejecting Ahadis means not obeying the Quran, which commands obedience to Allah and the Prophet.
The idea that Wahi is limited to the Quran is wrong.
Several verses indicate that revelation from Allah is not limited to the Quran.
Examples from the Quran Supporting Non-Quranic Wahi
Surah Al-Baqarah (2:143-144) - The Qibla Direction
The initial Qibla was towards Baith Al-Maqdas (Jerusalem) for 16-17 months after migration to Madinah.
Prophet Muhammad had a strong affection for the Ka'bah and awaited revelation to change the Qibla.
The order to face Baith Al-Maqdas was a test to see who obeys, as Allah says, "We appointed not the Qibla which you O Prophet have had except in order that we might know who followed the messenger".
The command to face Baith Al-Maqdas is attributed to Allah in the verse, but it is not explicitly mentioned in the Quran. It is understood from the Hadith.
Surah At-Tahrim (66:3) - The Prophet's Wife
Refers to an incident where one of the Prophet's wives hoped to conceal something, but Allah revealed it to the Prophet.
The wife inquired how the Prophet knew, and he replied that Allah, the Knower, had informed him.
The specific details revealed to the Prophet are not found in the Quran.
Many other verses support non-Quranic Wahi.
Intellectual Doubts About Wahi
Wahi is guidance from Allah, beyond human perception except for prophets.
Most people create doubts, some denying Wahi and others feeling shy to discuss it due to scientific advancements.
Discussing Wahi with those denying God's existence is futile.
For believers, understanding the need for Wahi is not difficult.
Analogy: If someone sends a servant to the market without instructions or money, it is absurd. Similarly, Allah provides guidance to humanity.
It would not make sense for Allah to create the amazing universe, and not communicate with His creatures.
The objection that methods of Wahi are beyond comprehension is addressed:
Centuries ago, air travel would have been deemed impossible.
A person isolated in the Amazon forest might not believe in modern technology if told about it.
Denying the unfamiliar does not change the truth.
Ignorance about airplanes, moon landings, or computers does not make them less real.
One lakh 24,000 prophets have experienced Wahi so who are we to doubt.
Our intelect is limited to comprehend this. Also, we have to believe in the unseen Jannah and meeting Allah.
If humans can create communication methods, Allah has the power to establish a more powerful system.
The question of intellectual reasons barring the acceptance of Wahi is posed.
Possession through the power of thought:
One person can control another's mind through imagination, making them speak or act.
Saint and mystics use this thought transfer and possession through power of thought.
Materialists rejected this until Swiss physicist Mesmer (18th century) researched the human mind.
Mesmer disclosed that the mind can be subjected through a magnetic process known as animal magnetism.
James Braid (1842, England) confirmed this scientifically through hypnotism.
Hypnotism involves different stages, including paralysis and senselessness.
In lighter stages, the hypnotized person may believe they are someone else or experience sensations under suggestion.
Even materialists were convinced after research on hypnotism.
If a human being can control the mind of someone then for sure the Creator can as well.
The thought force brushed aside as superstition became real through scientific research.
If humans can perform hypnotism and infuse thoughts into another's mind, surely Allah can capture the mind and heart of His messenger to reveal words.
Does Wahi Include Only the Meaning of the Quran?
Two kinds of Wahi: Quranic and non-Quranic.
Non-Quranic Wahi involves Allah providing the subject matter, with the selection of words left to Angel Jibrael or the Prophet.
Wahi does not only refer to Quran, its Wahi Matloo and Bahir Gheri Matloo.
Quran is word for word from Allah.
Neither Hajj Ibn nor the Prophet had no hand in the selection of the words
The concept that the Quran's words were composed by Angel Jibrahi or the Prophet is false.
The Quran describes itself as being in Arabic.
Anzal Nahu Quran and Arabiyyah
If only meanings were revealed, or even if Prophet Muhammad had any role in the selection of the words of the Quran then it negates the above ayah. This is because Arabic qualifies words not meanings
The three principal duties of Prophet Muhammad are:
Reciting revelations.
Teaching the book.
Teaching wisdom and purifying people.
Recitation relates to the words, not meanings.
The Quran uses the word "al-kitab" (the book).
A book consists of words, not just mental thoughts.
This proves both words and meanings are from Allah.
Therefore Quran is the combination of word and meaning
In Surah Al-Qiyama, it is mentioned that Prophet Muhammad used to repeat the Quranic words hurriedly to memorize them.
Allah commanded him not to haste, assuring that He would ensure its collection and recitation.
Allah took the responsibility for memorizing the words, teaching recitation, and explaining the meaning.
Sheikh Mohammed Abdulazim Zarkani stated that is unanimously agreed that both the words and meanings of the Quran were revealed through Wahi.
Hadith Qudsi: A category of Hadith in which the meanings as well as words are both from Allah. They are non-Quranic inspirations. The form is that Rasulullah is narrating what Allah has said.
Hadith: meanings is from Allah, while the words are from the Prophet themselves.
The meanings is from Allah, with the Prophet choosing the words
Distinction between Quran, Hadith, and Hadith Qudsi:
Quran: Words and meanings are from Allah, recited as part of Salah.
Hadith Qudsi: Both words and meanings from Allah but are not recited and not part of Quran.
Hadith: Meanings from Allah, words from the Prophet.