Types of Divine Revelation (Wahi)

What is Wahi (Divine Revelation)?

According to the dictionary, the word Wahi means to convey information secretly, to make a gesture, to send a message, and similar meanings.

In the terminology of Shariah, Wahi refers to the speech of Allah Almighty that is revealed to the Prophets (peace be upon them).

Types of Wahi (Divine Revelation)

There are three types of Wahi for the Prophets (peace be upon them):

1. Hearing the speech of Allah Almighty directly, without the mediation of an angel. For example, Prophet Musa (peace be upon him) heard it on Mount Tur, and during the Night of Mi’raj, our beloved Prophet Muhammad ﷺ also heard it directly.
2. Receiving Allah’s message through an angel.
3. When something is inspired into the hearts of the Prophets.

Seven Modes of the Descent of Wahi (Divine Revelation)

These three types of Wahi occurred in seven different forms:

1. Through dreams, as when Prophet Ibrahim (peace be upon him) was commanded in a dream to sacrifice Prophet Isma’il (peace be upon him).
2. When something is inspired into the heart.
3. When the revelation comes in the form of the sound of a bell. This was the most difficult form of Wahi for the Holy Prophet ﷺ, because in this form the revelation came to him in the same manner as it comes to the angels.
4. When an angel appears in the form of a man, whether known or unknown, and conveys the speech of Allah Almighty. For example, Jibril (Gabriel, peace be upon him) appeared in the form of a Bedouin (desert Arab), and he also appeared in the form of Hazrat Dihyah al-Kalbi (RA).
5. When Jibril al-Amin (peace be upon him) appears in his original form. He has 600 wings, from which rubies and pearls fall.([2])
6. When Israfil (peace be upon him) comes with the revelation. As Imam al-Sha’bi (may Allah have mercy on him) stated, Israfil (peace be upon him) was appointed to bring the revelation during the first three years. After that, this responsibility was entrusted to Jibril al-Amin (peace be upon him), and through him the entire Holy Qur’an was revealed.
7. When the Prophets (peace be upon them) hear the speech of Allah Almighty, either from behind a veil or without a veil. This hearing may occur while awake, as the Holy Prophet ﷺ heard it during the Night of Mi’raj, and Prophet Musa (peace be upon him) heard it on Mount Tur. It may also occur in a dream, as the Holy Prophet ﷺ heard it.

(Note: This information has been taken from Umdat al-Qari, Vol. 1, p. 74, and Nuzhat al-Qari, Vol. 1, p. 234.) 

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