Comprehensive Definition
Wahy (Arabic: ูุญู) refers to divine inspiration or revelation in Islamic belief. It signifies the transmission of God’s specific and precise words to prophets, providing guidance and instruction for humanity. Wahy is considered a direct communication from Allah, resulting in holy texts like the Qur’an.
Etymology
The term “Wahy” in Arabic (ูุญู) stems from the root “ู-ุญ-ู” (W-H-Y), which means “to inspire” or “to reveal quietly”. The concept encompasses more than mere inspiration; it denotes a careful, precise, and deliberate process wherein God’s words are communicated to His chosen prophets.
Background and Historical Facts
The notion of Wahy is central to Islamโs understanding of divine communication. The Islamic tradition identifies numerous prophets, from Adam to Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Them), who received Wahy. The process culminated with the Prophet Muhammad receiving the Qur’an, Islamโs sacred text, over a period of 23 years, beginning in 610 CE.
Cultural Differences and Similarities
In a broader context, the concept of divine revelation is found across various religious traditions. For instance, Christianity believes in the Bible as a divinely inspired text, while Judaism upholds the Torah and the other Hebrew Scriptures as revelations from God. While there are some similarities in these beliefs, Wahy in Islam uniquely underscores that the exact words, rather than just the ideas, are conveyed directly by God to the prophets.
Synonyms and Antonyms
-
Synonyms:
- Divine Inspiration
- Revelation
- Ilham (Arabic for a broader idea of inspiration)
-
Antonyms:
- Human Invention
- Fabrication
- Conjecture
Related Terms
- Qur’an (ุงููุฑุขู): The holy scripture of Islam, considered the final and complete revelation.
- Nubuwwah (ูุจูุฉ): Prophethood, the institution through which Wahy is conveyed.
- Hadith (ุญุฏูุซ): Sayings and actions of Prophet Muhammad, distinct from Qur’anic Wahy, but holding great importance in Islamic tradition.
- Tafsir (ุชูุณูุฑ): Exegesis or commentary on the Qur’an, explaining and interpreting its verses.
- Jibreel (ุฌุจุฑูู): The angel Gabriel, who delivered Wahy to the prophets, especially prominent in delivering the Qur’an to Muhammad.
Exciting Facts
- Frequency of Revelation: It is believed that the Prophet Muhammad often received Wahy in varied forms โ sometimes as the sound of a bell, other times in human form as angel Gabriel.
- Immediate Record: Early revelations received by Muhammad were memorized and inscribed almost immediately by his companions to ensure the preservation of the divine message.
- Language of Wahy: The Qur’an was revealed in Classical Arabic, enhancing the linguistic beauty and miraculous nature held by Muslims.
Quotations
- “ููู
ูุง ูููุทููู ุนููู ุงููููููููฐ - ุฅููู ูููู ุฅููููุง ููุญููู ูููุญูููฐ” (Qur’an, 53:3-4)
- “Nor does he speak from [his own] inclination. It is only a revelation revealed.”
Suggested Literature and Further Studies
- Islamic Theology: Traditionalism and Rationalism by Binyamin Abrahamov.
- The Qur’an: A New Translation by M.A.S. Abdel Haleem.
- The Sealed Nectar by Safi-ur-Rahman Al-Mubarakpuri โ for insights into the life of Prophet Muhammad and the revelatory period.
- Studies on Islam by Fazlur Rahman.
1
### What does the term "Wahy" denote?
- [x] Divine inspiration or revelation in Islam.
- [ ] A traditional Islamic market.
- [ ] A place of pilgrimage.
- [ ] An Islamic school or madrasa.
> **Explanation:** Wahy refers to the transmission of God's specific words to prophets, providing divine guidance for humanity.
### The etymology of "Wahy" is rooted in which Arabic letters?
- [x] ู-ุญ-ู
- [ ] ุจ-ุณ-ู
- [ ] ู-ู-ู
- [ ] ู-ุฑ-ุฃ
> **Explanation:** The root "w-h-y" (ู-ุญ-ู) in Arabic means to inspire or to reveal quietly, encapsulating the essence of divine communication.
### Wahy is believed to have been revealed to which Prophet over a period of 23 years?
- [x] Prophet Muhammad
- [ ] Prophet Moses
- [ ] Prophet Jesus
- [ ] Prophet Abraham
> **Explanation:** According to Islamic belief, Prophet Muhammad received revelations over 23 years, which constitute the Qur'an.
### Who is the angel responsible for delivering Wahy to the prophets, especially to Prophet Muhammad?
- [x] Jibreel (Gabriel)
- [ ] Israfil
- [ ] Mikail
- [ ] Malik
> **Explanation:** Jibreel (Gabriel) is the angel who delivered divine revelations, or Wahy, to the prophets.
### Which term refers to the commentary or exegesis of the Qur'an?
- [x] Tafsir
- [ ] Hadith
- [ ] Sunnah
- [ ] Sufi
> **Explanation:** Tafsir is the term used for the commentary or exegesis that explains and interprets Qur'anic verses.
### Wahy can be best described as what kind of communication?
- [x] Direct communication from God
- [ ] Symbolic gestures
- [ ] Human explanations
- [ ] Imaginary concepts
> **Explanation:** In Islam, Wahy is considered direct communication from God to the prophets, containing precise divine words.
### What language was the Qur'an revealed in through Wahy to Prophet Muhammad?
- [x] Classical Arabic
- [ ] Hebrew
- [ ] Greek
- [ ] Sanskrit
> **Explanation:** The Qur'an was revealed in Classical Arabic, exemplifying its linguistic beauty and miraculous nature.
### The process of Wahy involves a transmission of what type of information?
- [x] Specific divine words
- [ ] General ideas
- [ ] Personal opinions
- [ ] Historical events
> **Explanation:** Wahy consists of specific divine words conveyed by God to provide precise guidance to humanity.
Thank you for exploring the expansive and profound concept of Wahy with me today. May your pursuit of knowledge continue to illuminate your path and bring understanding and peace. As has been beautifully said:
“Acquire knowledge and teach it to the people. Learn dignity and calmness; treat the people with dignity and unanimously keep to each other’s counsel.”
โ Imam Ali
Kind Regards,
Zainab El-Amin
2023-10-03
