Concept of Revelation in Islam

Allah (swt) has sent a revelation in every age.

Allah (swt) says in the Qur’an:
“For each period
Is a Book (revealed)"
(Al Qur’an 13:38)

Four Revelations mentioned by name in the Qur’an:
There are several revelations sent by Allah (swt) in different ages for the guidance of human beings of the respective ages. Only four revelations are mentioned by name in the Qur’an: these are the. Torah, Zabur, Injeel and the Qur’an.

Torah is the Wahi, the revelation which was revealed to Prophet Moses (pbuh).
Zabur is the Wahi, the revelation which was revealed to Prophet David (pbuh)
Injeel is the Wahi, the revelation which was revealed to Prophet Jesus (pbuh) and
The Qur’an is the last and final Wahi, the final revelation, which was revealed to the Last and Final Messenger Prophet Muhammad (pbuh).

All previous revelations were only meant for a particular group of people and for a particular time period.
Each of the revelations, prior to the revelation of the Glorious Qur’an, was meant only for a particular period and for a particular group of people.

The Qur’an was revealed for whole of Humankind
Since the Qur’an was the last and final revelation of Almighty Allah, it was revealed not only for the Muslims or the Arabs but it was revealed for whole of Humankind. Further, the Qur’an was not revealed only for the era of the Prophet but it was revealed for the all of Humankind until the Last Day.


a. Allah (swt) says in the Qur’an:

Alif Ram Ra. A Book Which We have revealed Unto thee, in order that Thou mightest lead mankind Out of the depths of darkness Into light - by the leave Of their Lord – to the way Of (Him) the Exalted in Power, Worthy of all Praise!
(Al Qur’an 14:1)

b. Here is a Message for mankind; Let them take warning therefrom, And let them know that He Is (no other than) One God: Let men of understanding Take heed
(Al Qur’an 14:52)

c. Ramadan is the (month) In which was sent down The Qur’an, as a guide To mankind, also clear (Signs) For Guidance and Judgement (Between right and wrong)
(Al Qur’an 2:185)


d. Verily We have revealed The Book to thee In truth, for (instructing) mankind
(Al Qur’an 39:41)

Al Qur’an is God’s Word. It is the most sacred scripture of Islam. It is the Last and Final Revelation of Almighty God which was revealed in the sixth century of the English Calendar to the last and final messenger Prophet Muhammad (pbuh).

The Qur’an is mentioned in the previous scriptures and in scriptures of other religions
It is mentioned in the Qur’an:

Without doubt it is (announced)
In the revealed Books
Of former peoples.
(Al Qur’an 26:196)

The mention of the Glorious Qur’an, this last and final Revelation of Almighty God, is made in all the previous scriptures and in the scriptures of various religions.

Hadith
The other sacred scripture of Islam besides the Qur’an are the hadith i.e. the sayings and traditions of Prophet Muhammad (pbuh). These hadith are supplementary to the Glorious Qur’an. They do not and cannot overrule the teachings of the Qur’an nor will they contradict the Qur’an.