Understanding Revelation and the Category of Surahs and Verses of the Qur'an

By: Ustadz Khumaini Rosadi, SQ, M.Pd.I.

Delivered in the Online Migrant Madrasah class DDHK, Sunday, February 7, 2021.

Only prophets and apostles received revelation. When we take advantage of ourselves, it is called inspiration.

If something extraordinary happens to someone who is close to Allah, it is called karamah. But if something extraordinary happens to people who do not believe and obey Allah, then it is magic.

The Meaning of Revelation

The word "revelation" has various meanings and meanings. First, it can mean inspiration. As Allah says in Surah Al-Qashash verse 7.

Second, in animals it can mean instinct or instinct. As Allah says in Surah An-Nahl verses 68-69.

Third, the word revelation can also mean whisper. Neither a whisper from a human or a demon. Can contain good or evil. As Allah says in Surah Al-An'am verse 112.

Fourth, revelation can also mean a sign or symbol. As Allah says in surah Maryam verse 11.

The way Revelation was passed down to the Prophet

The Qur'an is a miracle throughout the ages that was conveyed to the Prophet. The descent goes through two stages. That is:

1. Namely, from lauhul-mahfuzh to the heavens of the world. Jump 30 juz.
2. Tadarruj, gradually to the Messenger of Allah, for about 23 years.

There are three ways in which the Messenger of Allah received revelation.

1. Through the true dream, ru'yash-sadiqah.
2. Directly without intermediaries.
3. Through the angel Gabriel.

Revelation came to Rasulullah SAW in various ways. Allah sent the Qur'an to the Messenger of Allah through the angel Gabriel.

Jibril came to the Prophet in his original form twice. Namely, when delivering the revelation for the first time and when accompanying the Prophet during Isra-Mi'raj. Once, Jibril disguised himself as a handsome man. Also, in the form of a loud and noisy sound that deafened the Prophet's ears.

Everything the Prophet said was revelation from Allah, not from his desires and interests.

Categorization of Letters and Verses

Surahs of the Qur'an are divided into 4 categories. That is:

1. As-Sab'ut-thuwal, seven long letters. Namely, Al-Baqarah, Ali Imran, An-Nisa, Al-Maidah, Al-An'am, Al-A'raf, and Al-Anfal.
2. Al-Miun, a letter with a hundred or more verses.
3. Al-Matsani, namely repeating obligations, laws, stories, and parables.
4. Al-Mufashal, namely short letters. This category is divided into 3. Namely, thiwalul-mufashol (the letter is short, but the verses are long), wisatul-mufashal (the letter is short but the verse length is medium), and qisharul-mufashal (the letter is short, the verses are also short).

This category of al-Mufashal was never given to the previous prophets. In addition, the Koran has no validity period, unlike the Torah, Zabur, and the Bible.

Meanwhile, the verses of the Qur'an are divided into categories:

1. Muhkamat, it's clear, doesn't need to be clarified anymore.
2. Mutasyabihat, need more in-depth explanation and interpretation.

The verses of the Qur'an are also classified as:

1. Locally, it was revealed in the city of Mecca. Although, there were also those who fell in Medina. In time, these verses came down before the Prophet emigrated.
2. Locally, it was revealed in the city of Medina. Although, that came down in Mecca. In time, it came down after the Prophet migrated.

The characteristics of the Makkiyah verses contain:

1. The story of the previous prophets
2. Cry out for all mankind

The characteristics of the Madaniyah verses contain:

1. With regards to law
2. His appeal is for the believers

Regarding the number of verses of the Qur'an, there are several differences of opinion. Some argue, amounting to 6.666. This is according to the interpretation of Ibn Abbas, because the Koran is seen from its contents. The verse relates to the 1.000 verse command, about the prohibition of 1.000 verses, about 1.000 verses of unseen natural news, about the parable of 1.000 verses, about the promise of 1.000 verses, about the threat of 1.000 verses, about halal-haram 500 verses, relating to 100 verses of nasikh-mansukh, and about prayer-istighfar-dzikir 66 verses.

In count, from Surah Al-Fatihah to An-Nas, totaling 6.236 verses. This is the majority opinion. [DDHK News]