Special revelation – Muslim perspectives
Muslims believe that AllahThe Arabic word for God, commonly used by Muslims. is omnipotent (all-powerful) and can, therefore, reveal himself to them directly in a number of ways.
Miracles
Miracles are important in Islam, mainly as signs to prove the truthfulness of prophets. There are many examples of miracles recorded in the ϳܰ’aThe sacred book in Islam, it is believed that it contains the word of God, dictated by Angel Jibril and written in Arabic., for example when the Prophet MuhammadThe Arab prophet who founded the religion of Islam. was taken through the heavens to meet Allah. The ϳܰ’a makes it clear to Muslims that Allah can perform miracles if he so chooses.
Visions and dreams
The ϳܰ’a emphasises the value of dreams and visions as special revelations. Some Muslims believe that their dreams can come directly from Allah as a teaching or message. They look to the ϳܰ’a or the HadithThe sayings of the Prophet Muhammad, as remembered and recounted by those close to him. for interpretations of their dreams and visions.
And the king (of Egypt) said: ‘Verily, I saw (in a dream) seven fat cows, whom seven lean ones were devouring, and seven green ears of corn, and (seven) others dry. O notables! Explain to me my dream, if it be that you can interpret dreams.’
Direct meetings
Some Muslims believe that Allah meets with them directly. This can be through worship or prayer. They might feel the presence of Allah when they are reading the ϳܰ’a, when praying or when a prayer is answered.
What is learned about Allah in these revelations?
Special revelations reveal to Muslims that Allah is personal and reachable. They help Muslims to have faith in times of trouble and remind them that Allah has the power to intervene in their lives.
Problems for the believer
Special revelations are very difficult for Muslims to explain to non-believers. There is very little evidence for them. They are generally only experienced by one person, which means an appreciation of these revelations is through faith.
Special revelations can also be difficult for some Muslims to understand. If someone has never experienced a vision it can be quite difficult to accept someone else’s vision as being directly from Allah.