The Enduring Revelation in Islam: Embracing Mystical and Collective Wisdom as Ongoing Revelation
By
Adis Duderija, New Age Islam
7 February
2024
The article
below was inspired on the quote below:
“Muslims believe that revelation is an ongoing
process. For Islam, revelation began with Adam when he received words from his
Lord, and God turned toward him. And while we believe that revelation reached
its technical culmination in the Prophet Muhammad through a long period of what
we call progressive revelation, nonetheless, it may be said that revelation
continues, not in the form of Wahi (revelation technically considered)
but in the form of Ilham, or inspiration that is open to the friends and
worshipful servants of God. This mode of revelation will not end. It did not
begin only after prophetic revelation had ended, but rather, in my view, it
always coexisted with it. In other words, the beginnings of what I may call
collective revelation are our rich heritage of mythology.”
Mahmoud Ayoub , Mormons and Muslims: Spiritual
Foundations and Modern Manifestations, ed. Spencer J. Palmer (Provo, Ut.:
Brigham Young University, 1983), 105-16.
Contrary to
puritanical forms of Islam, certain approaches to the Islamic
tradition , especially in forms of progressive and
proceee-relational Islam, are premised on the idea that the process of revelation in Islam is
not confined to a specific time or limited to what traditionally has been
described as prophetic Revelation. While the technical form of this kind
of revelation, is known as Wahi,
there is another form of revelation as inspiration, traditionally referred to
as Elham, continues to flow to the faithful. This ongoing revelation, I
argue, has always coexisted with the idea of prophetic revelation and finds
expression in the collective wisdom preserved in our rich heritage of mythology
and mysticism. In this op-ed, I will explore the significance of this enduring
revelation and its relevance in contemporary times.
The
Expansive Nature of Revelation:
There are
versions of Islamic tradition that view
revelation as a dynamic and
continuous process. It began with Adam, the first human
being, who received words from the Lord and was the recipient of divine
attention. While the pinnacle of prophetic revelation is traditionally
attributed to the Prophet Muhammad, it is important to recognize that this does
not mark the end of divine inspiration. Rather, it signifies a shift from what
has been traditionally considered as
direct revelation to a more subtle form of inspiration accessible to the
devoted followers and friends of God. This continuing revelation, often
described as Elham, serves as a source of guidance, insight, and
spiritual illumination for individuals and communities.
Collective
Revelation and Mythology:
One
significant aspect of this enduring revelation is the role of collective wisdom
found within our rich heritage of mythology. Mythology, in this context, does
not denote falsehood or fabrication but rather encompasses the collective
stories, symbols, and archetypes that have been passed down through
generations. These narratives can carry profound spiritual and moral insights,
offering a deeper understanding of the human condition and our relationship
with the divine.
Mythology
serves as a repository of collective revelation, embodying the accumulated
wisdom and experiences of our ancestors. It provides a framework through which
we can engage with timeless truths and navigate the complexities of life.
Through myths, we gain insights into the universal themes of creation, purpose,
morality, and the nature of the divine. These narratives often offer profound
metaphors and allegories that resonate with the human psyche, allowing us to
explore the depths of our spiritual journey.
Embracing
the Power of Collective Revelation:
In the
present age, where the world is characterized by rapid change and diverse
perspectives, the significance of collective revelation becomes even more
apparent. As Muslims, we should recognize the transformative potential embedded
within our mythology and reflectively embrace its wisdom. By engaging with our
collective heritage, we can draw upon the accumulated insights of countless
generations, fostering a deeper sense of community and continuity.
Additionally,
collective revelation can serve as a bridge between different cultures and
faith traditions. Just as Islamic mythology can hold profound wisdom, so too
can the mythologies of other
civilizations. By engaging in
constructive interfaith dialogue and
seeking common threads, we can discover shared values and foster mutual
understanding. This inclusive approach allows us to recognize the universality
of divine inspiration and appreciate the diverse expressions of collective
revelation across humanity.
As noted
above some forms of Islam, such as process-relational
Islam is premised on the
idea that revelation is an ongoing
process, extending beyond the era of prophetic revelation. This enduring
revelation finds expression in our rich heritage of mystical thought and
mythology, which serves as a repository of collective wisdom. Embracing this
collective revelation enables us to access timeless truths, navigate the
complexities of life, and foster a sense of community and continuity.
As Muslims,
we should embrace the power of mystical and collective forms of ongoing revelation and engage with our mythology in a
meaningful ( but not literal) way. By
doing so, we enrich our understanding of Islam, forge connections with other
cultures and faith traditions, and contribute to a more inclusive and
harmonious world. The ongoing process of revelation reminds us, finally, of the profound and enduring nature of divine
guidance, urging us to seek wisdom and inspiration in every facet of our lives.
----
A decades old patron of New Age Islam, Dr Adis Duderija is a Senior
Lecturer in the Study of Islam and Society, School of Humanities, Languages and
Social Science; Senior Fellow Centre for Interfaith and Intercultural Dialogue,
Griffith University | Nathan | Queensland | Australia. His forthcoming books
are ( co-edited)- Shame, Modesty, and
Honora in Islam and Interfaith
Engagement Beyond the Divide (Springer)
URL: https://newageislam.com/debating-islam/enduring-revelation-embracing-mystical-wisdom/d/131672
New Age Islam, Islam Online, Islamic Website, African Muslim News, Arab World News, South Asia News, Indian Muslim News, World Muslim News, Women in Islam, Islamic Feminism, Arab Women, Women In Arab, Islamophobia in America, Muslim Women in West, Islam Women and Feminism