The term “ wahi” ( وحِى) typically translates as “inspiration.” This word comes from the root “Wa-Ha-Ya” ( و ح ي) and occurs 78 times in the Quran with the following derivative meanings:
to indicate; reveal; suggest; point out; put a thing into (the mind); dispatch a messenger; inspire; speak secretly; hasten; make sign; sign swiftly; suggest with speed; write; say something in a whisper so that only the one listening hears it and not the person standing next to them
The first verse to use this root in the Quran is the following:
3:44 This is news from the past that we reveal to you. You were not there when they drew their raffles to select Mary’s guardian. You were not present when they argued with one another.
The term wahi (inspiration) is used in various ways throughout the Quran. Below is a summary of some of these ways.
God communicates to Humans by Wahi
Wahi is one of the primary ways that God communicates with human beings.
42:51 No human being can communicate with GOD except through inspiration, or from behind a barrier, or by sending a messenger through whom He reveals what He wills. He is the Most High, Most Wise.
Abraham was taught through inspiration how to do the Salat and Zakat
21:73 We made them imams who guided in accordance with our commandments, and we taught them how to work righteousness, and how to observe the Contact Prayers (Salat) and the obligatory charity (Zakat). To us, they were devoted worshipers.
6:19 Say, “Whose testimony is the greatest?” Say, “GOD’s. He is the witness between me and you that this Quran has been inspired to me, to preach it to you and whomever it reaches. Indeed, you bear witness that there are other gods beside GOD.” Say, “I do not testify as you do; there is only one god, and I disown your idolatry.”
42:7 We thus reveal to you an Arabic Quran to warn the central community and all around it, and to warn about the Day of Summoning that is inevitable. Some will end up in Heaven, and some in Hell.
42:52 Thus, we inspired to you a revelation proclaiming our commandments. You had no idea about the scripture, or faith. Yet, we made this a beacon to guide whomever we choose from among our servants. Surely, you guide in a straight path.
4:163 We have inspired you, as we inspired Noah and the prophets after him. And we inspired Abraham, Ismail, Isaac, Jacob, the Patriarchs, Jesus, Job, Jonah, Aaron, and Solomon. And we gave David the Psalms.
However, inspiration is not limited to prophets and messengers; it can also happen to non-messengers.
Inspiration to Non-Messengers
28:7 We inspired Moses’ mother: “Nurse him, and when you fear for his life, throw him into the river without fear or grief. We will return him to you, and will make him one of the messengers.”
5:111 “ Recall that I inspired the disciples: ‘You shall believe in Me and My messenger.’ They said, ‘We have believed, and bear witness that we are submitters.’ “
41:12 Thus, He completed the seven universes in two days, and set up the laws for every universe. And we adorned the lowest universe with lamps, and placed guards around it. Such is the design of the Almighty, the Omniscient.
8:12 Recall that your Lord inspired the angels: “I am with you; so support those who believed. I will throw terror into the hearts of those who disbelieved. You may strike them above the necks, and you may strike even every finger.”
6:112 We have permitted the enemies of every prophet—human and jinn devils—to inspire in each other fancy words, in order to deceive. Had your Lord willed, they would not have done it. You shall disregard them and their fabrications.
6:113 This is to let the minds of those who do not believe in the Hereafter listen to such fabrications, and accept them, and thus expose their real convictions.
6:121 Do not eat from that upon which the name of GOD has not been mentioned, for it is an abomination. The devils inspire their allies to argue with you; if you obey them, you will be idol worshipers.