The Essence of Islam – Volume II — Page 164
164. Essence of Islam II types of capacities in different ways. For instance,. Gabriel, who is an archangel and is related to a very bright heavenly body, is assigned many forms of service in accordance with the services performed by that heavenly body. Though he descends upon every person who is honoured with Divine revelation (it should be remembered that the true nature of descent is by way of influence, and not in any real sense). . The circle of the effect of his descent assumes small or great proportions according to different capacities. The largest circle of his spiritual effects is that which is related to the revelation that was sent down to the Holy. Prophet (peace and blessings of Allāh be on him). For this reason the insights and verities and the excellencies of wisdom and composition which are found in their perfection and completeness in the Holy Qur'an are not found to the same degree in any other book. . It should be borne in mind that the effect of an angel on a human spirit is of two types. First, the effect which by the command of Allāh influences different types of seed in diverse manners in the womb. Secondly, the effect that comes into operation after his coming into being for the purpose of carrying to their perfection the hidden capacities of that being. This second effect, when it is related to a Prophet or perfect saint, is called revelation. It appears that when an eager spirit through the excellence of its light of faith and light of love establishes a friendly relationship with the Fountainhead of grace, and the lifegiving love of God Almighty casts its reflection on his love, then whatever ability is conferred upon him to move forward is the manifestation of the hidden effect which God's angel produces in him while he is in the womb. When the person concerned attains to this rank by