Islam - Its Meaning for Modern Man — Page 126
126 comprising the law and the guidance and the philosophy behind them. What the Prophet himself said in exposition or illustration of the verbal revelation is not comprised in that revelation, but is separately preserved. But revelation is not confined to the law and the guidance vouchsafed for the benefit of sections of mankind during various stages in their history and evolution, or, as in the case of the Quran, vouchsafed for the benefit of the whole of mankind. Revelation may also be vouchsafed by God from time to time, drawing attention to the manifold aspects of that which has already been revealed, but which may not yet have been fully appreciated in juxtaposition to the growing complexity of human life, or which may have been overlooked or neglected after having been put into effect over a period of time. In a dynamic universe, guidance, even revealed guidance, cannot be permitted to become static. Again, revelation may be an individual experience illustrating the possibility and constituting the enjoyment of direct communion with God. In such cases it is confined mostly to true dreams and clear visions, though verbal revelation is not entirely excluded. Revelation fulfils diverse needs and purposes. For revelation to fulfil its main purpose, mankind must respond ever afresh to the revelation