Malfuzat – Volume III — Page 137
137 7 March 1901 The Distinction Between Divine Revelation and Self-Inspired Thoughts There was a discussion on divine revelation in that on certain occasions, it poses great difficulty. On this, the Promised Messiah as stated: “Certain people are unable to distinguish divine revelation from self-inspiration and satanic inspira- tion, and then fall into deception. That which comes from God is magnificent and exquisite; it is something which penetrates the heart. It is something which issues forth from the fingers of God and nothing can possess the same weight. It is something which pierces the heart like an iron stake. In this respect, the Holy Quran states: 1 ثَقِيْلًا سَنُلْقِيْ عَلَيْكَ قَوْلًا اِنَّا Verily, We are charging thee with a weighty Word. The meaning of thaqil (weighty) in this verse alludes to this very aspect. However, satanic inspiration and self-inspired thoughts are not the same. Self-inspired thoughts and Satan are, as it were, one and the same thing. There are two forces that exert an influence on man: the angels and Satan. It is as though there are two ropes that are tied to both of his legs. An angel will encourage and support one to do good, as stated in the Holy Quran: 2 ُ َّدَهُمْ بِرُوْحٍ مِّنْه ی َ ا He has strengthened them with inspiration from Himself. And on the other hand, Satan incites one to commit evil, as stated in the Holy Quran: 3 ُ ُوَسْوِس ی He whispers (into the hearts of men). No one can deny these two phenomena. Man is bound by darkness and light. The absence of evidence is not evidence of absence. Aside from this world, there are countless wonders even if they are unknown. Allah the Exalted states: 1 al-Muzzammil , 73:6 2 al-Mujadalah , 58:23 3 an-Nas , 114:6