knowledge imparted by Allah from the unseen into the hearts of His servants. At times, it occurs in such a way that an angel communicates directly with a saint of Allah.^[1]

Ilhām is evidenced by this verse of the Quran:

اِنَّ  الَّذِیْنَ قَالُوْا رَبُّنَا اللّٰہُ  ثُمَّ اسْتَقَامُوْا تَتَنَزَّلُ عَلَیْہِمُ الْمَلٰٓئِکَۃُ  اَلَّا تَخَافُوْا وَ لَا تَحْزَنُوْا وَ اَبْشِرُوْا بِالْجَنَّۃِ  الَّتِیْ  کُنْتُمْ تُوْعَدُوْنَ (۳۰)

Those who said, “Allah is Our Lord”, then remained steadfast, angels descend upon them, ˹saying˺, “Fear not nor grieve, and rejoice in the good news of Paradise which you have been promised.^[2]

From this, we learn that pious Muslims who believe, remain steadfast in belief, and fulfil its requirements; angels come to meet and give them glad tidings. Scholars of Islam have derived proof of ilhām being received by saints from this verse.^[3]

The difference Between waḥiy and ilhām

It is important to note the distinction between waḥiyy, which is granted to prophets عَـلَـيْـهِمُ الـصَّلٰوةُ وَالـسَّـلَام, and ilhām, which is given to the saints. There are several differences between the two:

*    Waḥiyy is revelation, which can contain matters of Islamic law. Ilhām does not include this at all. Instead, it conveys glad tidings, imparts knowledge of unseen matters, or helps saints