Can Allah Reveal a Command to One It Doesn’t Apply To?

Answered by Shaykh Irshaad Sedick

Question

Is it possible for Allah to reveal a Quranic command to a creation it does not apply to or to one prohibited from acting upon it, or are such scenarios impossible?

Answer

In the Name of Allah, the Most Merciful and Compassionate.

Yes, it is possible for Allah to reveal a command to someone it does not ultimately apply to, or even to someone prohibited from acting upon it. Revelation is based on Divine Wisdom, not human logic or necessity. This, however, is not a matter of significant religious guidance, and Allah knows best.

Fulfilling Divine commands and seeking beneficial knowledge is more important than dwelling on possibilities.

You may find our course on “What Muslims Believe and Why,” taught by Shaykh Faraz Rabbani, very beneficial.

As Allah (Most High) explained the methods of revelation to His Messenger (Allah bless him and give him peace) in a summarized form, He mentioned three specific ways:

“It is not (possible) for a human being to have Allah communicate with them, except through inspiration, or from behind a veil, or by sending a messenger-angel to reveal whatever He wills by His permission. He is surely Most High, All-Wise.” [Quran, 42:51]

And Allah knows best.
[Shaykh] Irshaad Sedick
Checked and Approved by Shaykh Faraz Rabbani

Shaykh Irshaad Sedick was raised in South Africa in a traditional Muslim family. He graduated from Dar al-Ulum al-Arabiyyah al-Islamiyyah in Strand, Western Cape, under the guidance of the late world-renowned scholar Shaykh Taha Karaan (Allah have mercy on him), where he taught.

Shaykh Irshaad received Ijaza from many luminaries of the Islamic world, including Shaykh Taha Karaan, Shaykh Muhammad Awama, Shaykh Muhammad Hasan Hitu, and Mawlana Abdul Hafeez Makki, among others.

He is the author of the text “The Musnad of Ahmad ibn Hanbal: A Hujjah or not?” He has been the Director of the Discover Islam Centre, and for six years, he has been the Khatib of Masjid Ar-Rashideen, Mowbray, Cape Town.

Shaykh Irshaad has fifteen years of teaching experience at some of the leading Islamic institutes in Cape Town. He is currently building an Islamic podcast, education, and media platform called ‘Isnad Academy’ and has completed his Master’s degree in the study of Islam at the University of Johannesburg. He has a keen interest in healthy Prophetic living and fitness.