when he embraced Islam, “Say: ‘O Allah, inspire me to right guidance and protect me from the evil of my own soul.’” «1»
The author of al-Manāzil (The Stations) identifies inspiration with the station of those who receive inward divine communication. He says: “It is above the station of spiritual discernment, for discernment may occur only rarely, and may sometimes prove difficult for its possessor or elude him, whereas inspiration occurs only in a state of readiness.”
I say: Inward divine communication is more specific than inspiration. Inspiration is common to believers according to their faith: Allah has inspired every believer with the guidance through which he attained faith. As for inward divine communication, the Prophet (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) said concerning it:
“If there is anyone in this community, it is ‘Umar”—meaning anyone who receives such communication.
Thus, inward divine communication is a special form of inspiration. This is revelation to those other than prophets, whether they are morally accountable beings—as in the words of Allah Most High (28:7):
“We inspired the mother of Moses: ‘Suckle him.’”
And His words (5:111):
“And when I inspired the disciples: ‘Believe in Me and in My Messenger.’”
Or beings that are not morally accountable—as in His words (16:69):
“And your Lord inspired the bees: ‘Make your homes in the mountains, in the trees, and in what people construct.’”
All of this is revelation through inspiration.
As for his placing inspiration above the station of spiritual discernment, his argument, as mentioned earlier, is that discernment may occur only rarely, and rare occurrences carry no weight in establishing a general judgment. It may also elude its possessor and prove difficult for him, failing to respond to his wishes, whereas inspiration occurs only in a state of readiness—meaning the station of nearness and presence.
The precise distinction is that both spiritual discernment and inspiration have general and special forms. The special form of each is higher than the general form of the other. The general form of each may occur frequently, while its special form may occur rarely. The true difference, however, is that spiritual discernment may involve some measure of effort and acquisition, whereas inspiration is a pure gift that cannot be attained through effort at all.
[He then devoted four sections to discussing the three degrees of inspiration, after which he said:]