Jibreel is no teacher of the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam)

The Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) is the first among creation.  The Creator of the worlds Himself has granted Him knowledge of all that has passed and all that is to pass and has made Him the Teacher of the Universe.

 

The Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) never learnt anything from anyone in this world.  Allah Ta’ala Himself taught Him and granted Him all knowledge, as Allah Ta’ala says in the Holy Quran Surah Rahman:

 

Who (Himself) taught the Qur’an to (the Arab Messenger [blessings and peace be upon him]).  Surah Rahman (55:2)

 

Allah Ta’ala Himself is the teacher of the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam).  Whatever Word of Allah that Jibreel (May peace be upon him) brought to the presence of the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam), he brought it as a servant and an envoy.  The work of Jibreel (May peace be upon him) was to convey the Word of Allah.  The meaning, intricacies and import of it were taught to the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) by Allah Ta’ala Himself.  Thus, wherever the word “taught” is used about Jibreel, it does not mean that he actually taught the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam), but it means that he conveyed the Word of Allah Ta'ala.  If it is believed in its literal sense, then Jibreel pbuh has to be accepted as the Actual Teacher and it cannot be that the Creator and the creation are both the actual teachers.  Allah Ta’ala has elucidated the reality of teaching by ascribing it to Himself.

 

Assuredly upon Us rests its collection and preservation (in your breast) and its recitation (by your tongue).  Surah Qiyamah (75:17)

 

Again in the same Surah:

 

Then surely upon Us is the clear exposition (of its implications).  Surah Qiyamah (75:19)

 

Again in Surah A'ala

 

(O Esteemed Beloved!) We shall teach you (in a way) that nothing shall you (ever) forget.  Surah A’ala (87:6).

 

The Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) indicated towards this teaching in His words:

 

Verily, Allah Ta’ala taught me and brought me up and He did so in the best way.  (Mawahib-e-Ladunniya, Vol. 5, Pg. No. 297).

 

The above lines show that Jibreel (May peace be upon him) was not a teacher of the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) in any sense, but he was the conveyor of Wahi (divine revelation) and an envoy and was the servant and vizier of the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam).