In view of this position, the doctrine of Predestination, for example, is a much more complex issue in Christian theology than in Islam. Special Revelation and History Special revelation in Islam is non-historical. This does not mean that the Qur'an was revealed whole to Muhammad at one time, for it was received by him over a period of time equal to one-half of his life. Individual sections and even individual Surahs were received on many scattered occasions. But for Islam, an historical event never has revelatory significance.
Revelation is always an intrusion from a supra-historical realm.
In its emphasis upon the non-historical character of special revelation, Islam is simply being consistent with its atomistic view of reality in which Allah is the sole Cause. History, from this point of view, is illusion, simply the impression we receive of the manner in which Allah calls everything into being in rapid, successive, creative activity. The only means open for special revelation, therefore, is direct delivery of the eternal message. The eternal nature of the Qur'an is not threatened by historical transciency, since it is a deposit of Allah's speech from the heavenly realm. In contrast, special revelation for the Christian has been gradually unfolded in the process of history.