What is the interpretation of the noble verse: "Nor does he speak of his own inclination. It is naught but a revelation revealed," and does it mean that everything the Messenger, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, uttered was a revelation, and what is considered to be what he said during times when revelation did not descend upon him?

The meaning of the noble verse: "Nor does he speak from [his own] inclination. It is not but revelation revealed" (Quran 53:3-4) is not that every word spoken by the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, is revelation. Rather, it refers to his infallibility in conveying what he receives from Allah, such as the Quran. This is supported by his saying, peace and blessings be upon him: "What I have informed you of as being from Allah, that is what there is no doubt about."

Scholars have differed on the issue of the Prophet's ijtihad (independent reasoning) in matters where no revelation was sent down to him. The majority held the view that it is permissible and occurred in legal rulings and religious matters. If he exercised ijtihad and it was correct, it was affirmed. If it was an error, revelation would descend clarifying it. Examples of this include his ijtihad regarding the prisoners of Badr and his permission for the hypocrites to stay behind from the Battle of Tabuk. This is indicated by the noble verses that reproached him, and reproach only occurs concerning ijtihad.

As for his ijtihad in worldly matters, the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, used to exercise ijtihad in them. He, peace and blessings be upon him, said to people who were pollinating their date palms: "You are more knowledgeable of your worldly affairs." In another narration: "If it is something concerning your worldly affairs, then that is your concern. But if it is concerning your religious affairs, then it is for me."