The word ‘wahy’ in Arabic literally refers to conveying a hidden message to someone in a way that no one else can perceive. This type of ‘wahy’ generally takes the form of *ilham* (inspiration). In this literal sense, the word ‘wahy’ is not exclusive to prophets; it applies to all of creation.
Mufti Muhammad Shafi Usmani (may Allah have mercy on him), while commenting on verse 38 of Surah Ta-Ha, where ‘wahy’ is attributed to the mother of Musa (peace be upon him), writes:
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> "The truth of the matter is that the literal meaning of the word ‘Wahy’ is a secret message which can be understood only by the person to whom it is addressed and by no one else. According to this literal sense, the word ‘Wahy’ is not restricted to the prophets only and it can be used for people at large and even to animals. In the verse *(16:68)* the word has been used in its literal and general sense, i.e. instructing the bees by means of ‘Wahy’. Similarly in this verse *(20:38)* the word has been used in its general meaning and this does not necessarily mean that she was a prophet. Sayyidah Maryam (peace be upon her) also received Divine messages though the scholars unanimously hold the view that she was not a prophet. The ‘Wahy’ of this type is made by means of a Divine inspiration (*Ilham*). Allah Ta'ala puts an idea into someone's heart and then confirms him in the belief that it is from Allah Ta'ala. Saints and other devout people receive such inspirations. Abu Hayyan and some other scholars hold that sometimes such inspirations can be made through angels as happened to Sayyidah Maryam (peace be upon her) when Jibra'il (peace be upon him) appeared before her in the form of a human being and conveyed to her the will of Allah Ta'ala. These inspirations (*Ilham*), however, are specific to the person to whom they are made and are not meant for public or to be used for the propagation of the True Faith, whereas the ‘Wahy’ which is revealed to the prophets aims at appointing someone to reform people and enjoining upon him to invite people to the True Faith. It is the duty of such a person not only to have complete faith in His ‘Wahy’ himself, but also to bind others to accept his prophethood and the ‘Wahy’ and to pronounce as infidels those who deny him." *(Ma'arif al-Qur'an, Vol. 6, p. 95 — Maktabah Ma'arif al-Qur'an)*
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With this explanation in place, the apparent contradiction you noticed between the verses of Surah Al-Jinn and those of Surah Al-Qasas and other chapters becomes clear.
In the verses of Surah Al-Jinn, ‘wahy’ is used in its **technical** sense, meaning the divine revelation sent specifically to prophets. In the verses referring to the mother of Musa and to Maryam (peace be upon them both), ‘wahy’ is used in its **literal** sense, meaning a hidden divine inspiration, not prophetic revelation.
Once this distinction is understood, there is no contradiction between these verses whatsoever.
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دلائل:
القرآن الكريم: (القصص، الآية: 7)
وَأَوۡحَیۡنَاۤ إِلَىٰۤ أُمِّ مُوسَىٰۤ أَنۡ أَرۡضِعِیهِۖ فَإِذَا خِفۡتِ عَلَیۡهِ فَأَلۡقِیهِ فِی ٱلۡیَمِّ وَلَا تَخَافِی وَلَا تَحۡزَنِیۤۖ إِنَّا رَاۤدُّوهُ إِلَیۡكِ وَجَاعِلُوهُ مِنَ ٱلۡمُرۡسَلِینَ o
التفسير المظهري: (144/7، ط: مكتبة الرشيدية)
وأوحينا إلى أم موسى وهى يوخابذ بنت لاوى بن يعقوب عليه السلام كذا ذكر البغوي اجمعوا على انه ليس بوحي نبوة وان النبي لا يكون الا رجلا قال قتادة قذف فى قلبها وهو الإلهام فى اصطلاح الصوفية ومن جنسه المنام الصادق الموجب لليقين واطمينان القلب وهو ايضا من قبيل الإلهام.
عمدة القاري: (14/1، ط: دار إحياء التراث العربي)
والوحي في الأصل الإعلام في خفاء..........وفي اصطلاح الشريعة هو كلام الله المنزل على نبي من أنبيائه والرسول
Allah the Almighty knows best.
Darul ifta Al-Ikhlas, Karachi.