With regard to the verses (interpretation of the meaning): “Nor does he speak from [his own] inclination. It is not but a revelation revealed” [an-Najm 53:3-4], what is referred to here is the Qur’an, because they (the disbelievers) said that he was being taught by a human beingThis is clearly indicated by the verse in which Allah, may He be glorified and exalted, says (interpretation of the meaning): “May Allah pardon you, [O Muhammad]; why did you give them permission [to remain behind]?” [at-Tawbah 9:43]. Here Allah rebuked him for what he had done; if his action had been based on revelation, He would not have rebuked him.
And there are many similar examples, such as when Allah rebuked him (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) for accepting ransom for the captives of Badr, in the verse ( interpretation of the meaning): “It is not for a prophet to have captives [of war] until he has thoroughly suppressed [the enemy] in the land” [al-Anfaal 8:67]; and Allah rebuked him (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) in the verse (interpretation of the meaning): “And [remember, O Muhammad], when you said to the one on whom Allah bestowed favor and you bestowed favor, ‘Keep your wife and fear Allah’” [al-Ahzaab 33:37].