ভূমিকা

Shiavault - a Vault of Shia Islamic Books The Justice of God The Knowledge of God A. The Knowledge of Al‑Ghayb Al‑Ghayb means "unseen" or "hidden" things. Ilmu 'l ghayb means knowledge of the things which are hidden at present, like the events of the future. Such knowledge is the sole prerogative of Allah. Nobody can know the ghayb except Allah. Of course, many of us can forecast hundreds of things which are to happen in future.

We know in advance the time and extent of tide; we know the exact day, time and extent of solar and lunar eclip­ses. Weathermen forecast the rain, storm, cyclone and many such conditions of season and weather. By looking at the feature of a man, some of us can even say with a degree of certainty what is the character and nature of that person. Doctors and physicians can easily gauge the chances of survival of their patients. You may find many such examples in your daily life.

Is it same as 'ilmu 'l ghayb? Does the weatherman know the ghayb? The answer is 'No'. Because all such forecasts and prophecies are based upon the observation of the laws of nature. By keen observation and deduc­tion, we are in a position to know many things in advance. Such advance knowledge is based upon deduction and observation of physical laws.

The 'ilmu 'l‑ghayb which is mentioned in the Qur'an as the sole prerogative of Allah, is the knowlege of the unseen things and future events which is not based on deduction or observation of physical laws: It is this type of knowledge which has been referred to in the following verse: (Allah is) the Knower of the unseen, and nor does He reveal His secrets to any one, except the one whom He chooses from among the messengers; for verily He causes a guard to march before him and after him.

(72:26‑27) This verse and many similar verses declare in unambiguous terms that the knowledge of unseen things and future events, not based on observation of physical laws or deduction, is with God only. And He, in His own wisdom, selects some messengers, prophets and Imams to divulge to them such knowledge as and when He thinks fit. In short, nobody can know the unseen things or future events (without some present signs or deductions) except Allah.

And Allah, in His grace, informs whoever He selects for such knowledge, be they angels, prophets or Imams.