He also states...

He also states, 'and He began the creation of man from clay (32:7)', and the Glorious states, 'There are others, held in suspense for the command of Allah, whether He will punish them, or turn to them in mercy (9:106)'. He, the Glorious, also states, 'Nor is an individual's life prolonged, nor does anything decrease from his life span, except that it is (being reflected) in a Book (35:11)'." Sulaiman asked: "Do you have any narrations from your ancestors on this?" The Imam (AS) replied: "Yes.

It is narrated to me that Abu Abdillah (Imam al-Sadiq (AS)) said, 'Surely for Allah, the Glorious, there are two (types of created) knowledge: One is the hidden and the reserved knowledge (i.e., the knowledge of al-Ghaib) that no one knows but He, and from that comes al-Badaa.

The other is the knowledge that He has taught it to His angels and His Messengers, and the Ulamaa of the People of the House of His Prophet (PBUH&HF) know it.'" Sulaiman asked: "I would like you to further derive it (i.e., al-Badaa) from the Book of Allah, the Mighty and the Majestic." He (AS) replied: "Consider the saying of Allah to His Prophet (PBUH&HF), 'So turn away from them, and you are not blameworthy (51:54)' (by which) He intended their destruction.

Then, Allah made Badaa (i.e., initiated a new will) and said, 'And remind, for reminding benefits the Believers.

(51:55)'" Sulaiman said: "Increase my (knowledge), may I be sacrificed for you." Imam al-Ridha (AS) said: "Indeed my father informed me from his ancestors that the Apostle of Allah (PBUH&HF) said, 'Certainly Allah, the Glorious, revealed to a Prophet (referring to Prophet Hizqil as per another tradition) amongst His Prophets that he should inform a certain king that Allah would take his soul in such and such time. That Prophet went to him and informed him of that.

(Out of anxiety) the king fell down from his throne and prayed to Allah, 'O Lord! Postpone my (death) so that I can provide for my baby and I conclude my matter'. Next, Allah revealed to that Prophet to go back to the king and to inform him that Allah has caused his (previous) appointed time of death to be forgotten (i.e., He has made its decree disappear) and increased his life for 15 years. That Prophet said to Allah, 'O Lord!