Through miracles, this can have a wider and more popular application.

Through miracles, this can have a wider and more popular application. I will explain this third way in the following sections: The definition of a miracle A miracle is an extraordinary act, which is performed by a person who claims to be a Prophet. It is rooted in God’s will and used as a clue to the Prophet’s true claim. The above definition comprises of three points: A) There are some extraordinary events, which do not emerge from usual, or common causes.

B) Some of these extraordinary acts are performed by the prophets and are rooted in God’s will. C) Such extraordinary acts can be the evidence for the honesty of the prophets’ claims, and can therefore be termed as miracles.

The following provides an explanation for each of the three points in the definition: Extraordinary events The events of this world emerge from causes, which can be recognised through various experiments: for example all the events, which take place in physics, chemistry, biology, and psychology. However, there occur some rare situations where such events happen in a different way, so that their causes cannot be distinguished experimentally.

For instance the amazing acts of the Yogis have been recognised by the specialists of various sciences, as not following the rules of empirical or material sciences. Such acts are called ‘extraordinary’! Divine extraordinary acts Extraordinary acts can be divided into two general groups: One group includes acts, which have no usual cause, but are at the same time accessible to man through education, or rehearsal similar to the practice of the Yogis.

Another group of extraordinary acts happen specifically by God’s permission. Those who have a special relationship with God can only perform such acts. Therefore, such acts have two fundamental characteristics: First, they cannot be taught or learnt, and secondly, they cannot be affected by another stronger power, nor can they be defeated by it. Such extraordinary acts are dedicated to the selected servants of God, and will never be exposed to the misled.

At the same time, they are not specific to the prophets, as occasionally other great saints (awliyā) have had access to them. But it should be noted however, that not all such extraordinary acts are termed as miracles. The extraordinary acts committed by the non-prophets are called saint-miracles (karāmāt).