This is just as unusual heavenly knowledge is not merely...

This is just as unusual heavenly knowledge is not merely transferred to man by the revelation presented to the prophets, but can also be provided to others (non-prophets) by inspiration (ilhām, tahdīth, etc.). In the above discussion, the ways of distinguishing between the two types of extraordinary acts (Divine and Non-divine) were explained.

It was also discussed that if the performance of an extraordinary act can be taught or learnt, or if another factor can avoid or provide a barrier to it or eliminate its effect, it will not then be classified as a ‘divine’ extraordinary act. A person’s corruption of belief or personal behaviour could also point to the lack of relationship he has with Almighty God, and indicate that his actions are rooted in satanic temptations and manly desires.

It seems reasonable at this point to state that the only performer of extraordinary acts is Almighty God, insofar that such acts need His permission to happen (refer to al-Ra’d:37, Ghāfir:78, this is in addition to the necessity of His permission for all creation including usual events). Such extraordinary acts can also be attributed to those who function as mediators like the angels or prophets.

As it is stated in the Holy Qur’an; giving life to the dead, curing diseases, and creating birds have been attributed to Jesus (a) (refer to Āl-‘Imrān:49, al-Māi’dah:110). There is, therefore, no contradiction between the two attributions-God’s or His servants-as God’s performance of the actions parallels that of His servants.

Characteristics of the miracles of the prophets’ (a) The third point discussed in the aforementioned definition, is that ‘miracles’ are the clues to the honesty of the prophets (a). Therefore, rather than being permitted by God, such extraordinary acts should be employed as clues to the prophecy of the Prophet. At the same time, and with a little generalisation, they should also include acts, which are performed to provide evidence for the honesty of Imams (a).

The term ‘Generosity’ refers to all of the divine extraordinary acts performed by non- prophets, and is against the extraordinary acts, which are rooted in manly or satanic desires, such as magic, divination, or what the Yogis practice, which can be taught and learnt or defeated by other stronger powers. It is also possible to determine the unholy nature of such acts by referring to the corruption of beliefs or behaviour of those who perform them.