However since each of the Imams is the most perfect man of...

However since each of the Imams is the most perfect man of his age thanks to his rank and luminosity and a complete manifestation of the divine names and attributes the Creator of the World the Knower of the Unseen and the Manifest discloses to them certain matters relating to the unseen thereby broadening and deepening their vision and opening an aperture onto what otherwise remains hidden.

It is not possible for them to enter into contact with the world of the unseen independently as is apparent from the traditions in which the Imams deny they have knowledge of the unseen; what is meant is that they have no complete or absolute access to the unseen and cannot gain any knowledge of it without God's will and permission.

In addition the Imams received certain knowledge concerning the unseen that had been vouchsafed to the Most Noble Messenger - peace and blessings be upon him and his family.

( 216 ) One of the companions of Imam al-Baqir peace be upon him asked him about the meaning of the verse: "None knows God's unseen realm except those whom He chooses from among His messengers." (72:26) He replied: "I swear by God that Muhammad peace and blessings be upon him and his family was one of those whom God desired to acquaint with the knowledge of the unseen.

If God designated Himself as 'Knower of the Unseen ' this is because knowledge of certain matters is restricted to Him and hidden from His servants: things He predetermines in His knowledge before creating them and informing the angels of them and which He then exercises His will to create or not to create.

As for the knowledge of that which He both predetermines and wills to create this is the knowledge that was conveyed to the Messenger of God peace and blessings be upon him and his family and then to us." ( 2 ) The Noble Qur'an declares with the utmost clarity that God Almighty gives knowledge of the unseen to chosen servants such as the prophets in various ages.

The Immaculate Imams can also make contact with the world of the unseen whenever necessary by seeking God's aid and support and thereby gain access to knowledge they need. This does not mean that the Imams made regular use of some inner force in order to make contact with the world of the unseen in the course of their daily lives to obtain supernatural support.