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It is truly said: KNOWLEDGE is power - a great power, with
tremendous potentialities and unfathomable capabilities. The ever growing
expanse of knowledge in the modern age in all direction has amply unfolded and
demonstrated the great significance and influence of knowledge over all things
existing on the surface of the earth and beyond.
The Holy Quran - the most accomplished and the final revealed
Divine Book has laid great stress on the acquisition of knowledge and it's
blessings, inviting human endeavour in seeking and preserving more and more
knowledge for leading a successful life in this world and the Hereafter.
The very first Revealed verses of the Holy Quran proclaim in
an unambiguous manner that the acquisition of knowledge is the most fundamental
pre-requisite for survival and development of existence (Wajud) in all its
pervasive sense. Says the Holy Quran: "He (Allah the Almighty) taught (man)
the use of the Pen (the basic implement in the field of knowledge) and taught
man which he knew not (a divine invitation for research and advancement of
knowledge so as to lead the life in conformity and obedience to Divine
Pleasure)." (Surah Alaq: Verses 4-5)
At another place it is said: "O my Lord! Advance me in
knowledge." (Surah Taha: Verse 114) These divine Revelations brought
in focus the significance of knowledge to motivate and enlighten the human mind
to seek more and more knowledge in any conceivably beneficial manner.
The Holy Quran is a treasure house of Knowledge and Wisdom.
It contains references or mentions at more that 800 places relating to knowledge
and it's derivatives, i.e. the innumerable branches of knowledge which continue
to grow as the life advances from stage to stage. Similarly, references to
"books" and "writing" are at more than 600 places in the Holy Quran. This
clearly indicates the divine emphasis on knowledge and its acquisition at all
levels of life.
In a tradition (Hadith), the Holy Prophet (sallal laahu
alaihi wasallam) has said: "I have been raised as a teacher and an
accomplisher of (refined) manners." (Ibn-i-Abd al-Birr: Jami bayan al
I'lm wa fazlihi, p. 47) The Holy Prophet (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam)
has laid great emphasis as a compulsive obligation of the Ummah to seek more and
more knowledge and brought forth the blissful significance of knowledge. (ibid.,
p. 46, 49)
Hazrat Ali (Karramallahu wajhul Kareem) has said:
"The real dignity to men is through learning." The Holy Quran itself bears
testimony to the significance of knowledge when its says that it was on account
of his knowledge that Almighty Allah chose Hazrat Talut (alaihis salaam)
as the King of the Bani Israel, "Allah hath filled Talut with Knowledge and
bodily prowess." (Surah Baqarah: Verse 247) The superiority of Hazrat
Adam (alaihis salaam) - the epitomic symbol of human progeny - over
angels (and all the creations) was on account of this knowledge alone.(Surah
Baqarah: Verse 31)
All these examples illustrate the significance and dignified
evaluation of the acquisition of knowledge in the fields of human pre-eminence,
viz. the Prophetic assignment, the leadership and Five Regent kingship for
guidance the human destining as the Vicegerent of Allah on earth.
In its abstract sense, there are two kinds of Knowledge (or
learning); the one which is taught in Madrasahs, school, collegesand
universities (in the progressive order). For a lay-man as well as for the
majority of the populace this is what constitutes the knowledge and it is
believed to be sufficient to satisfy our material quest and urge in this behalf.
However, there is yet another branch of knowledge which is
taught and acquired directly or straightaway through the divine agency, with the
functional audio-visual aids, such as books, papers, pens or such-like
paraphernalia, needing neither the teaching institutes, such as schools,
colleges, universities, etc. nor the professional teachers and degree holders.
This is the transcendental or divine sector of knowledge, which in Quranic
terminology is known as "I'lm-i-Ghayb" or the "Knowledge of the Unseen" (Surah
Kah'f: Verse 65) and which constitutes one of the fundamental tenets of
Islamic belief. In fact, the belief and unbelief in the Unseen (Ghayb) is the
distinguishing mark of a person being a Muslim or a Heathen. (Surah Baqarah:
Verse 3)
This is the branch of knowledge which is super human in
nature surpassing the human intellect as also the five proverbial senses on
their own. The Knowledge of the Unseen (I'lm-i-Ghayb) is superior to and
dominant over all other knowledge in any field of human activity, defying all
methods of imparting and receiving education and knowledge. This is essentially
an emblem of Divine Grace bestowed upon the chosen servants of Allah, like the
gentle blissful rain showered upon the hearts and minds of the esteemed
recipients on earth.
There are many verses in the Holy Quran in which there is
mentioned or reference to I'lm-i-Ghayb (The Knowledge of Unseen). It is clear
from these verses that this I'lm-i-Ghayb pertain and belong to Almighty Allah
alone.
The following verses of the Holy Quran corroborates this
proposition:-
- "With Him are the Keys of the Unseen; the treasure that
none knows but He." (Surah An'am: Verse 59)
- "I know the secrets of the heaven and earth." (Surah Baqarah: Verse 33)
- "Say: O Prophet (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam)!
The Unseen is for Allah". (Surah Yunus: Verse 20)
- "The Holy Prophet (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam)
is asked to declare: Say, I tell you not that the Treasures of Allah are with
me, nor do know on my own, what is hidden (In the Unseen)." (Surah Hud: Verse
31)
From these verses, it is learnt that the Knowledge of the
Unseen (I'lm-i-Ghayb) belongs as His most exclusive supreme prerogative to Allah
the Almighty. None on his own, can know the Unseen (Ghayb) unless bestowed by
Almighty Allah as a grace (and not as a matter of right to claim).
A little probe into these verses would reveal that while even
the minutest part of the Ghayb remains in the Divine Authority, it is not to be
said anywhere that Allah the Almighty does not grant this knowledge even to
anyone among his servants nor that the treasure of the Ghayb remain un-bestowed
and unshared by anyone else. This the prime point of consideration on which the
Ummah must devote thoughtful attention to avoid any pitfalls in assuming or
imbibing any self-founded notions of I'lm-i-Ghayb.
This point is stressed again and again in the Holy Quran:
- "He (Allah the Almighty) alone is the Knower of the
Unseen; He does not make anyone acquainted with the mysteries except the apostle
whom He has chosen." (Surah Jinn: Verse 26)
- "Allah will not disclose to you the secret of the
unknown, but He chooses of His apostles whom He pleases." (Surah Ale Imran:
Verse 179)
This, however, does not mean that Allah the Almighty
restricts and retains the Knowledge of Unseen exclusively to Himself and does
not reveal any part of it to any other person. No, not at all. Allah the
Almighty has revealed and honoured His apostles as much and as and when He
willed, for guidance and enlightenment to cope with the circumstances and
situations confronting them viz-a-viz the enemies of Allah, and to fulfill the
mission assigned to them. These phenomena have been illustrated at various
places in the Holy Quran.
Some of the relevant verses are quoted below:-
- Regarding Hazrat Adam (alaihis salaam) and
the Angels, it is said: "He (Allah) taught the names (nature and qualitative
attributes) of all the things and placed them before the Angels". (Surah
Baqarah: Verse 31)
- Regarding Hazrat Da'ud (alaihis salaam), it
is said, "He (Allah) gave Da'ud power and wisdom and taught him whatever
(else)He willed." (Surah Baqarah: Verse 251)
- In respect of the I'lm-i-Ghayb to Hazrat Sulaiman (alaihis salaam), it is said,
"O People! We have been taught the
speech of the birds, and on us has been bestowed (a little of) all things."
(Surah Namal: Verse 16)
- For Hazrat Lut (alaihis salaam), it is said,
"And to Lut We gave Judgement and Wisdom." (Surah Anbiya: Verse 74)
- About Hazrat Yaqub (alaihis salaam) it was
said, "He was, by Our instructions full of Knowledge (and experience), but
most men know not." (Surah Yusuf: Verse 96)
- Hazrat Yaqub (alaihis salaam) himself told
his sons about this blessing from Allah thus, "Did I not say to you, I know
from Allah that which you know not." (Surah Yusuf: Verse 96)
- About Hazrat Yusuf (alaihis salaam), it is
said, "When Yusuf attained his full manhood, We gave him Power and Knowledge;
thus do We reward those who do the right things." (Surah Yusuf: Verse 22)
- Regarding Hazrat Musa (alaihis salaam), it
is said, "When he reached full age and was firmly established (in life), We
bestowed on him Wisdom and Knowledge." (Surah Qasas: Verse 140)
- It is said about Hazrat Khizr (alaihis salaam):
"So they found one of our servants on whom We had bestowed Mercy from Ourselves
and whom We had taught knowledge (of special significance) from Our Own
Presence." (Surah Kah'f: Verse 65)
These verses of the Holy Quran make it clear that Allah the
Almighty bestowed the Knowledge of the Unseen (Ghayb) on His chosen servants,
but is unfortunate that most people do not know this; on the contrary, even they
refuse to believe it without realising the consequence thereof! These pious
souls, at times on their own, disclosed this Divine bestowment in order to
convince the people and clear their doubts and put them on the right track of
faith and Belief.
- For example, Hazrat Isa (alaihis salaam) spoke to his followers thus,
"And I declare to you whatever you eat and
whatever you store in your houses." (Surah Ale Imran: Verse 49) (It meant
that whatever they had eaten in the houses - within four walls - and whatever
they had preserved therein, was well known to the Prophet of Allah.
- On another ocassion, Hazrat Yusuf (alaihis
salaam) spoke to his fellow prisoners before telling them the meaning of
their dreams. He said, "Before any food comes to you, I shall surely reveal
to you the truth and meaning of this. It is due to the knowledge bestowed upon
me by Allah that I have to reveal to you what you did not know." (Surah Yusuf:
Verse 37)
These verses reveal that Allah the Almighty has bestowed
I'lm-i-Ghayb to His chosen Apostles. To deny this, amounts to the denial and
rejection of the Holy Quran itself. This is not an ordinary or routine
knowledge. Elaborate precautionary and protective measures are adopted before
such messages relating to the "Unseen" are despatched. Special angels are sent
(on earth) who stay around the Apostles, on whom the Knowledge of the Unseen
(I'lm-i-Ghayb) is bestowed. (Surah Jinn: Verse 26)
The grant of I'lm-i-Ghayb is admitted by a great honour and
whosoever of the Apostles are bestowed this Unique Divine blessing become the
holders of great Divine Treasure. However, there is no uniform and set pattern
of Divine Message transmitted to each recipient in accordance to their status.
According to the Holy Quran the status and nature of
responsible of the Apostles vary from one to another. "Those Apostles, we
bestowed with gifts (endowed with ranks, etc.) as willed by Allah." (Surah
Baqarah: Verse 253) Likewise the grant of I'lm-i-Ghayb to Prophets varies
according to their nature of assignment relating to their prescribed mission.
The story of Hazrat Musa and Khizr (alaihimus salaam)
so vividly described in the Holy Quran explains this aspect of the proposition.
Hazrat Musa met Khizr (alaihimus salaam) and requested him to enlighten
him with the specific knowledge which Allah bestowed on him. Hazrat Khizr
(alaihis salaam) accepted, but advised Hazrat Musa (alaihis salaam)
to be patient and not to utter any word until he would permit him to do so.
Whatever Hazrat Khizr (alaihis salaam) did was beyond the understanding
of Hazrat Musa (alaihis salaam).
The promise of keeping silence on events taking place before
his eyes was too much for Hazrat Musa (alaihis salaam) to sustain and at
last (he broke the silence) Hazrat Khizr (alaihis salaam) revealed the
secrets of the events. Hazrat Khizr (alaihis salaam) did not keep him in
his company any more. Details of the story is found in the Holy Quran (Surah
Kah'f: Verse 65-82) This clearly shows that the nature of I'lm-i-Ghayb even
to Prophets of Allah was not uniform nor of equal measure.
The Knowledge of the Unseen (I'lm-i-Ghayb) was also bestowed
upon the Holy Prophet Muhammad (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam). This
I'lm-i-Ghayb was, in essence, the most revealing and surpassing miracle given to
the Holy Prophet (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam).
This miracle, in it's totality and persuasiveness, surpassed
all miracles given to other Prophets taken together. More or less 124 000
Apostles were raised at different periods of time with some specific knowledge
of the hidden realm, i.e. I'lm-i-Ghayb. But the Knowledge of the Unseen bestowed
upon the Holy Prophet (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) was limitless in
scope and magnitude. This is to say that each and every miracle in the nature of
I'lm-i-Ghayb given to different Prophets was also given to the Holy Prophet
(sallal laahu alaihi wasallam).
The Holy Prophet (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) was
the epitomic symbol of all the previous Prophets in the past in respect of their
qualitative characteristics and quantum of knowledge and spiritual
enlightenment. Relating to this bestowment of knowledge and observation upon the
Holy Prophet (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam), the Holy Quran says:
"Allah has sent down to you O Prophet! the Book and Wisdom and taught what you
knew not. Great is the Grace of Allah upon you." (Surah Nisa: Verse 113) In
this virtuous essence the Quranic verse asserts that after bestowment of this
everlasting treasure of knowledge now there remains no realm of knowledge and
enlightenment which is not in the grip of the Holy Prophet (sallal laahu
alaihi wasallam). This is what the Holy Quran describes as the
"Fazl-i-Azim" (The Great Grace) - whatever the Holy Prophet (sallal laahu
alaihi wasallam) was taught by way of knowledge was taught by Allah the
Almighty. (Surah Aala: Verse 6)
If the teacher says to the pupil: I have taught you to read
and you knew nothing before this, then he is justified to make this claim and
there is nothing derogatory on his part to make such a claim; it cannot be
termed as insolence to degrade the student. But if the student says to his
teacher, you knew nothing and it was your teacher who gave you knowledge, then
though, this logic cannot be denied. Nonetheless, it demonstrates that the
student is guilty of insolence and misbehaviour towards his teacher. Such an
example can hardly be traced in the annals of civilised behaviour.
Whatever the Holy Prophet (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam)
knew was through the knowledge bestowed upon him by Allah the Almighty. This
being the fact, if before imparting the knowledge through the Holy Quran,
Almighty Allah mentioned the state of the Holy Prophet (sallal laahu alaihi
wasallam): "You knew nothing of the Book nor of the Faith (Imaan)."
(Surah Nur: Verse 63); it is consonance with the Almighty state of Divine
Grandeur. It does not at all behove mortals like us to utter such words in
respect of the Holy Prophet (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam). This would be
downright degrading and insulting the high virtuous status of the Holy Prophet
(sallal laahu alaihi wasallam).
The uncontroversial fact remains that Allah the Almighty
granted the I'lm-i-Ghayb to the Holy Prophet (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam)
and if anyone denies and suspects the veracity of this Divine Truth, he is
surely guilty of falsehood and diminishing the eminence of Divine Favour. If
there be such a one, he ought to be condemned as a blasphemer, worthy of being
expelled from the rank and file of Muslimhood. The quality of a true Muslim is
that he accepts and believes as true each and every command of Almighty Allah
and acts upon it ungrudgingly and unreservedly and induces others to do so.
The Darbar (seat of pre-eminences) of the Holy Prophet
(sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) is a grand Darbar surpassing the grandeur of
worldly kings and monarchs. It is an act of misbehaviour and misdemeanour even
to utter loud words in his august presence; such an act causes the loss of other
virtuous deeds of a Believer, forfeiting the Divine Grace. There is a stern
warning against those who slip away slyly from his assembly without seeking his
permission, this amounts to misbehaviour. For them there is stern foreboding of
dire punishment on the day of Judgement. It is said: "Deem not the summons of
one Apostle among yourselves, like the summons of one of you to another. Allah
doth knows those of you who slip away under shelter of some excuse; then those
of you who slip away under shelter of some excuse; then beware those who
withstand the Apostle's orders, lest some trial befell them or a grievous
penalty be inflicted on them." ( Surah Shura: Verse 52) We can guess what
would be the state of awe-inspiring grandeur of the Holy Company graced by the
Holy Presence of the Holy Prophet (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) where
even the slightest misdemeanour is caught up as a misdeed inviting punishment
from the providence.
The companions of the Holy Prophet (sallal laahu alaihi
wasallam) used to sit in his presence in due respect holding their breaths
and not making any gestures to disturb the dignity of the assembly. They would
only utter respectful words like: "O Prophet of Allah! May my parents be
sacrificed at the alter of your dignity." To every question put to them,
their reply used to be, "Allah and his Prophet (sallal laahu alaihi
wasallam) know better."
In the light of the foregoing evidence it must be admitted
that the Holy Prophet Muhammad (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) was endowed
with the Knowledge of the Unseen (I'lm-i-Ghayb) as a Grace from Allah.
We can examine the issue from three angles.
- The Holy Prophet (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam)
was granted this treasure of knowledge directly from the Providence, i.e.
without the means of any agency conveying the "knowledge."
- Through the revelation of the Holy Quran which is
the Treasure-House of all Knowledge operating in the universe.
- The Holy Prophet (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam)
was sent as a "Shahid" (Witness), i.e. a person who is in constant touch will
the affairs taking place in the world, examining and analyzing them as an
observer with an insight to assess and analyse their influence in day-to-day
matters. He thus remained ever aware of the God-gifted vigilance possessing full
knowledge as an eye-witness, with powers of Haqq-ul-Yaqeen and Ain-ul-Yaqeen - the faculty of witnessing things with unwavering faith and
certitude.
By examining the Holy Prophet's (sallal laahu alaihi
wasallam) Knowledge of the Unseen under the first view-point, viz. the
bestowment of I'lm-i-Ghayb directly from Allah the Almighty, we might refer to
the following verses of the Holy Quran:-
- "These are some of the stories of the Unseen which We
have revealed to you, O Prophet!" (Surah Hud: Verse 49)
- "Such is one of the stories of what happened Unseen
which We revealed by inspiration unto you." (Surah Yusuf: Verse 102)
- "The Holy Prophet (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam)
does not withhold grudgingly a knowledge of the Unseen." (Surah Takweer: Verse
24)
Examining the Knowledge of the Unseen of the Holy Prophet
(sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) from the second point of view, the following
verses of the Holy Quran are enough to open our eyes:-
- "And We have sent down to you the Book explaining all
things, a Guide, a Mercy and Glad Tidings to Muslims." (Surah Nahl: Verse 89)
- "The Quran is not a tale invented, but a confirmation
of what (went) before it - a detailed exposition of all things." (Surah Yusuf:
111)
- "Nothing We have omitted from the Book." (Surah An'am:
Verse 38)
- "Surely there has come to you from Allah a Light and a
Perspicuous Book." (Surah Maida: Verse 15)
- "Nor is there ought of the Unseen, in Heaven, or earth
but it is recorded in the Clear Book." (Surah Nam'l: Verse 75)
- "There is no grain in the darkness (or depth) of the
earth, nor anything, fresh or dry, (green or withered), but is inscribed in a
record clear." (Surah An'am: Verse 59)
It is seen that in these verses, first there is the mention
of the Holy Quran being the Kitab-i-Mubeen - the Book Manifest making everything
clear, without even the minutest part remaining under any shadow of doubt or
omitted. It is worth observing that the Book manifest contains the mention of
all things (with all their attributes), under the sun. Now just imagine what
shall be the expanse and depth of the knowledge of the Person on whom the Book
was revealed. Surely each and everything mentioned in the Book must have been in
full view of the recipient. The phenomena must be pondered over in a most
dispassionate and open-minded manner without casting any aspersions over the
Divine bestowment on the Holy Prophet (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam).
Examining the Knowledge of the Unseen possessed by the Holy
Prophet (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) as a SHAHID or witness to
all affairs, the following verses carry us to the visionary world of
enlightenment where we stand completely wonder-struck at the very idea of the
extent of the knowledge which Allah the Almighty revealed to him so as to make
him the true representative of Divine rights, not alone on this earth, but even
forces of heavenly kingdom operating at the present moment as well as that would
take place in the universe and the Hereafter. It is but essential that we should
bow our heads and accept the truth of Divine assertions, and spare ourselves the
repercussions, should any shade of wavering creep our mind and vision. It is
beyond our capacity to guess the extent of Knowledge of the Unseen
(I'lm-i-Ghayb) bestowed upon the Holy Prophet (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam)
by Almighty Allah. Only Allah knows that He has bestowed upon His beloved
Prophet (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam).
- "Surely We sent you as a Witness, as a Bringer of Glad
Tidings and as a Warner." (Surah Fatah: Verse 8)
- "And We shall bring you as a Witness against the
people." (Surah Nisa: Verse 41)
- "Surely we have sent to you (O men!) an Apostle to be a
Witness concerning you." (Surah Muzammil: Verse 15)
- "And one day We shall raise from all peoples a Witness
against them from among themselves and We shall bring as witness against them
from among themselves and We shall bring you as a Witness against them. (Surah Nahl: Verse 89)
From these verses it is clear that on the day of Judgement
not only the Holy Prophet (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) shall be a
Witness over his own Ummah, but shall also testify before Almighty Allah on
behalf of the peoples of other Prophets. Now this testimony or evidence can only
be given by the person who is an eye-witness to all events and incidents under
scrutiny on the Day of Judgement.
This, in other words, means that the Holy Prophet (sallal
laahu alaihi wasallam) is fully informed and kept in touch with all those
events which he shall be witness to. Incidently, this also means that he is
keeping watch over our deeds and misdeeds at all times. We should therefore
beware of our activities lest any of them displeases or grieves him.
This fact is further corroborated by the (under noted)
traditions (Ahadith) of the Holy Prophet (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam):-
- In one tradition it is said: "As I see in front
of me, so I see things clearly behind me." (Muslim Shareef, vol.2, p. 116)
- In the second tradition the Holy Prophet (sallal
laahu alaihi wasallam) is reported to have said: "I saw Prophet Musa
(alaihis salaam) in the valley of Azraq, while passing from Mecca to Madina.
He was reciting Talbiah. On another ocassion, I saw Prophet Yunus (alaihis
salaam) wearing a long woollen overcoat and riding a red camel."
(Ibn-i-Majah, pp. 20, 208)
- In the third Tradition, the Holy Prophet (sallal
laahu alaihi wasallam) is described witnessing Paradise and Hell. (Muslim
Shareef, vol.2, p. 180)
- From the fourth Tradition it is learnt that the
Holy Prophet (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) knows each inmate by name
going in the Paradise or in the Hell. (Miskhat Shareef, p. 19)
- From the fifth Tradition, it is learnt that when a
man enquired from the Holy Prophet (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) whether
he would go into Jannah or Jahannam, the Holy Prophet (sallal laahu alaihi
wasallam) replied without a moment's pause that, "You shall go to
Jahannam." (Bukhari Shareef, vol.3, p. 855)
- The sixth Tradition says: "My entire Ummah was
presented before me with each individual's scroll of deeds, good as well as
bad." (Muslim Shareef, vol. 1, p. 207; Musnad-i-Ahmad; Ibn-e-Maja)
- In the seventh Tradition, the Holy Prophet (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) said:
"One night, my Ummah was presented
before me at my Hujrah and I know each of them as clearly as anyone knows his
colleague." (Ref: Anba al-Mustafa, p. 19; ref: Tibrani)
At one place in the Holy Quran, it is said: "Does he
possess the Knowledge of the Unseen that he sees the dead?" (Surah Najam, Verse
35) It is understood from this verse that only such a person possesses
I'lm-i-Ghayb as is capable of seeing things beyond normal reach in terms of time
and space. At various places in the Holy Quran, the transcendental power of
witnessing things by the Holy Prophet (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) has
been described. (Surahs Mujadilah: Verse 7; Surah Ibrahim: Verse 19; Surah
Baqarah: Verses 243 & 258; Surah Nur: 41; Surah Fee)l. The truth is that
when a Chosen Friend of Allah has seen Allah, nothing remains hidden from him.
The Holy Prophet (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) said, "I saw Allah the
Almighty. He placed His Hand on my back. I felt the coolness in my breast.
Within an instance everything became visible clear before me and I recognised
everyone." (Tirmizi Shareef; Miskhat Shareef, Karachi, p. 72).
So far we have been discussing the vast expanse and depth of
the Holy Prophet's (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) knowledge and
meditative understanding of the cosmic forces operating in the universe together
with the super human forces operating in the universe with super human visual
insight of the Unseen as a special gift from the Divine Grace, transcending and
surpassing human intellect, unmatched in the entire history of mankind.
We are apt to feel and think if the Holy Prophet (sallal
laahu alaihi wasallam) kept the whole repository of these God-gifted
treasures, of the knowledge, particularly relating to the Unseen confined to
himself alone or he also, as charitable gesture, passed on some part of it to
his devotees who were eager and capable to receive and preserve the rare and
priceless beneficence from Almighty Allah.
It is learnt from different Traditions of the Holy Prophet
(sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) that he not only favoured his devotees and
admirers with this rare and Divine gift, but did so in a greater and
open-hearted manner, taught them how communion with Divinity may be maintained
and carried forward as the intellect advances and progresses in the realm or
history. This is an expression of Divine Dispensation of charity among the
fellow beings, the humanity at large for whose benefit the vast universe has
been created.
- This is what the well-known and famous devoted
Companion of the Holy Prophet (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) Abu Zarr
Ghaffari (radi Allahu anhu) has to say in this respect, "The Holy
Prophet (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) did not leave this material world
without telling us in effect that there is not a single bird flying in the
atmosphere about which he left anything unsaid." (Anba al-Mustafa, p. 8 ref:
Musnad-i-Ahmad and Tabaqat-i-Ibn- i-Sa'ad)
- Another companion, Hazrat Huzaifa (radi Allahu
anhu) reports, "Only the Holy Prophet (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam)
stood amongst us (to deliver a sermon) and disclosed before us every detail of
events that were to take place that moment onward till the Day of Judgement; he
left nothing. Anyone who could retain in his memory remembered it; and the one
who forgot it, could not revive it afterwards." (Anba al-Mustafa, p. 7 ref:
Bukhari, Muslim and Musnad-i-Ahmad)
- It is reported in the Tradition: "The Holy
Prophet (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) did not leave the world without
telling the description of every disrupter (creating disturbance on earth) till
the coming of the Day of Resurrection; everything, i.e. his name, his father's
name and the name of the tribe or clan to which he belonged." (Miskhat Shareef,
Bab al-Fitan)
- The Battle of Badr took place on the 17th of
Ramadaan. Before the fighting (Jihad) started, the Holy Prophet (sallal laahu
alaihi wasallam) went over the field and disclosed the identity of the
enemies of Islam and indicated by placing his hand at different spots and
telling "here so and so will be slain." When the battle was over, it was
discovered that each and every person about whom the Prophet (sallal laahu
alaihi wasallam) had indicated, was found at the very spot lying dead,
neither inch more or less. (Muslim Shareef, Kitab al-Jihad, vol. 2)
- There is a lengthy Tradition (Hadith) of the Holy
Prophet (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) which is an eye-opener for any
sceptic who entertained misgivings about the truth of the Holy Prophet's (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) Knowledge of the Unseen. It is reported by
Hazrat Anas bin Malik (radi Allahu anhu), who says: "After the decline
of the sun (noon) the Holy Prophet (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) came
out of his Hujrah, and led the Zohr Prayer. After completing the prayer the Holy
Prophet mounted the pulpit and delivered the sermon about the Day of Judgement
and the big events that will take place before the advent of the Day. Then
addressing the companions he asked them if any one of them had any question to
ask from him. He proceeded, 'I swear in the name of Allah, there is nothing that
you would ask me and I will not answer it (no query, whatever its nature shall
remain unanswered), so long as I am here.'" Hazrat Anas (radi Allahu
anhu) reports that on hearing this the companions burst in tears, (for it
forbode the grave tidings of his leaving the world). But the Holy Prophet (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) continued, saying again and again:
"Ask
me. Ask me (as none after me will tell you)." (Bukhari Shareef, Kitab
al-E'tisaam, vol. 3, p. 855)
The following verse of the Holy Quran bears testimony to his
truth: "The Holy Prophet (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) does not
withhold grudgingly a Knowledge of the Unseen." (Surah Takweer: Verse 24) It
amounted to saying, "whatever you ask will be answered and whatever you will
require, shall be granted."
The insistence of the Holy Prophet (sallal laahu alaihi
wasallam) on oath in the Name of Allah and urging the audience again and
again to ask and enquire about anything indicates beyond a shadow of doubt that
by the Grace of Almighty Allah, the Holy Prophet (sallal laahu alaihi
wasallam) was endowed with the Knowledge of the Unseen and was extremely
generous to satisfy every enquirer in his quest for knowledge including the
Unseen.
An Arab Scholar, Shaikh Ahmad bin Muhammad Al-Siddique
Al-Ghamari Al-Hasani has written a very learned book entitled "Motabiqa
al-Ikhtia'at al-Asriya." (Mufti Ahmad Mian Barkati has translated this book
in Urdu with the title "Islam aur Asri Eijadaat" printed and published at
Lahore in 1980). In this book the learned scholar has collected forebodings of
the Unseen, which the Holy Prophet (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) has
disclosed on various ocassions. One is explicably amazed and wonderstruck while
going through these details how gracefully the Holy Prophet (sallal laahu
alaihi wasallam) was honoured by Allah the Almighty about even the minutest
details of the Unseen. It appears that the past, the present and the future lay
clear before the Holy Prophet (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) like a
mirror. Why this should not be so! because the Holy Prophet (sallal laahu
alaihi wasallam) has himself said: "The keys of the Unseen were brought
before me and placed over my hand." (Bukhari Shareef, p. 848 and Muslim Shareef,
vol. 2, p. 116)
Thus the Holy Prophet (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam)
was made the key Bearer (Owner) of the treasures of the earth, (Bukhari and
Muslim Shareef) because one who possesses the keys, enjoys the right of
possession too. This however does not mean that Allah the Almighty has divested
himself of the Divine Powers of the Unseen. On the contrary, it indicates the
Absolute Authority and Power of Allah even to bestow any one of His Choice
anything as He pleases. It also demonstrates how much Allah has favoured and
honoured the Holy Prophet (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam)! These are, in
fact, the keys with which the hidden meanings and interpretations of the Holy
Quranic treasures are opened. The Holy Quran as the Divine Book, we all see and
recite, but whatever the Prophetic Vision observes behind the contents of words
and letters we cannot even imagine and visualize with our limited blurred vision
of intellect.
I might refer to but one verse of the Quran: "Against them
make ready your strength to the utmost of your power, including steeds of war,
to strike terror into (the hearts of) the enemies of Allah." (Surah Anfal: Verse
60)
In this verse the word "power" seems to denote nothing in
particular, i.e. weapon or means to subdue the enemy, but when the Holy Prophet
(sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) lifts the veil from the word "power" then
the human wisdom simply gets perplexed to the extreme, as the real significance,
as expressed and stressed by the Holy Prophet (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam)
is definitely beyond the reach of human intellect. Expressing the real
significance of the word "power", he said: "Beware this power is Rami! Beware
this power is Rami! Beware this power is Rami!" (Muslim Shareef, vol. 2, p. 143)
In the Arabic language, the word "Rami" means to throw or
strike. One of the important ritual observance during the course of hajj, is to
throw small stones at the Satan which ritual is known as "Rami." In this Hadith
(Tradition) the Holy Prophet (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) meant all
such weapons which demand throwing or hurting from a distance at the enemy. The
simplest form of this "throw" is by the hands with as much power as one is
capable of, and this power is in the hands of those nations in possession of
those weapons, especially firing cannon shells, hurting missiles, rockets or
even bombs of any description. All these weapons are thrown at the enemies from
a distance and these are the secrets of "power." If you refer to Ahadith
(Traditions) you will discover an ocean of the Knowledge of the Unseen spring up
from its bottom.
From what has been discussed with apparent justification and
presentable conviction, the following broad basic realities about the Knowledge
of the Unseen must be borne in mind to avoid any pitfalls from any biased and
intense quarters in this behalf.
- This first thing to be noted in this connection is
that the "Unseen" is a reality, concrete and irrefutable.
- That the "I'lm-i-Ghayb" or the "Knowledge of the
Unseen" belongs exclusively to Allah the Almighty as His Exclusive Divine
Prerogative, none having any share in it, or any power to controvert and refute
His Exclusive Domain. His knowledge is total.
- Allah the Almighty bestows this Knowledge of the
Unseen (I'lm-i-Ghayb) to his chosen servants.
- Allah the Almighty has granted this Knowledge of
the Unseen to the Apostles and Prophets.
- Allah the Almighty has granted this Knowledge of
the Unseen to the Holy Prophet Hazrat Muhammad (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam).
- The Holy Prophet (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam)
bestowed this Knowledge of the Unseen (I'lm-i-Ghayb) to his companions who in
turn passed this knowledge to the qualified persons who were entrusted with the
mission to propagate the Religion of Allah to succeeding generations.
No doubt, the great poet philosopher of Islam, Allama Iqbal,
has aptly summed up the illustrious personality of the Holy Prophet (sallal
laahu alaihi wasallam) in one of his beautiful couplets:
"Lauh bhi tu, Qalam bhi tu, tera wajud Al-Kitab
Ghumbad-e-Abgina rang tere muheet mein habab"
"You are O Holy Prophet (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) the
Scroll (of human destiny), you are the pen of Divine (with powers) to scribe and
delineate the affairs of the universe, you are the personification of the Book
of Allah. This vast glassy canopy (the sky) is not more than a bubble in the
vast ocean of your August Knowledge."
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