From the Layman’s Desk: Islamic Article No.18:
Part 8: A Brief Survey: Was Prophet (sal Allau alayhi wasallam) given the Knowledge of Unseen?
In the Name of Allah, Most Beneficent, Most Merciful.
Praise be to Allah, Lord of all the worlds, and blessings and peace of Allah upon His Prophet and Messenger Muhammad (sal Allahu alayhi wasallam), his Family and all his Companions.
In previous Parts, we noted that Unseen is divided as Kull (complete) and Ba`aD (some). Kull is only for Allah `Azza Wa Jall. But Ba`aD is given to Prophets and Awliya. The Ba`aD of Rasulallah Sallallahu `Alayhi wa Sallam is so much that it covers from the beginning of the Khalq (creation) to the time of Judgement day. In the last part we examined the implications of Surah Luqman verse 34 in relation to the Prophet’s (sal Allahu alayhi wasallam) knowledge of the unseen regarding the Five Secret Things. We also noted some of the transmitted proofs, one of them being: Tabarani, Imam AHmed in his Musnad reports, said HaDrat Abu Dharr al-Ghifaari : Rasulallah Sallallahu `Alayhi wa Sallam left us in a state such that there wasn’t a bird that would ruffle its feathers but Rasulallah Sallallahu `Alayhi wa Sallam hadn’t told us of it. (that is he has told us so much that he didn’t leave out even such a small thing)
If we go by the rational proof, we should note that speaking about the forming of the child in the womb of the mother, the Holy Prophet (sal Allahu alayhi wasallam) said that Allah sends an Angel who is ordered to write four things: he (the Angel) is ordered to write down its (the baby’s) deeds, its sustenance, its (date of) death, and whether it will be blessed or wretched (in religion). Then the soul is breathed into it…..” (Bukhari). So it is proven that the Five Secret Ghaibs are known to the angel who writes down the fate (Taqdeer). Another Hadith states “Allahعزوجل wrote the fates of the creations 50,000 years before He created the heavens and earth.” [Mishkaat. Kitaabul-Imaan, Baabul-Imaan bil-Qadr]. The Five Special Ghaibs are recorded in the Protected Tablet (Lawhe-Mahfooz). Hence, those angels who are appointed over it and, similarly, the Prophets and Saints whose vision can reach it, also possess the knowledge of them.
However, to adduce more evidence relating to the Holy Prophet’s (sal Allahu alayhi wasallam) knowledge of the Five Secret Thing or Uloom al-Khamsa, it will be pertinent to quote straight from the Shaykh Naeemuddin Moradabadi’s absheer al-Aquul Wa Tanbeeh al-Ghafuul Fee SharHi Wus`ati `Ilmi Rasuul:
“It is well known that the description of all things is written in the preserved Tablet the LawH al-MaHfuuDH. It should also be known that it is Makhluuq, creation and neither your Lord Almighty, nor any Attribute of His. The first thing from this we note is that knowledge of these five things is not a Shara`yee impossibility. Says QaDi `IyaD RaHimahullah in his Shifaa that Rasulallah Sallallahu `Alayhi wa Sallam has the MOST `Ilm in the entire creation. And since LawH and Qalam are also creation definitely Rasulallah Sallallahu `Alayhi wa Sallam has all the `Ilm that is contained therein.
Writes Shaykh Busayri in Qasidat al-Burda :
Wa Inna Min Juudikad Dunyaa Wa DDarratahaa
Wa Min `Uluumika `Ilmal LawHi Wal Qalami
Wa Kulluhum Min Rasulallahi Multamisun
Ghurfanm Minal BaHri Aw Rashfanm Minad Diyami!
[And be it this world or the hereafter, it is because of thy generosity Yaa Rasulallah Sallallahu `Alayka wa Sallam // And among thy knowledge is the knowledge of the LawH and the Qalam// And everyone asks of Rasulallah Sallallahu `Alayhi wa Sallam // (and all that they have) amounts to not more than a handful of water from the sea or a few drops from torrential rain.]
In Radd al-MuHtaar by Ibn `Aabideen Shaamee: It is written in SharH at TaHreer by HaDrat Shams al-Aimma Kardari that by mentioning something special it doesn’t prove that that which is left out does not hold true. [Fee SharHit TaHreer, `An Shamsil Aimmah al-Kardari Anna TakhSeeS ash-Shayya Bidhdhikri Laa Yadullu Nafiyal Hukma `Amma `Addahu.]
So, all the Hadeeths that say that Allah alone knows the Ghayb do not negate that Rasulallah Sallallahu `Alayhi wa Sallam or other Prophets or Angels or Awliya `Alayhimus Salaam do not know of the Ghayb even after being taught by Allah…”
Hadeeth of Bukhari: Said HaDrat `Umar that one day Rasulallah Sallallahu `Alayhi wa Sallam stood amongst us on a (high) spot and told us (gave news of) of (everything) since the beginning of creation to (the extent of) the time when the people of Paradise enter paradise and the people of Hell enter Hell; He who (could) memorize it (remember) memorized and he who (couldn’t) forgot. [`An `Umar Qaal Qaama Feena Rasulallah Sallallahu `Alayhi wa Sallam Maqaaman Fa Akhbarnaa `An Bad-il Khalqi Hatta Dakhala Ahlul Jannati Manaazilahum Wa Ahlun Naari Manaazilahum HafiDHa dhaalika Man HafiDHahuu Wa Nasiyahuu Man Nasiyahuu.]
Hadeeth of Muslim: Said `Amr ibn AkhTab al-AnSaari: Rasulallah Sallallahu `Alayhi wa Sallam did his Fajr Salaah one day and rose upon the pulpit and gave us a sermon until the DHuhr time arrived; He got down and did his DHuhr Salaah and rose upon the pulpit (again) and gave us a sermon until the `Asr time arrived; He got down and did his `ASr Salaah and rose upon the pulpit and gave us a sermon until the sun set. So, (therein) he told us of (gave us the news) all things that would happen till judgement day. Said (the reporter) the most knowledgeable amongst us is he who remembers the most. [`An `Amr ibnil AkhTabil AnSaari Qaala Salla Binaa Rasulallah Sallallahu `Alayhi wa Sallam Yawman al-Fajra wa SSa`yida `Alal Minbari Fa KhaTabnaa Hatta HaDaratiDH DHuhru Fa Nazala FaSallaa Thumma SSa`yidal Minbara Fa KhaTabna Fa KhaTabnaa Hatta HaDaratil `Asru Thumma Nazala FaSallaa Thumma SSa`yidal Minbara Hatta Gharabatish Shamsu Fa Akhbarnaa Bimaa Huwa Kaayinun Ilaa Yaumil Qiyaamati Qaala Fa-A`alamunaa AHfaDHunaa]
In the Hadeeth of both Muslim and Bukhari: It is reported from HaDrat Hudhayfaa, said he: " One day Rasulallah Sallallahu `Alayhi wa Sallam stood amongst us in a (high?) spot. And he did not leave out a thing that would happen till the ordained Hour of the Judgement day, (but he told us from that spot); He who could remember (as much) remembered and he who couldn’t, forgot. Among my companions (those who heard him that day) are those who recognize (the event) when it happens tho’ they seem to have forgotten; it is like a man’s face is forgotten once he is out of sight and when one sees him he recognizes him. [`An Hudhayfaa Qaal Qaama Feenaa Rasulallah Sallallahu `Alayhi wa Sallam Maqaaman Maa Taraka Shayyan Yakuunu Fee Maqaamihi dhaalika Ilaa Qiyaamis Saaati Illa Haddatha Bihi HafiDHahuu Man HafiDHahuu Wa Nasiyahuu Man Nasiyahuu Qad `Alimahuu ASHaabi Haa-ulaayi Annahu La Yakuunu Minhush Shayyun Qad Nasiyahuu Fa Araahu Fadhakarahuu Kamaa Yadhkurur Rajulu Wajhur Rajuli Idhaa Ghaaba Anhu Thumma idhaa Araahu Arafahuu]
In Mishkaat : It is reported from HaDrat Thawbaan RaDiyallahu `Anhu said he: Said Rasulallah Sallallahu `Alayhi wa Sallam Allah `Azza Wa Jall has lighted up the earth for me so that I saw all its easts and all its wests. (this hadeeth is long) [`An Thawbaan RaDiyallahu `Anhu Qaala Qaala Rasulallah Sallallahu `Alayhi wa Sallam Innallaha Zawwaa Liyal ArDa Fa Ra-aytu Mashaariqahaa Wa Maghaaribahaa …. ]
In Mishkaat from Darimi: It is reported from HaDrat `Abd ar-RaHmaan ibn `Aayish said he: Said Rasulallah Sallallahu `Alayhi wa Sallam I saw my Lord Sustainer `Azza Wa Jall in a pleasant manner; And He (My Lord) kept His Hand (as befits His Glory) between my shoulders and I could feel the coolness in my breast. Then (because of it) I came to know of all that is in the Heavens and all that is in the Earth and recited : " And it is this way we Shewed Ibraaheem of the Kingdom of the Heavens so that it could increase his faith. [note however that since HaDrat Ibraaheem `Alayhis Salaam was a believer already the mention Minal Muuqineen is increase his faith, Wallahu A`alam] [`An `Abd ar-RaHmaan ibni `Aayish Qaala Qaala Rasulallah Sallallahu `Alayhi wa Sallam Ra-aytu Rabbee `Azza Wa Jall Fee AHsani SSuuratin Qaala Feema YakhtaSimul Mala-ul A`alaa Qultu Anta A`alamu Qaala Fa WaDa`a Kaffahuu Bayna Katifiyya Fa Wajadttu Bardahaa Bayna Thadliyya Fa `Alimtu Maa Fis Samaawaati Wal ArDi Wa Tala-a " Wa Kadhaalika Nuree Ibraaheema Malakuutas Samaawaati Wal ArDi Wa Li Yakuuna Minal Muuqineen" ]
In Mishkaat a Hadeeth with the same words except the words [" Wajadttu Barda Anaamilhaa Bayna Thadayya Fatajalla Lee Kullu Shayyin"] I could find its coolness in my breast and everything was lighted up for me (so that I could know of everything).
In Mawaahib al Ladunniyyah by Imam AHmed Qastalaani this Hadeeth is reported from Tabaraani who reports from Ibn `Umar RaDiyallahu `Anhu Said he : Said Rasulallah Sallallahu `Alayhi wa Sallam Verily Allah `Azza Wa Jall raised the world for me so that I could see all that was therein and all that is going to happen till Judgement day and I could see it (as clearly and plainly) as I could see my hand. [" Qaala Qaala Rasulallah Sallallahu `Alayhi wa Sallam Innallaha Ta`aalaa Qad Rafa`a Liyad Dunyaa Fa Ana AnDHuru Ilayhaa Wa Ilaa Maa Huwa Kaayinun Feehaa Ilaa Yawmil Qiyaamati Ka annamaa Ana AnDHuru Ilaa Kaffee Hadhaa"]
Says Imam Zarqaani in SharaH of this Hadeeth: It points towards the subtle knowledge that he saw it, that is he was given its knowledge.
[ Innallahaa Qad Rafa`a Ayyi ADH-hara wa Kashafa Liyad Dunyaa Bi Haythu AhaTTu Bi Jamee`yi Maa Feehaa Fa Ana AnDHuru Ilayhaa Wa Ilaa Maa Huwa Kaayinun Feehaa Ilaa Yawmil Qiyaamati Ka Annama AnDHuru Ilaa Kaffee Haadhihi Ishaaratun Ilaa Annahu NaDHara Haqeeqatan Dafa`a Bihi Annahu Ureeda Bin NaDHaril `Ilm.]
Tabarani, Imam AHmed in his Musnad reports, said HaDrat Abu Dharr al-Ghifaari : Rasulallah Sallallahu `Alayhi wa Sallam left us in a state such that there wasn’t a bird that would ruffle its feathers but Rasulallah Sallallahu `Alayhi wa Sallam hadn’t told us of it. (that is he has told us so much that he didn’t leave out even such a small thing) [Laqad Taraknaa Rasulallah Sallallahu `Alayhi wa Sallam Wa Maa YuHarriku TTaayirun JanaaHayhi Illaa Dhakara Lanaa Minhu `Ilmaa]
Umdatul Qari SharaH Bukhaari by HaDrat `Aini on the mentioned above:
In it is the proof that Rasulallah Sallallahu `Alayhi wa Sallam made it known of all things that pertain to the creation from the beginning (genesis) to the end (the day of Judgement) in a single sitting and the doing so in a single sitting points towards a great circumstance which is among miracles and this demonstrates that he was given the miracle of Jawaami`y al Kalim (He who has given the gift of subtle, concise and comprehensive speech) Sallallahu `Alayhi wa Sallam. ["Feehi Dalaalatun `Ala Annahu Akhbara Fil Majlisil WaaHidi Bijamee`yi AHwaalil Makhluuqaati Min Ibtidaa-yihaa Ilaa Intihaa-yihaa Wa Fee Eeraadi dhalika Kulluhu Fee Majlisin WaaHidin Amrun `ADHeemun Min Khawaariqil `Aadati Kayfa Wa Qad U`uTee Ma`a Dhaalika Jawaami`yul Kalim Sallallahu `Alayhi wa Sallam"]
In the explanation of the Hadeeth in number says Mullah `Ali al-Qaari RaHimahullah in Mirqaat: ‘So I came to know’ that is by means of the blessings bestowed upon me, all that is in the Heavens and in the earth that is as all that Allah hath taught/informed from amongst the angels and the trees and other things. Which points/proves towards the vastness of his (Rasulallah Sallallahu `Alayhi wa Sallam) knowledge which Allah `Azza Wa Jall opened/informed him of. Said ibn Hajar that is the knowledge of all the Universe and all that is in the heavens and beyond as is evident from the event of Mi`raaj and the earth, that is all the seven earths and below it whether a bull or a fish on it/in it.
[Fa`Alimtu Ayyi Bisababi WuSuuli dhaalikal FayDi Maa Fis Samaawaati Wal ArDi Ya`ani Maa A`alamahullahu Ta`aalaa Mimma Feehaa Minal Malaayikati Wal Ashjaari Wa Ghayrihimaa `Ibaaratun `An Sa`ati `Ilmihilladhee FataHallahu bihi `Alayhi Wa Qaalabnu Hajar Ayyi Jameeyal Kaayinaatillatee fis Samaawaati Bal Maa Fawqahaa Kamaa Yustafaadu Min QiSSatil Mi`yraaji Wal ArDu Hiya Bi Ma`anaa al-Jinsi Ayyi Wa Jamee`ya Maa Fee ArDeenas Sab`yi Bal wa Maa TaHtahaa Kamaa Afaadahuu Ikhbaaruhuu `Alayhis Salaamu Minath Thawri wal Huutil ladhee `Alayhaa]
Said Jalaluddin as-SuyuuTi in RawDun NaDHeer SharaH Jaami`y as-Sagheer under the Hadeeth: Khamsun Laa Ya`alamuhunna Illallah: [There are five nobody knows except Allah.]
And his (Rasulallah Sallallahu `Alayhi wa Sallam) saying that nobody knows means that he nobody knows of his own accord; of his own self except Allah. But it should be known that by His own bestowing others also attain this knowledge as is evident amongst us that many have given news of death and that which is in the womb etc., [Fa Amma Qawluhuu Laa Ya`alamuhaa Illa Huwa Fa Mufassirun Bi Annahu Laa Ya`alamuhaa Ahadun Bidhaatihee Wa Min Dhaatihee Illa Huu; Laakin Qad Ya`alamu Bi I`ylaamillahi Ta`alaa Fa Inna thumma Man Ya`alamahumaa Wa Qad Wajadnaa Dhaalika Bi Ghayri WaaHidin Kamaa Ra-aynaa Jamaa`atan `Alimuu Mataa Yamuutuuna Wa `Alimuu Maa Fil ArHaami HHaala Hamlil Mar-ati Wa Qaabeelahu]
In Tafseer al-AHmadi: And be it known, you may say that the knowledge of these five are not known by anyone except Allah `Azza Wa Jall (as is the Nass); But, Allah teaches it to whosoever he wishes among his beloved ones and among the Awliya as His saying : Allah is the Knower of all things and Khabeer meaning he who gives/teaches news, knowledge. [Wa Laka An Taquula Anna `Ilma Haadhihil Khamsata Wa In Kaana Laa Ya`alamuhaa AHadun Illallaha Laakin Yajuuzu An Yu`allimuhaa Man Yashaa-u Min MuHibbeehi Wa Awliyaa-ihi Bi Qareenati Qawlihee Ta`alaa Innallaha `Aleemun Khabeer Bi Ma`anaa Al-Mukhbir]
In Jam`un Nihaaya Fee Bad-il Khayri Wal Ghaaya, says Imam Shanwani:
Nobody knows when the hour (of Judgement) is except Allah; So, no one knows of it, whether among the prominent Angels or a Prophet who is sent forth; Some Mufassirs have said that nobody knows of these five all by himself (Ladunniyyan, Dhaatiyyan) without any means except Allah `Azza Wa Jall; for the Knowledge of these things to be known all by himself is His attribute; And the knowledge of these things by a means, then it is not restricted to Allah (for He teaches Himself); [Laa Ya`alamu Mataa Taquumus Saa`ata Illallaha Falaa Ya`alamu dhaalika Malakun Muqarrabun Wa Laa Nabiyyun Mursalun Qaala Ba`aDul Mufassireena Laa Ya`alama Haadhihil Khamsa `Ilman Ladunniyyan Dhaatiyyan Bilaa WaaSiTatin Illallaha Fal `Ilmu Bi HaadhihiS Sifati Mimma IkhtaSSallahu Ta`aalaa Bihaa; Wa Amma Bi WaaSiTatin Falaa YakhtaSSu bihee Ta`aalaa]
Mirqaat SharH of Mishkaat by Mullah `Ali al-Qaari RaHimahullahul Baari explaining the Hadeeth: "Inni La A`arifu Asmaa-ahum Wa Asmaa-a Aabaayihim Wa Alwaana Khuyuulihim" [Verily I know of all their names and their father’s names and the colors of their horses. (this Hadeeth is about the people who cast fitna like the Deobandis)] says,
That is among the miracles of the Prophet `Alayhis Salaam which is document that the Knowledge of Rasulallah Sallallahu `Alayhi wa Sallam is MuHeeT (that which covers) all among the complete (things of creation) and parts (minute things) of the Universe and all apart from it. [Feehi Ma`a Kawnihi Minal Mu`ujizaati Dalaalatun `Alaa Anna `Ilmuhu Sallallahu `Alayhi wa Sallam MuHeeTun Bil Kulliyyaati Wal Juz-yiyyati Minal Kaa-inaati Waghayrahaa]
Khalaqal Insaana `Allamahul Bayaan And Allah created the Human (MuHammad Sallallahu `Alayhi wa Sallam ) and taught him speech (of all that happened and all that is to happen)
Said Imam Baghawi in Mu`aalimut Tanzeel: ( Sura rahman , ayat 3-4) Tafsir Baghawi. Said Ibn Keesan Khalaqal Insaan He created human, that is MuHammad Sallallahu `Alayhi wa Sallam. `Allamahul Bayaan taught him speech that is speech, description of all that hath happened and all that shall come to be. [Qaal Ibn Keesaan Khalaqal Insaan, Ya`anee MuHammadin Sallallahu `Alayhi wa Sallam `Allamahul Bayaan. Ya`anee Bayaani Maa Kaana Wa Maa Yakuun.]
Wa Nazzalnaa `Alaykal Kitaaba Tibyaanal Likulli Shayy; And We (Allah) sent down upon thee a book that manifests everything. [Note that Kulli Shayy is general as Allah says, `Ala Kulli Shayyin Qadeer // He has power over all things. The same way the Qur'an describes EVERYTHING. Wallahu A`alam]
Said Imam Abd al-Wahhab Sha`araani in Kibreet al-AHmar : And our Shaykh HaDrat `Ali al-KhawwaS RaDiyallahu `Anhu said, I heard from him: A person is not considered as complete (mureed) by us as long as he doesn’t know of his Mureeds from the time of his being transferred as a seed since the time of Alastu (when Allah asked "Am I not thine Rabb?") to the point whether he enters paradise or hell. [Wa Amma Shaykhunas Sayyidu `Aliyyun al-KhawwaS RaDiyallahu `Anhu Fasami`ytuhu Yaquulu Laa Yakmalur Rajulu `Indana Hatta Ya`alama Harakaati Mureedihi Fee Intiqaalihi Fil ASlaabi Wa Huwa NuTfatun Min Yawmi A Lastu Birabbikum Ilaa Istiqraarihee Fil Jannati Aw Fin Naar]
Said Shaykh al-Jeelani: NaDHartuu Ilaa Bilaadillahi Jam`an :: Ka Khardalatin `Ala Hukmitti Saali [I see all the cities created by Allah as if I see a small speck of mustard seed on my palm! ( an interesting aside is someone asked how is it that Rasulallah Sallallahu `Alayhi wa Sallam could see it as he could see his palm and Shaykh al-Jeeli RaDiyallahu `Anhu could see it as a mustard seed. Our Shaykh replied, THAT under the mustard seed is hidden from Shaykh al-Jeelani, but even that is not hidden from Rasul `Alayhi AfDalus Salaatu Was Salaam)]
It is in RuH al-Bayaan: And thus his (Rasulallah Sallallahu `Alayhi wa Sallam) knowledge encompasses all the (Ba`aD)Unseen of the skies as has been reported in the Hadeeth. [Wa Kadhaa SSaara `Ilmuhu MuHeeTan Bi Jamee`yil Ma`aluumaatil Ghaybiyyatil Malakuutiyyati Kamaa Jaa-a Fee Hadeethi IkhtiSaamil Malaayikah;]
In Khaazin this Hadeeth is by Suddi: Said Suddi said Rasulallah Sallallahu `Alayhi wa Sallam all the faces of people among my Ummah were presented to me as were presented to HaDrat Aadam `Alayhis Salaam and I was made known of who will be a Muslim and who a Kaafir; when this reached the Munafiqs, they said mocking, MuHammad (Sallallahu `Alayhi wa Sallam) speaks of those who are not even created, and we are amongst him, he doesn’t know who is a Muslim amongst us. When Rasulallah Sallallahu `Alayhi wa Sallam heard of it, he stood up on the pulpit and said, "what has become of a nation that speaks ill of my knowledge. You do not ask of what is amongst you now and anything until Judgment day, that I cannot tell you of". And this hadeeth continues with HaDrat `Abdullah ibn Hudhaafah as-Sahamee asking who his father was; Rasulallah Sallallahu `Alayhi wa Sallam replied that his father was Hudaafah; HaDrat `Umar RaDiyallahu `Anhu stood up and said we are pleased with Allah as our Lord and Islam as our Religion Qur'an as our Imam (book of revelation) and as thee as our Prophet, please forgive us may Allah forgive thee; Said Rasulallah Sallallahu `Alayhi wa Sallam Will you stop now? And got down from the pulpit.
[Qaalas Suddi Qaala Rasulallah Sallallahu `Alayhi wa Sallam `UriDat `Alayya Ummatee fee SSuwarihaa FiT Teeni Kamaa `UriDat `Alaa Aaadama Wa U`ulimtu Man Yu-minu Wa Man Yakfuru Fa Balagha dhaalikal Munaafiqeena Qaaluu Istihzaa-an Za`ama MuHammadun Sallallahu `Alayhi wa Sallam Innahu Ya`alamu Man Yu-minu Bihi Wa Man Yakfuru Minmman Yakhluqu Ba`adu Wa NaHnu Ma`ahuu Wa Maa Ya`arifuna; Fa Balagha Dhaalika Rasulallah Sallallahu `Alayhi wa Sallam Fa Qaama `Alal Minbari Fa HHamidallaha Wa Athnaa `Alayhi thumma Qaala Maa Baalu Aqwaamin TT`anuu Fee `Ilmee? Laa Tas-aluunee `An Shayyin Feemaa Baynakum wa Baynas Saa`ati Illaa An-ba-atukum Bihee …]
I say, our Rasul Sallallahu `Alayhi wa Sallam is telling people of their fathers and you ask of what is in the womb?
It is in Khaazin: When Rasulallah Sallallahu `Alayhi wa Sallam says that he doesn’t have this `Ilm it is his humility and his recognition of the fact that he is a slave of Allah. [Innamaa Nafaa `An Nafsihish Shareefati Haadhihil Ashyaa-a TawaaDu`an Lillahi Ta`aalaa Wa I`ytiraafan Lahuu Bil `Ubuudiyyati]
It is in the Fataawa of Imam Nawawi:
Question: What is the meaning of the Aayat, "Nobody knows of what is in the heavens and the earth among the Unseen except Allah" and its like tho’ it is among the Mu`jiza of Rasulallah Sallallahu `Alayhi wa Sallam that he was taught the knowledge of Maa fee Ghadd what will happen tomorrow and among the miracles of Awlia RaDiyallahu `Anhum.
Answer: Its meaning is nobody knows of these things of his own accord, (independently without being taught by Allah) except Allah `Azza Wa Jall. And the miracles of Prophets and Awlia, (it should be known) that it is by Allah teaching them, not of their own.
[Mas-alah: Ma Ma`anaa Qawlillahi Ta`aalaa Laa Ya`alamu Man Fis Samaawaati Wal ArDil Ghayba Illallah Wa Ashbaahu dhaalika Ma`a Annahu Qad `Ulima `Ilma Maa Fee Ghadin Min Mu`jizaatin Nabiyyi `Alayhis Salaatu Was Salaam wa Fee Karaamaatil Awliaa RaDiyallahu `Anhum;
Al-Jawaab: Ma`anaahu Laa Ya`alamu Dhaalika Istiqlaalan Wa Ammal Mu`jizaata Wal Karaamaat Fa HaSalat Bi I`ylaamillahi Laa Istiqlaalan]
In Fataawa al-Hadeethiyyah of HaDrat Ibn Hajar al-Makki:
It means nobody knows of his own accord, the knowledge that encompasses all things except Allah Ta`aalaa (His knowledge is his own, not by anyone’s teaching) But the miracles of Prophets and Awlia then they have it by being taught by Allah. [Ma`anaahaa Laa Ya`alama dhaalika Istiqlaalan `Ilma IHaaTatan BiKullil Ma`aluumati Illallaha Ta`aalaa Wa Ammal Mu`jizaata Wal Karaamaata Fa Bi I`ylaamillahi Ta`aalaa Lahum HaSalat Wa Kadhaa Maa `Alima Bi Ajzaayil `Aadah]
In Naseem ar-RiyaaD Bi SharHish Shifaa Li QaDi `IyaaD by Imam Shihaabuddeen Khaffaji:
These Aayat which (outwardly mean) that ‘nobody knows’ do not contradict those which mean that ‘Allah gives it to those He wills’; for that which is being negated is that kind of `Ilm which is without any means, and that which is taught by Allah, bestowed by Him then, it is a accepted fact that (it is true) by the Aayat: "Nobody knows of the Unseen except Allah and He bestows it to whom He Wills among the chosen ones among His messengers" [Haadhaa Laa Yanaafi al-Ayatad Daallati `Alaa Annahu Laa Ya`alamal Ghayba Illallaha Ta`aalaa Fa Innal Manfee `Ilmuhu Min Ghayri WaaSiTatin Wa Amma ITTIlaa`yihi `Alayhi Bi I`ylaamillahi Ta`aalaa Fa Amrun MutaHaqqiqun Bi Qawlihi Falaa YuDH-hiru `Alaa Ghaybihii AHadaa"]
`Allamah Ibraahiim Bayjuuri in SharaH QaSeedat al-Burdaa says: (HaDrat Ibraheem Bayjuuri has also written a Hashiyah on Jawhara)
"And Rasulallah Sallallahu `Alayhi wa Sallam did not leave this world without his being informed by Allah on (everything including) the five unseen ones." [Wa Lam Yakhruj Sallallahu `Alayhi wa Sallam Minad Dunyaa Illa Ba`ada An A`alamahullahu Ta`aalaa Bi Haadhihil Umuuril Khamsah]
Sharif `Abd al-`Azeez says in his Kitaab al-Ibreez :
I told my Shaykh RaDiyallahu `Anhu that many `Ulama scholars of the Dhaahir (that is fiqh) and MuHadditheen have disagreed upon the fact whether Rasulallah Sallallahu `Alayhi wa Sallam knew of these five things among the unseen or not as Allah says: "It is with him the knowledge of the hour.." Said he (my shaykh) How can it be that such five things are hidden (not known) by Rasulallah Sallallahu `Alayhi wa Sallam and a saint (ahlut TaSarruf) among his Ummah cannot do TaSarruf (do works assigned to them by Allah, various things as the power bestowed upon them by Allah) without these five. [Qultu Lish Shaykhi RaDiyallahu `Anhu Fa Inna `Ulamaa aDH-DHaahiri Minal MuHadditheena Wa Ghayrihim Ikhtalafuu Fin Nabiyyi Sallallahu `Alayhi wa Sallam Hal Kaana Ya`alamul Khamsal Madhkuuraati Fee Qawlihi Ta`aalaa Innallaha `Indahuu `Ilmus Saa`ati (al-Aayah); Faqaala Kayfa Yakhfaa Amrul Khamsi `Alayhi Sallallahu `Alayhi wa Sallam Wal WaaHidu Min Ahlit TaSarrufi Min Ummatihish Shareefati Laa Yumkinahut TaSarrufu Illaa Bi Ma`arifati Haadhihil Khams]
It is in RuH al Bayaan under the Aayat: Yas-aluunaka Ayyana Mursaahaa, i.e. They ask thee of when the hour shall come.
Some of our Shaykhs are of the opinion that Nabiyy Sallallahu `Alayhi wa Sallam knew of the hour of Judgement day by being taught/informed by Allah and this doesn’t contradict the other Aayats. [Qad dhahaba Ba`aDal Mashaayikhi Ilaa Annan Nabiyyi Sallallahu `Alayhi wa Sallam Kaana Ya`arifu Waqtas Saa`ati Bi I`ylaamillahi Ta`aalaa Wa Huwaa Laa Yanaafiyal HaSru Fil Aayati Kamaa Laa Yakhfaa]
FutuuHaat Wahbiyyah SharH Arba`een an-Nawawiyyah by Ibn `ATiyyah:
If someone says Rasulallah Sallallahu `Alayhi wa Sallam said " I and the hour (of judgement) were sent in this manner (and Rasulallah Sallallahu `Alayhi wa Sallam showed two fingers side by side); this is a proof that he was given the knowledge of (when it would come to pass); And the Aayat seems contrary to this that means that only Allah `Azza Wa Jall alone knows of it ---- the answer is which Haleemi said: that it means that I am the last prophet and no one shall come after me, and only the Judgement day shall come after me. But the truth of the matter is as held by a group that Allah, Glory be to the Exalted Lord, did not take away our Nabi (Rasulallah Sallallahu `Alayhi wa Sallam) from this world before he informed him of all these things and the like that were (previously) hidden from him; Yet, he was commanded to speak out on some and keep secret of some other things.
[Fa In Qeela Qawlihi Sallallahu `Alayhi wa Sallam Bu`yithtu Ana Was Saa`atu Ka Haatayni Yadullu `Ala Anna `Indahuu Minhaa `Ilman Wal Aayaatu TaqtaDaa Annallaaha Mutafarridun Bi `Ilmihaa Fal Jawaabu Kamaa Qaalal Haleemee Anna Ma`anaahu Annan Nabiyyal Aakhiru Falaa Yalaynee Nabiiyn Aakharu Wa Innamaa Talayniyal Qiyaamatu Wal Haqqu Kamaa Qaala Jam`u Annallaha SubHaanahu Wa Ta`aalaa Lam YaqbiDa Nabiyyinaa `Alayhis Salaatu Was Salaam Hatta ATTala`ahuu `Ala Kulli Maa Ab-hamahuu `Anhu Illaa `Annahuu Amarahuu Bi Katami Ba`aDin Wal I`ylaami Bi Ba`aD]
Mirqaat SharH Mishkaat by `Ali al-Qari :
Wa Innamaa Mana`al Qaayilati Bi Qawlihaa Waffayan Nabiyyin: Regarding the meaning of the Hadeeth when a small girl was disallowed by Rasulallah Sallallahu `Alayhi wa Sallam to say ‘we have with us our Rasul Sallallahu `Alayhi wa Sallam who knows of what is tomorrow’.
It is because of the unpleasantness that he was mentioned as he who knows unseen other than Allah. And yet, the Rasul knows of the unseen all that is informed/taught by Allah. Or the reason (for the Rasul to ask the girl to say something else) is because of the unpleasantness of the situation in which the Prophet `Alayhis Salaam was mentioned while playing a musical instrument and among an elegy because Rasul `Alayhis Salaam is exalted in rank (he should be accorded due respect). [Li Karaahati Nisbati `Ilmil Ghaybi Ilayhi Li Annahu Laa Ya`alamul Ghayba Illallaha Wa Innamaa Ya`alamur Rasuulu Minal Ghaybi Maa A`alamahu Awil Karaahati An Yudhkira Fee Athnaayi DDarbid Daffi Wa Athnaayi Marthiyatinil Qatlaa Li `Uluwwi ManSabihi `An Dhaalik]
In SharaH al-MaqaaSid by `Allama Taftaazaani :
Here it is not general but specific about the Hour when the Judgement day shall be ordained and it is not far fetched (that is it is not wrong) that Allah `Azza Wa Jall informed of this to His messengers among the men and the Angels. [Innal Ghayba Haa Hunaa Laysa `Alal `Amuumi Bal MuTlaqun Aw Mu`ayyinun Huwa Waqti Wuquu`yil Qiyaamati Bi Qareenatis Siyaaqi Wa Laa Yab`adu An YuTTali`u `Alayhi Ba`aDar Rasuuli Minal Malaa-yikati Wal Bashar]
In Mishkaat HaDrat Ibn Mas`uud RaDiyallahu `Anhu reports:
And then (while the child is in the mother’s womb) Allah will send an Angel with four Words to be written: And the angel writes what all he does, and when (where) he dies, and his food (to be generic all that he earns) and whether he is a blessed one or an accursed one. [Thumma Yab`athullahu Malakan Bi Arba`yi Kalimaatin Fa Yaktubu `Amaluhuu Wa Ajaluhuu Wa Rizquhuu Wa Shaqiyyun Aw Sa`eed]
`Allama Dameeri in Hayaat al-Haywaan: This is the event in which a villager came to Rasulallah Sallallahu `Alayhi wa Sallam and told him that if he was a true prophet if he could tell him what was in the womb of his she-camel. At that time HaDrat Salamah ibn Salaamah who was yet a small kid said, "don’t ask Rasulallah Sallallahu `Alayhi wa Sallam about it. Ask me, I will tell you. There is in it (the womb) the proof of an indecent act you have done. Rasulallah Sallallahu `Alayhi wa Sallam asked him to keep quiet. [In Kunta Rasulallah Sallallahu `Alayhi wa Sallam fakhbirnee `Amma fee BaTni Naaqati Haadhihee; Fa Qaala Lahu Salamah ibn Salaamah ibn Waqsh Wa Kaana Ghulaaman Haddathan; Laa Tas-al Rasulallah Sallallahu `Alayhi wa Sallam Wa Aqbil `Alayya Fa ANa Akhbiruka `An Dhaalik. Nazawtu `Alayhaa Fa Fee BaTnihaa Sakhlatun Minka…]
In Mishkat: Said HaDrat `Umar RaDiyallahu `Anhu Rasulallah Sallallahu `Alayhi wa Sallam used to show us the places in Badr a day before and marked it with a stick. He said this is the place (of death) of such and such a person tomorrow Insha Allah. This is the place (of death) of such and such a person tomorrow Inshaa Allah. Said HaDrat `Umar RaDiyallahu `Anhu I swear by He who hath sent him with truth (as a true prophet) none of the persons mentioned were out of the lines drawn by Rasulallah Sallallahu `Alayhi wa Sallam a day before. [Qaala `Umar Inna Rasulallah Sallallahu `Alayhi wa Sallam Kaana Yureenaa MuSaari`in Ahlal Badri Bil Amsi Yaquulu Haadhaa MuSra`yi Fulaanan Ghadan, Inshaa Allah. Wa Haadhaa MuSrayi Fulaanan Ghadan Inshaa Allah; Qaala `Umar Walladhee Ba`athahuu Bil Haqqi Ma Akhtaul Huduudullatee Haddahaa Rasulallah Sallallahu `Alayhi wa Sallam …]
In Tabarani al-Kabeer: It is reported from ibn `Umar RaDiyallahu `Anhumaa that he said: Said Rasulallah Sallallahu `Alayhi wa Sallam that HaDrat Husayn RaDiyallahu `Anhu will be martyred in the beginning of the sixtieth year after my Hijirah. [`An Ibn `Umar RaDiyallahu `Anhumaa Qaala Qaala Rasulallah Sallallahu `Alayhi wa Sallam Yuqtalul Husaynu `Ala Ra-asi Sitteena Sanatin Min Muhaajiri]
In Sawi `alal Jalaalayn under the Aayat: Yas-aluunaka `Anis Saa`ah They ask thee of the Hour (of Judgement):
Verily it is the time of questioning and our Prophet Sallallahu `Alayhi wa Sallam did not leave this world until Allah `Azza Wa Jall had informed him of all the unseen (knowledge of the creation) and among it is the knowledge of the Hour. [Innamaa Huwa Waqtus Su-aali Wa Illa Fa Lam Yakhruj Nabiyyina Sallallahu `Alayhi wa Sallam Hatta ATTal`ahullahu `Alaa Jamee`yil Mughayyibaati Wa Min Jumlatihaa As-Saa`ah]
In the same Saawi under the Aayat: Yas-aluunaka `Anis Saa`ati Ayyana Mursaahaa: They ask thee of the Hour (of judgement) as to when it shall come to pass.
This aayat is before Allah informed him `Alayhis Salaam of the hour. This doesn’t contradict the fact that Rasulallah Sallallahu `Alayhi wa Sallam did not leave this world until Allah informed him of all the things among the unseen whether from this world or the hereafter. [Wa Haadha Qabla I`ylaamihi Bi Waqtihaa Falaa Yunaafee Annahu `Alayhis Salaam Lam Yakhrujid Dunyaa Hatta A`alamahullahu Bi Jamee`yi Mughayyibaatid Dunyaa Wal Aakhirah]
It is in RuH al Bayaan: Our Shuyuukh are of the opinion that our Prophet Sallallahu `Alayhi wa Sallam knew of the hour by the bestowing of Allah `Azza Wa Jall and this doesn’t contradict the Aayats. [Qad Dhahabal Mashaayiqu Ilaa Annan Nabiyya `Alayhis Salaam Kaana Ya`arifu Waqtas Saa`ati Bi I`ylaamillahi Wa Huwa Laa Yunaafiyal HaSra Fil Aayah]
It is in RuH al Bayan under: Ilayhi Yuraddu `Ilmus Saa`ah [Towards He (Allah) is the knowledge of the Hour (of Judgement)] The meaning of this is that nobody else knows on his own; and this doesn’t contradict the fact that Rasulallah Sallallahu `Alayhi wa Sallam did not leave this world until he was given the knowledge of what all happened and what all is to happen and amongst these is the knowledge of the hour. [Al Ma`anaa Laa Yufeedu `Ilmahu Ghayrahuu Ta`aalaa Falaa Yanaafee Anna Rasulallah Sallallahu `Alayhi wa Sallam Lam Yakhruj Minad Dunyaa Hattaa `UTliya Maa Kaana Wa Maa Yakuunu Wa Maa Huwa Kaayinun Wa Min Jumlatihee `Ilmus Saa`ah]
Saawi on Jalaalayn under: Maa dhaa Taksibu Ghadaa says: Which means nobody knows it by his own self except Allah and that which is by his teaching his slaves doesn’t oppose the aforesaid meaning as he does bestow it on his Prophets and many among His Awliya as is evident from the Aayat: "Nobody can gauge (anything) from His knowledge excepting those whom He wills (to give)" and said He: "He doesn’t let know of theUnseen to anyone excepting those among His chosen ones among the Messengers" And neither does it negate that many of his pious slaves also knew among the unseen; so it is a miracle of a Prophet or a Wali to have attained that knowledge. Therefore the `Ulama of Haqq [Definitely not Deobandis] the True Scholars have said that our Prophet Sallallahu `Alayhi wa Sallam did not leave this world until Allah had informed him of these five things, the `Uluum al-Khams. [Ayyi Min Haythu Dhaatihaa Wa Amma Bi I`ylaamillahi Lil `Abdi Falaa Maani`a Minhu Kal Anbiyaai wa Ba`Dil Awliaa-I Qaala Ta`aalaa Wa Laa YuHeetuuna Bi Shayyin Min `Ilmihi Illa Bimaa Shaa-a Qaala Ta`aalaa Falaa YuDH-hiru `Alaa Ghaybihii AHadaa; Illa ManirtaDaa Minar Rasuul; Falaa Maani`ya Min Kawnillahi YuTli`u Ba`aDa `IbaadihiS Saliheena `Alaa Ba`aDil Mughayyibaati Fa Takuunu Mu`ujizatan Lin Nabiyyi wa Karaamatan Lil Waliyyi Wa Lidhaalika Qaalal `Ulamaa al-Haqqu Annahuu Lam Yakhruj Nabiyyunaa Minad Dunyaa Hatta ATTala`ahuu `Alaa tilkal Khams]
Irshaad as-Saari Imam Qastalani:
Nobody knows when the Judgement day is ordained (the Hour) except Allah or those amongst the Messenger Allah has chosen (and given them such knowledge) for He has informed them of this and also the Awliya who are his (the prophet’s followers) who take this knowledge from him (the prophet `Alayhis Salaam) [Laa Ya`alamu Mataa Taquumus Saa`atu Illallahu Wa Illa ManirtaDaa Minar Rasuuli Fa Innahuu YuTli`ahu `Alaa Ghaybihii Wal Waliyyut Taabi`u Lahuu Ya-khudhu `Anhu]
A hadeeth in Mishkaat which says that Rasulallah Sallallahu `Alayhi wa Sallam brought two books one day and said that these books contain the names of those in heaven and those in hell.
Says Jalaluddin SuyuuTi In KhaSaayis al-Kubraa: It was presented to him (Rasulallah Sallallahu `Alayhi wa Sallam) all that was to happen till Judgement day among his Ummah. [`UriDa `Alayhi Maa Huwa Kaayinun Fee Ummatihi Hatta Taquumus Saa`ah]
Says he in KhaSaayis al-Kubraa: Amongst the scholars are of the opinion that he Sallallahu `Alayhi wa Sallam was given the five Uluum al-Khams too and the knowledge of the hour and the knowledge of RuuH, the Soul but he was commanded to hide these things. [Dhahaba Ba`aDahum Ilaa Annahu Sallallahu `Alayhi wa Sallam Uutiya `Ilmul Khamsi AyDan Wa `Ilmus Sa`ati War RuuHi Wa Annahu Umira Bi Katami dhaalika]
Imam Busayri:
Wasi`al `Aalameena `Ilmanw Wa Hikmaa
Fa Huwa BaHrun Lam Ta`eehal A`abaa-u
His (Rasulallah Sallallahu `Alayhi wa Sallam) knowledge and wisdom is so vast // that it is like a sea of which nobody can gauge the depth.
Said Ibn Hajar al-Makki in SharaH of this verse: That is Allah `Azza Wa Jall taught/informed him (Rasulallah Sallallahu `Alayhi wa Sallam) of all that is in the worlds so much that he possessed the knowledge of those that were before and those that came after. And that which happened and that which shall happen. ["Li Annallaha Ta`aalaa ATTala`ahuu `Alal `Aalami Fa `Alimal Awwaleena Wal Aakhareena Wa Maa Kaana Wa Maa Yakuun"]
There are other passages too from `Araayis al-Bayaan and from Tafseer al-Kabeer by Imam Raazi; from IHyaa by Imam al-Ghazzali; from Madaarik by Imam Haakim; Tafseer Nishaapuri; and many others.
A subtle note by A`ala HaDrat Imam AHmed RiDa: Allah has mentioned in the Qur-aan: Wa `Indahuu MafaatiHul Ghayb [And with He (Allah) are the keys of the Unseen]. Lahuu Maqaaleedus Samaawaati Wal ArD [And with He (Allah) are the keys of the Heavens and the earths]. Now in the first Aayat MafateeH is used and in the second Maqaaleed is used; both mean keys. But just look, take the first & last letter of MafateeH You have Meem and HHaa; take the first & last letters of Maqaaleed you have Meem and Daal. Add them and you have MuHammad! Sallallahu `Alayhi wa Sallam!...."
What hypocrisy!!! How can they who claim to be the followers of Prophet (sal Allahu alayhi wasallam) harbour a disease in their heart to diminish the high ranks of Rasulallah Sallallahu `Alayhi wa Sallam by denying the miracle of the Knowledge of Unseen bestowed by Allah upon his beloved Messenger (sal Allahu alayhi wasallam)? Strange as it may seem, on the other hand they raise the ranks of their Elders and Scholars by attributing them the knowledge of Unseen while uttering blasphemous statments in respect of Prophet (sal Allahu alayhi wasallam). Before checking that out, let's proceed with some other objections of the Deobandis/Wahhabis on this susbject.
Continued in Part 9….
NASIR
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