• Ilm-e-Ghaib of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ: A Sunni Scholarly Exposition by Allama Dr. Shaykh Hami.


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Ilm-e-Ghaib of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ: A Sunni Scholarly Exposition by Allama Dr. Shaykh Hami.

Ilm-e-Ghaib of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ: A Sunni Scholarly Exposition by Allama Dr. Shaykh Hami.

Sheikh Sameer Manzoor:

Ilm-e-Ghaib, or the knowledge of the unseen, occupies a foundational place in Islamic theology and spiritual understanding. Literally, ghaib means that which is hidden, concealed, or beyond ordinary human perception. It encompasses realities that humans cannot perceive through senses, intellect, or reasoning alone, including future events, spiritual truths, divine decrees, and hidden aspects of creation. According to Allama Dr. Shaykh Hami, understanding Ilm-e-Ghaib is essential for a believer, because it directly impacts the correct conception of Prophethood, divine guidance, and the limits of human understanding. He emphasizes that misconceptions about Ilm-e-Ghaib often lead to theological distortions, either through denial of the Prophet’s divinely granted knowledge or by attributing to him knowledge that belongs only to Allah. Therefore, a precise, Quran- and Sunnah-based understanding is essential for both intellectual clarity and spiritual development. The knowledge of the unseen can be understood in two interconnected but distinct ways. First, there is Ilm-e-Ghaib al-Zatii, which refers to the absolute, intrinsic knowledge of all that is hidden; this is exclusively Allah’s domain. Humans, angels, and even the Prophets cannot possess this by their own will. Second, there is Ilm-e-Ghaib al-Atai, which is knowledge of certain hidden matters that Allah may grant to His chosen servants, primarily the Prophets. Shaykh Hami stresses that this knowledge is always selective, purposeful, provided for the guidance of humanity, to warn of future events, or to establish the legitimacy of Prophethood. He further clarifies that this distinction safeguards the principle of Tawheed while simultaneously affirming the extraordinary status of the Prophet ﷺ as the ultimate recipient of divinely granted knowledge. The scope of Ilm-e-Ghaib thus spans spiritual insight, future foreknowledge, inner states of people, and critical information necessary for societal and ethical guidance. The Quran repeatedly emphasizes that only Allah possesses full, intrinsic knowledge of the unseen. “And with Him are the keys of the unseen; none knows them except Him” (Surah Al-Anam, 6:59). Shaykh Hami notes that this verse is fundamental in safeguarding Islamic monotheism, as it clearly delineates the boundary between the divine and the created. No human, angel, or saint can claim independent access to the unseen; any knowledge granted to Prophets or select servants is contingent upon Allah’s permission. This theological boundary is critical because it preserves the concept of divine sovereignty while allowing for the exceptional status of Prophets as conduits of divine guidance. By understanding this, believers avoid both extremes: diminishing the Prophet’s station or attributing divine qualities to him. Despite Allah’s exclusivity, the Quran explicitly allows for specific disclosures of the unseen to chosen messengers. “He does not disclose His unseen to anyone except to messengers of His choice” (Surah Al-Jinn 72:26–27). He explains that this selective granting of knowledge is a vital component of Prophethood. Without access to relevant knowledge, the Prophet ﷺ could not provide guidance, warn of future events, or enact legislation and ethical norms. The knowledge granted to the Prophet always serves a purpose: it is never arbitrary or self-serving. This understanding clarifies that the Prophet’s insights, foresight, and revelation are divinely authorized and instrumental for the spiritual and practical guidance of humanity.

In the Sunni creed, belief in the Prophet’s divinely granted knowledge is a cornerstone of Aqeedah. Ahl-e-Sunnat affirms that: (a) Allah alone possesses absolute and intrinsic knowledge of the unseen; (b) the Prophet ﷺ received selected knowledge as granted by Allah; and (c) this knowledge does not compromise Allah’s uniqueness. Shaykh Hami elaborates that this middle path is central to Sunni theology, avoiding two extremes: denying any prophetic access to unseen knowledge, which undermines the reality of Prophethood, or exaggerating the Prophet’s abilities to the level of omniscience, which violates the principle of Tawheed. This balanced understanding reinforces both reverence for the Prophet and doctrinal integrity. Belief in Ilm-e-Ghaib granted to the Prophet ﷺ is essential not only for theological correctness but also for spiritual and practical understanding. He highlights that this belief validates the reality of miracles, foretelling of events, ethical guidance, and divine revelation. Without acknowledging the Prophet’s granted knowledge, the coherence of his mission, the authenticity of his guidance, and the occurrence of historical miracles become difficult to rationalize. Furthermore, this belief strengthens a spiritual connection with the Prophet ﷺ, nurturing love, devotion, and adherence to his Sunnah. Correct comprehension of Ilm-e-Ghaib ensures that reverence for the Prophet is informed by knowledge and understanding, rather than blind imitation or superstition. The Quran provides multiple instances affirming the Prophet’s divinely granted knowledge. In addition to Surah Al-Anam 6:59 and Surah Al-Jinn 72:26–27, the Quran states: “And He taught you that which you did not know” (Surah Al-Baqarah 2:151). Shaykh Hami explains that this knowledge includes understanding divine guidance, specific aspects of hidden matters, and insight necessary for moral and social legislation. The Quranic text consistently presents the Prophet ﷺ as a recipient of knowledge essential for fulfilling his mission, emphasizing that it is divinely granted and limited in scope. Authentic Hadith literature further illustrates the Prophet’s access to Ilm-e-Ghaib. The Prophet ﷺ said: “I have been given five things which were not given to anyone before me” (Sahih al-Bukhari). Among these gifts is the knowledge of certain unseen events, insight into human hearts, and foreknowledge of future occurrences permitted by Allah. He emphasizes that these narrations show the functional nature of prophetic knowledge, it is practical, ethical, and spiritual, rather than abstract or omniscient. The Hadiths also provide examples of specific instances, such as foretelling victories, guiding communities, and warning of trials, which reinforce the reality and purpose of this knowledge. Shaykh Hami categorizes the Prophet’s granted knowledge into four main areas: (1) knowledge of revelation (Wahy), which forms the foundation of guidance; (2) knowledge of specific unseen events granted by Allah; (3) insight into human hearts and inner states, enabling ethical and spiritual guidance; and (4) foresight of future signs, calamities, or social occurrences as permitted by Allah. This categorization clarifies that the Prophet’s knowledge was selective, purpose-driven, and always subordinate to Allah’s ultimate omniscience. It also prevents misunderstandings regarding the Prophet’s status and capabilities. Classical scholars, including Ibn Kathir, Al-Qurtubi, and Al-Razi, affirm that the Prophet’s knowledge of the unseen was granted and purposeful. He cites these authoritative tafsirs to demonstrate the longstanding consensus that prophetic knowledge is divinely authorized, limited, and instrumental for guiding humanity. Ibn Kathir, for example, explains that “He taught you that which you did not know” refers to Allah granting the Prophet access to certain unseen matters essential for governance, warning, and legislation. This view harmonizes the Quran, Hadith, and theological consistency, providing a clear Sunni framework. Some sects deny that the Prophet ﷺ had any access to the unseen, claiming that all knowledge of the unseen belongs exclusively to Allah. He counters this view using Quranic evidence, Hadiths, and classical scholarship, arguing that denial invalidates the occurrence of miracles, revelation, and the Prophet’s practical guidance. Without granted knowledge, the Prophet’s warnings, predictions, and ethical directives would lack authority, undermining the very essence of Prophethood.

Conversely, some individuals exaggerate the Prophet’s knowledge to the point of implying independent omniscience or divine attributes. Shaykh Hami firmly rejects this, emphasizing that all prophetic knowledge occurs strictly by Allah’s permission. Any suggestion that the Prophet possessed intrinsic omniscience distorts Tawheed, constitutes shirk, and deviates from authentic Sunni Aqeedah. By maintaining this balance, believers preserve both reverence for the Prophet and the integrity of Islamic monotheism. Understanding Ilm-e-Ghaib has profound spiritual and practical implications. He highlights that recognizing the Prophet’s divinely granted knowledge strengthens trust in revelation, ethical guidance, and divine legislation. It ensures that obedience to the Prophet ﷺ is informed, rational, and spiritually grounded. Practically, it aids believers in understanding historical events, miracles, and social guidance as manifestations of divine wisdom mediated through the Prophet’s knowledge. He, as a Sufi scholar, appreciates spiritual insights (kashf and ilham) experienced by saints. However, he emphasizes that such knowledge is secondary to the Prophet’s divinely granted insight and cannot rival it. Saints’ revelations are limited, conditional, and fallible, while the Prophet’s knowledge, though not intrinsic, is always accurate, purposeful, and divinely sanctioned. This distinction is crucial for maintaining theological and spiritual clarity. In contemporary times, misunderstandings of Ilm-e-Ghaib can lead to skepticism, superstition, or extremist ideologies. Shaykh Hami stresses the importance of returning to Quranic guidance, authentic Hadith, and classical scholarship to avoid distortions. A proper understanding of the Prophet’s knowledge prevents misattributions, supports rational faith, and promotes a spiritually coherent worldview grounded in Sunni Aqeedah. Correctly teaching Ilm-e-Ghaib in Islamic education is vital for students and scholars. He advocates that learners be taught the distinction between Allah’s absolute unseen knowledge and the Prophet’s divinely granted knowledge. Understanding the purpose, limitations, and scope of this knowledge cultivates both spiritual depth and intellectual rigor, preventing the spread of misbeliefs or exaggerations. Belief in the Prophet’s divinely granted knowledge nurtures devotion, reverence, and moral guidance. Shaykh Hami emphasizes that this belief is not merely theoretical; it shapes behaviour, decision-making, and ethical responsibility. By appreciating the limits and purpose of prophetic knowledge, believers develop balanced devotion and love for the Prophet ﷺ, grounded in doctrinal correctness rather than superstition or blind imitation. The consensus of Sunni scholars, spanning all four madhabs, affirms that Prophets may receive selected knowledge of the unseen from Allah. He underscores that this Ijma provides unity and doctrinal clarity, ensuring that believers understand the boundaries of prophetic knowledge while honouring the Prophet’s elevated status. This consensus also serves as a safeguard against sectarian misinterpretations. He consistently emphasizes the Sunni middle path: Allah alone possesses absolute knowledge of the unseen, while the Prophet ﷺ receives knowledge of the unseen as granted by Allah. Denial of this knowledge or exaggeration of it both constitute theological error. By following the Quran, Hadith, and classical consensus, believers maintain doctrinal integrity, spiritual clarity, and reverence for the Prophet without compromising Tawheed. In conclusion, Allama Dr. Shaykh Hami’s exposition on Ilm-e-Ghaib provides a comprehensive framework for understanding the Prophet’s divinely granted knowledge. By relying on Quran, Hadith, classical tafsirs, and Ijma, believers achieve a balanced understanding that preserves both spiritual devotion and intellectual rigor. This knowledge, limited yet profound, validates Prophethood, strengthens ethical guidance, and nurtures a deeply rooted love and reverence for the Messenger ﷺ, while affirming the absolute sovereignty of Allah over the unseen.

Research Scholar (Karwani Islami International)

Sheikh Sameer Manzoor

sheikhsameermanzoor@gmail.com