From the outset, we should first understand the meaning of Ilmul Ghayb. It
means ‘knowledge acquired without any means’. Whatever knowledge Rasulullah
(Sallallaahu Alayhi Wasallam) had, it was given to him by Allah Ta’ala. The
knowledge of Rasulullah (Sallallaahu Alayhi Wasallam) will not fall under
the category of Ilmul Ghayb.
The quality of Ilmul ghayb is exclusive only to Allah. No prophet, pious
saint or anyone has this quality. To attribute to any person any quality
exclusive to Allah is tantamount to Shirk (ascribing partners).
1. Surah Naml Verse 64, Allah Ta’ala says, ‘Say, (O Muhammed (Sallallaahu
Alayhi Wasallam) that nobody in the skies and earth have knowledge of the
unseen (Ghayb) except Allah.
2. Allah Ta’ala says, ‘Say (O Muhammad (Sallallaahu Alayhi Wasallam)), I do
not have by me the treasures of Allah and I don’t know the unseen (Ghayb)
and I am not an angel. I only follow what Wahy (divine revelation) comes to
me. Don’t you realize.’ (Surah An’aam Aayat49)
3. Allah Ta’ala says, ‘By Allah is the key of the unseen. None has any
knowledge of it except him.’ (Surah An’aam Aayat59)
4. Hadhrat Aaisha (Radhiallaahu Anha) says that person is a liar who says
Nabi (Sallallaahu Alayhi Wasallam) knew what was going to happen tomorrow.’
(Bukhari)
and Allah Ta’ala Knows Best
Mufti Ebrahim Desai