Ilm al-ghayb

2. **The Role of the Imams**

Within Shia Islam, the Imams—believed to be the rightful spiritual and temporal successors to Prophet Muhammad—are often seen as intermediaries possessing a degree of Ilm al-Ghayb. This notion is grounded in various Hadith that attribute to the Imams knowledge of significant events and divine regulations pertinent to humanity. The implications of their purported insight challenge orthodox interpretations of prophetic finality, raising questions about authority and guidance in a post-prophetic world. Are followers empowered by their Imams’ glimpses into the unseen, or might they also be burdened with an expectation of righteous conduct, knowing that their leaders possess knowledge that surpasses mere human intuition?

3. **Ethical Considerations in Light of Ilm al-Ghayb**