Ilm ghayb

2. Scriptural Foundations of Ilm al-Ghayb

The foundation of Ilm al-Ghayb in Shia Islam is deeply rooted in the Quran and Hadith literature. The Quran explicitly reiterates God’s exclusive possession of certain knowledge, stating, “Indeed, Allah alone knows the Unseen; He does not reveal that knowledge to anyone except to whom He wills” (Quran 72:26-27). This verse illustrates that while the divine knowledge of the unseen is singular to God, it can be imparted to selected individuals.

Shia scholars have elucidated the concept further by interpreting numerous Hadiths that attribute varying degrees of *ilm al-ghayb* to the Prophets and the Imams. These traditions recount instances where the Imams demonstrated foreknowledge of future events or profound insights into spiritual realities, underscoring the belief that such knowledge continues to be accessible through designated spiritual authorities.