Knowledge of the Unseen

Reposted

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Hello.

I wanted to know if Zaydis believe their Imams have had knowledge of the unknown or not? And if yes, what is the source of that knowledge? If it is from God, doesn't it mean Imams were ashabi wahi and doesn't that contradict the khtamiyyat of the prophet pbuh?

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Hi!

Thank you for your question! I apologise for the delay!

Zaydis do not believe that the imams (as) have knowledge of the unseen. This is established in even the earliest sources and authorities. It was also a point of debate between Zaydis and Imamis since the earliest times. In the text Majaalis at-Tabari, a Zaydi scholar named Abul-Hussein at-Tabari debated with an Imami on this issue. He basically argued that if the Imami asserts that the imams have knowledge of the unseen and knows what is in the depths of the ocean and heights of the heavens, that would make him greater than the Prophet, salla Allahu alayhi wa alihi wa sallam. This is because the Prophet didnt know who all the hypocrites among his Companions were as evident in Surah al-Munaafiqun.

This doctrine was also discussed and refuted by Imam al-Qasim ar-Rassi (as) in his treatise The Refutation of the Extremist Rafidites.

And Allah knows best!

IRS