Knowledge of the Unseen

The Knowledge of the Unseen belongs to Allah (SWT). However, according to the Holy Qur’an, Allah (SWT) may teach some of this Knowledge to whomsoever He chooses (7:188). For example, please see Sura 18 about Khizr (teacher of Prophet Moses) who had received some knowledge of future events from Allah (SWT). Also, please also see 3:49 where Prophet Jesus (PBUH) says that he is able to tell what people eat and do in their homes!  There are many more examples in the Holy Qur’an.

The Knowledge of Unseen may be related (but not limited) to one or more of these categories:

• Knowledge of “Events (past, present, future)”
• Knowledge of the “Different layers of the Holy Qur’an”
• Knowledge of the “afterlife”
• Knowledge of the “inner thinking and intentions of people”
• Knowledge of the “Worldly Science”
• ………
• …..

The first Shia Imam, the Commander of the Faithful, the chosen and purified by Allah (SWT) to lead the people after the prophet, the Representative of Allah (SWT) on Earth, Imam Ali Ibn Talib (AS) explained that Allah (SWT) taught Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) certain unseen events/facts, and the prophet taught them to Imam Ali (AS). The Imam foresaw many feature events that are recorded in historical books and his sermons. Similarly, the Imam was aware of many worldly scientific facts as they are mentioned in Nahjul Balagheh. Here are a couple of examples. In Sermon 128, Imam Ali (AS) vividly foresees future events that unfolded centuries later, showcasing the remarkable depth of his insight into the “unseen”. This sermon, delivered around 662 CE, contains a striking depiction of Basra and the calamity it would face. Later, he also describes the barbaric attack of the Mongols. Below is an explanation of the Imam's words (not a direct translation):

1-Future Calamity facing the city of Basra     

Imam said: "I envision the beautiful city of Basra with its meticulously designed homes, adorned with balconies and equipped with downspouts. The city is under siege by an infantry force devoid of horses, so no sound of hooves or panting echoes in the air. These soldiers move silently on bare feet, which are broad, flat, and powerful. They are slaves and laborers originally from the Zanj, marginalized and disconnected from familial bonds or supportive communities. Their commander incites and rallies them to revolt. Driven by rebellion, they wreak havoc upon Basra, leaving devastation and widespread bloodshed in their wake.“

The Zanj Rebellion, spanning from 869 CE to 883 CE (approximately 200 years after Imam Ali), is remembered as one of the most brutal and destructive uprisings in early Islamic history. Historians recount its ferocity, marked by widespread devastation and bloodshed. While Basra bore the brunt of the rebellion’s wrath, its destructive path extended to other cities in southern Iran. The rebels razed everything in their way, enslaved women, and looted all wealth within their reach. The human toll was staggering, with approximately 300,000 people massacred.

The rebellion was orchestrated by a deceitful commander (a member of the Kharijites) whose ambitions centered on personal enrichment and the acquisition of power. He falsely claimed that he was related to Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), called himself Khalifa, even conducting Friday prayers to bolster his image among followers. Despite his manipulative tactics, his uprising brought immense suffering, leaving an indelible scar on the region's history.  How did the Imam foretold this event 200 years earlier?!

2- Invasion of the Mongols

Imam Ali (AS), in Sermon 128, envisions yet another future event with striking details. "I foresee the rise of an army whose members are described as having flat faces, resembling leather, with spots marking some of them. Their eyes are narrow, yet their circumstances evolve over time, leading them to adorn themselves in fine, colorful silk garments, a symbol of their newfound wealth and opulence. This army possesses rare and expensive horses, keeping them in reserve, signifying their affluence and strategic preparation. It will be a time of unparalleled slaughter, a peak in human suffering driven by senseless violence and rampant looting. Amid this chaos, the innocent find themselves injured and forced to step over the lifeless bodies of others, a grim and heart-wrenching act of survival. For those who attempt to escape the carnage, escape is nearly impossible, and only a few manage to find safety".

The Mongol invasion of Persia, beginning around 1219 CE, stands as one of the most devastating chapters in history. The scale of destruction was unparalleled, with cities like Nishapur—once a thriving center of science and education—reduced to ruins. The Mongols spared neither humans nor animals, slaughtering even cats and dogs in their relentless campaign. Contemporary historians, who bore witness to these atrocities, documented the barbaric killings and the obliteration of cultural and scientific establishments. Despite the immense bloodshed and the Mongols' rule over Persia for several centuries, the resilience of Persian culture and the enduring spirit of Islam prevailed. Persian arts, architecture, and scientific heritage managed to survive this dark period, showcasing the remarkable ability of a civilization to rebuild and thrive. In an extraordinary turn of events, the Persians not only preserved their identity but also succeeded in converting the Mongols to Islam, transforming their conquerors into adherents of the very faith they had sought to suppress.  How did the Imam foretold this event 600 years earlier?!

3- Flood of Basra

Another striking example can be found in Sermon 13, where the Imam states: “I see Basra’s mosque floating on a flood, resembling the upper part of a ship.” This vivid imagery suggests that the entire structure would be submerged, leaving only the dome or minarets visible above the water. The Imam foretold that Allah would bring forth such a flood, one so devastating that it would leave nothing untouched. The divine punishment would descend from above and surge up from below, annihilating all in its path.

Historical accounts mention two major catastrophic floods that afflicted Basra: one around the year 990 CE and another around 1029 CE. These floods, recorded centuries after the Imam’s prophecy, caused widespread destruction, including the obliteration of Basra’s mosque, as he had foreseen hundreds of years earlier.

It truly is remarkable that Imam Ali (AS) could foresee the Zanj Rebellion, which occurred nearly 200 years after his lifetime, the Basra flood 400 years later, and the Mongol invasions over 600 years later. These predictions reflect an extraordinary divine insight into events far beyond his time.

4- Future Ruler

Marwān ibn al‑Ḥakam’s father was regarded in early Islamic history as one of the prominent hypocrites of Medina. The Prophet expelled him because of repeated misconduct: he leaked confidential information about the Muslims to their adversaries, maintained close ties with hostile factions, and was even known to stand behind the wall of the Prophet’s home at night to eavesdrop. At that time, his son Marwān was still a child. Years later, during the caliphate of ʿUthmān ibn ʿAffān, the father was permitted to return to Medina, and Marwān eventually married ʿUthmān’s daughter. The third caliph then appointed Marwān as governor of Basra. Marwān’s conduct, much like his father’s, reflected deep hypocrisy and political opportunism. His tenure in Basra became associated with well‑documented corruption, favoritism, and the misuse of public wealth, contributing to widespread discontent among the people.

Imam Ali (AS) defeated Aisheh, Talheh and Zubair in the Battle of Jamal, and the governor of Basra Marwan was taken captive since he was involved in the battle against the Imam. In captivity, he begged Imam Ali’s sons to ask their father for his release. Imam Ali released him. Marwan immediately went and joined Muawieh.

In Sermon 73, Imam Ali (AS) states a future prophecy that would occur 60 years later after him. The Imam said:

“Surely, this man (Marwan) will rule the Muslims in the future. However, his rule will be very short,

and he will not benefit much from it. After him, 4 brothers from his descendants will rule.

Soon, it will come a time when Islam would observe red bloody days under that rule.”

Twenty five years after Imam Ali (AS), Marwan became Khalif of the Muslim world for about 6 months! After him, one of his sons (Abdul Malik) became the Khalif followed by Abdul Malik’s 4 sons! Their rule lasted for 125 years. The Muslims witnessed some of the worst corruption and bloodiest times. The sad historical event of 120000 Muslims getting massacred in the area where is present day Iraq. 

Within the Shia tradition, such knowledge is understood as divinely granted, part of the ʿilm ladunnī (علم لدنی) bestowed upon the Imams as purified guides and role models.