Typology of the Responses to the Doubts Cast upon the Imam’s Foreknowledge

Abstract

The scope and quality of foreknowledge have been misused as pretexts by people disposed to cast doubts on Islamic beliefs. For instance, a very common question raised by such doubters is why those possessing foreknowledge of future risks, thanks to their knowledge of the unseen, have not reacted appropriately to avoid or avert the risks and damages posed to them or other concerned individuals. The present study, having treated the responses made by believers regarding the knowledge of the unseen possessed by the Infallible concludes that some responses in some way or another are indicative of acknowledging the doubts and reducing the scope and quality of the Imam’s knowledge of the unseen, while some other responses are based on particular and disputed grounds, and still some others lack in specific criteria and sufficient evidence. The accurate response attends to the particulars of the event falling within the scope of the knowledge of the unseen. To expect alterability (through human will) in relation to the inevitable would stand against the assumption of inevitability and would serve as an instance of contradiction in terms. However, in certain instances, the context of the event may make it possible for the Imam, thanks to his knowledge of the unseen and in line with providing the umma (community of believers) with guidance, to react appropriately to the event as an obligation required by his Imamate.