[3] To know hidden things on a personal level is one thing, while to be gifted by Allāh with knowlege of any matter and to convey it to others is different. The knowledge of the future which the prophets and vicegerents possess is gained by them through Allāh’s teaching and informing. Allāh alone has knowledge of events which are to happen in the future. Of course, He passes this knowledge on to whoever He wills. Thus He says : (He alone is) the “Knower of the unseen, neither doth He reveal His secrets unto any (one else) save unto that one of the Messengers whom He chooseth . . .” (Qur’ān, 72:26—27) In this way Amīr al-mu’minīn also received knowledge of the future through the instructions of the Prophet or inspiration from Allāh, for which these words of Amīr al-mu’minīn stand evidence. Of course, sometimes it is not proper or expedient to disclose certain matters and they are allowed to remain under a veil. Then no one can be acquainted with them as Allāh says: Verily, Allāh is He with Whom is the knowledge of the Hour and He sendeth down the rain, and knoweth He what is in the wombs; and knoweth not any soul what he shall earn the morrow, and knoweth not any soul in what lands he shall die: Verily Allāh is All-knowing, All-aware. (Qur’ān, 31:34)