al-Mughayyabat al-Khamis

al-Mughayyabat al-Khamis

al-Mughayyabat al-Khamis, also known as The Five Hidden Things or Mysteries, is a technical theological term in Islam that refers to five aspects of divine knowledge that are known only to Allah (God). This concept emphasizes the ultimate divine control and knowledge over certain fundamental events and aspects of human life that are beyond human perception and understanding.

Etymology

The term al-Mughayyabat al-Khamis is derived from:

• Arabic: al-Mughayyibāt (المغيبات) meaning “the hidden things” or “the things that are unseen”.
• al-Khamīs (الخمِيس) referring to the number five.

Islamic Textual Foundation

This theological concept is rooted in several verses from the Qur’an, primarily:

• Surat Luqman (31:34): “Verily, the knowledge of the Hour is with Allah alone. He sends down the rain, and He knows what is in the wombs. No one knows what he will earn tomorrow, and no one knows in what land he will die. Indeed, Allah is All-Knowing, All-Aware.”

The Five Hidden Aspects

The Five Hidden Things, as Islam teaches, include:

1. The Time of the Last Judgment (As-Saa’ah):

   • The knowledge of when the Day of Judgment will occur is solely with Allah.

2. The Timing of Rain (Al-Ghaith):

   • Only Allah knows when and where it will rain.

3. The Unborn Child (Mā Fīl Arḥām):

   • The sex and number of the unborn children in the womb are known only to Allah.

4. Future Sustenance (Mā Taksibu Ghadā):

   • What an individual will earn or gain in sustenance the next day is under divine knowledge.

5. The Place and Time of Death (Bi-Ayyi Arḍin Yamūt):

   • Only Allah knows when and where a person will die.

Key Texts for Further Reading

1. “The Study Quran: A New Translation and Commentary” edited by Seyyed Hossein Nasr: This book provides a comprehensive translation of the Qur’an along with extensive commentary.
2. “Islamic Theology and Philosophy: Studies in Honor of George F. Hourani” edited by Michael E. Marmura: Delves into various aspects of Islamic theology, philosophy, and ethics.
3. “The Islamic View of Major Human Life Events” by Sayyid Sabeq: This book provides insights into Islamic perceptions of significant life events, including those beyond human control.

Takeaways

• The concept of al-Mughayyabat al-Khamis highlights the belief in divine omniscience in Islam.
• These five unknowns serve as reminders of human limitations and the encompassing knowledge of Allah.
• Through these uncertainties, believers strengthen their faith and submissiveness to Allah’s will.

Conclusion

The term al-Mughayyabat al-Khamis serves as a poignant reminder within Islamic theology about the profound and exclusive knowledge of Allah over critical events and circumstances in human life. It is a concept deeply embedded in Islamic teachings, highlighting the essence of faith, reliance on divine wisdom, and the acceptance of human limitations.