Author: Maulana Abu al-Hasan Mubashir Ahmad Rabbani (حفظہ اللہ)
◈ Mulla Ali Qari Hanafi writes:
"A miracle (Mu’jizah) derives from ‘Ajz (inability), which is the opposite of power. The true definition of a miracle is that it produces a state of incapacity in others, and this act is solely by the grace of Allah Almighty."
— Hashiyah Mishkat, p. 530
This clarifies that the act that induces inability in others comes from Allah Almighty alone, not from any human.
◈ Qadi Iyad (رحمه الله) states:
"Know that the unusual acts that appear through the Prophets are termed miracles because creation is incapable of producing them. When creation is unable to replicate it, it becomes evident that the miracle is an act of Allah, which signifies the truthfulness of His Prophet."
He further elaborates:
"For example, reviving the dead, turning a staff into a serpent, bringing forth a camel from a rock, and the splitting of the moon – these are acts that no one other than Allah can bring about. They are solely the acts of Allah, manifested through the hands of the Prophet, and serve as challenges to those who deny him."
— Al-Shifa, p. 162; Fath al-Bari, 6/424
In the Qur'an, Allah Almighty has clarified that disbelievers and polytheists often demanded miracles from the Prophets. The Prophets replied:
وَمَا كَانَ لَنَا أَنْ نَأْتِيَكُمْ بِسُلْطَانٍ إِلَّا بِإِذْنِ اللَّـهِ
"It is not for us to bring you an authority except by the permission of Allah."
(Surah Ibrahim, 14:11)
When the disbelievers of Makkah demanded miracles from the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), he responded:
قُلْ إِنَّمَا الْآيَاتُ عِنْدَ اللَّـهِ
"Say, 'The signs are with Allah alone.'"
(Surah Al-An’am, 6:109)
Thus, it becomes clear that bringing forth miracles and signs is under Allah’s control, not within the power of any Prophet or Messenger.
Question:
What is a Karamat (miracle), and how can one become a Sahib-e-Karamat (one who possesses miracles)?Answer:
Those who obey Allah Almighty and follow the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) are considered Allah’s friends and close ones (Awliya Allah). Occasionally, an unusual act may occur through them, which is incidental and not something under their direct control or power. Such individuals do not have a permanent ability to perform miracles. When something extraordinary appears from the Prophets, it is termed a Mu’jizah (prophetic miracle), while similar occurrences from the Awliya are considered Karamat (miracles).◈ Mulla Ali Qari Hanafi writes:
"A miracle (Mu’jizah) derives from ‘Ajz (inability), which is the opposite of power. The true definition of a miracle is that it produces a state of incapacity in others, and this act is solely by the grace of Allah Almighty."
— Hashiyah Mishkat, p. 530
This clarifies that the act that induces inability in others comes from Allah Almighty alone, not from any human.
◈ Qadi Iyad (رحمه الله) states:
"Know that the unusual acts that appear through the Prophets are termed miracles because creation is incapable of producing them. When creation is unable to replicate it, it becomes evident that the miracle is an act of Allah, which signifies the truthfulness of His Prophet."
He further elaborates:
"For example, reviving the dead, turning a staff into a serpent, bringing forth a camel from a rock, and the splitting of the moon – these are acts that no one other than Allah can bring about. They are solely the acts of Allah, manifested through the hands of the Prophet, and serve as challenges to those who deny him."
— Al-Shifa, p. 162; Fath al-Bari, 6/424
In the Qur'an, Allah Almighty has clarified that disbelievers and polytheists often demanded miracles from the Prophets. The Prophets replied:
وَمَا كَانَ لَنَا أَنْ نَأْتِيَكُمْ بِسُلْطَانٍ إِلَّا بِإِذْنِ اللَّـهِ
"It is not for us to bring you an authority except by the permission of Allah."
(Surah Ibrahim, 14:11)
When the disbelievers of Makkah demanded miracles from the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), he responded:
قُلْ إِنَّمَا الْآيَاتُ عِنْدَ اللَّـهِ
"Say, 'The signs are with Allah alone.'"
(Surah Al-An’am, 6:109)
Thus, it becomes clear that bringing forth miracles and signs is under Allah’s control, not within the power of any Prophet or Messenger.