The Unseen and Its Keys: The Qur.anic Concept of the Unseen and the Question of Genetic Prediction

Abstract

The notion of genetic prediction in modern science raises new questions about the Islamic understanding of the unseen and the scriptural prohibition of the endeavour to uncover it. However, is genetic prediction the same as forecasting the unseen (ghayb)? To answer this, the article aims, firstly, at reviewing the concept of ghayb in the Qur'ān; secondly, examining the concept of mafatih al-ghayb (keys of the unseen) as pivotal term in this context; and thirdly, re-examining the legal reasoning behind the prohibition of some forms of prediction of the unseen and the permission for others. The paper focuses on the concept of qiyāfa and examines the Muslim jurists' rulings and their justifications. Concludingly, it argues that the prohibition of prediction or unveiling the unseen, as well as the restrictions on the tools to that end, was based mainly on two justifications: the lack of scientific bases for these tools and their possible connection to some anti-monotheistic principles or beliefs. These two criteria seem reasonable and valid principles to think about the genetic prediction and its implications.