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An extraordinary occurrence, whether an unveiling or an exercise of power, is among the righteous deeds prescribed by religion and divine law—either obligatory or recommended—if it achieves a benefit sought by religion. If it achieves something permissible, it is among Allah’s worldly blessings, which call for gratitude. But if it involves something forbidden or discouraged, it becomes grounds for punishment or abhorrence, as in the account of the man who was given the signs but cast them off: Balʿām ibn Bāʿūrāʾ.

Nevertheless, the person concerned may be excused because of his independent judgment, his reliance on another’s judgment, deficient intellect or knowledge, an overpowering spiritual state, incapacity, or necessity. His case would then resemble that of Barh the worshipper.

The “prohibition” may concern either the means by which the extraordinary occurrence is brought about or its intended purpose. An example of the former is addressing Allah with a forbidden supplication, thereby transgressing against Him. Allah Most High says:

“Call upon your Lord humbly and privately. Indeed, He does not love those who transgress.”

The same applies to forbidden deeds that produce an unveiling or an exercise of power.

The second case includes supplicating against someone for something he does not deserve, or praying that an oppressor be aided and helping him through one’s spiritual resolve—as do the enemy’s protectors and those possessors of spiritual states who assist oppressors. If the person concerned is one of the “sane madmen” or of those overcome to such a degree