among the verses of Allah that he cites is the Almighty’s statement: “No soul knows what it will earn tomorrow, nor does any soul know in what land it will die” (Luqman 31:34). This belongs to the “keys of the Unseen” which no one knows except Allah.

Allah, exalted is He, also says: “With Him are the keys to the Unseen; none knows them but He” (Al-Anʿam 6:59). These keys are the five matters mentioned in His words: “Indeed, Allah alone possesses knowledge of the Hour; He sends down the rain; He knows what is in the wombs; no soul knows what it will earn tomorrow; and no soul knows in what land it will die” (Luqman 31:34).

These five are known only to Allah. Knowledge of the Hour, for instance, is concealed from everyone. Even Gabriel—the noblest of the angels—asked Allah’s Messenger Muhammad ﷺ, who is the most knowledgeable of humankind, about the Hour, saying, “Tell me about the Hour.” The Prophet replied, “The one questioned about it knows no more than the questioner.” Hence, only Allah knows it.

As for “He sends down the rain,” the One who sends it down is also the One who knows precisely when it will descend. He alone determines its time and pours it forth. The word ghayth refers to rain that brings vegetation to the earth and lifts hardship.

Not every rainfall is called ghayth. At times rain falls without Allah placing blessing in it, so the earth neither sprouts nor comes to life. The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said, “The drought is not that you receive no rain; rather, the drought is that you are rained upon and yet the earth produces nothing.”