Question Summary:
What is ruling on following Saints/Peers?

Question Detail:

I have read and fully digested your question ref 101968 regarding the Ghaib unseen and how none except Allah is holder of this knowledge. I have also noted that you have mentioned Hadhrat Hāji Wāris ῾Ali Shāh rahimahullāh as a saint in another question.
My question is regarding Saints from the indo-pak region.
Is it possible they have knowledge not of the unseen or the future but events that have taken place already, but not near them?
My family regularly visit Saints both deceased and alive, I have heard stories about how one saint refused to read Jummah behind someone because on their travels they releaved themselves and didnt renew Wudhu. etc, many events like this.
Is this classed as Ghaib?
 
I am trying to understand the dedication to saints/Peer in the indo/pak region and why it is only there and if I should follow it.
 

Answer :

In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.
As-salāmu ‘alaykum wa-rahmatullāhi wa-barakātuh.
A saint refers to a waliyyullah (friend of Allah) or a person who is known to have a very close relationship with Allah Ta’āla. Peers are often from amongst the awliyāullah (friends of Allah) as well. The ahādīth make mention of such people and their status in the eyes of Allah Ta’āla[1]. It is because of this relationship that Allah Ta’āla blesses some of His servants by granting them partial knowledge of the unseen.
In order to fully comprehend the intricacies of the unseen, it is best to first understand the different forms of knowledge attributed to al-Ghaib.
The word "Ghaib" can be categorized into two types of knowledge:
(1) Intrinsic (also known as "Haqīqī" and "'Ilm adh-Dhātī"): This refers to the knowledge of the unseen gained without any medium. This type of knowledge is exclusive to Allah Ta’āla and is also the true and total knowledge of the unseen.
(2) Attributive (also known as "Idhāfī" and 'Atāī): This refers to that knowledge of the unseen which Allah Ta’āla grants his servants through different means such as wahy (revelation) revealed to a prophet. This is also called "Anbā ul-ghaib" or "news of the unseen". This type of knowledge is limited to what Allah Ta’āla decides to reveal to a person. Examples of this knowledge have been cited numerous times throughout books of ahādīth, history and even in the Qurān itself.[2]
This second type of knowledge of the unseen is sometimes granted to the pious saints as well through various means such as Ilham (divine inspiration) or Kashf (disclosure of the unseen).[3] This could include a warning of a calamity, the knowledge of people's sins, and even events of the past. This knowledge does not fall under the true definition of 'Ilm al-Ghaib because acquisition of such knowledge involves a medium.[4] Knowledge of the unseen in its real sense is knowledge without the mediation of a physical cause.[5]
While saints may be inspired with 'Ilm ul-Ghaib, it is important to understand that a true saint is one who possesses the following qualities:
(1) Sincere love for Allah Ta’āla
(2) Sincere love for the Holy Prophet (sallallahu alaihi wa sallam)
(3) Full adherence to the commands of Allah Ta’āla
(4) Full adherence to the sunnah of the Holy Prophet (sallallahu alaihi wa sallam)
(5) Extreme dislike for all things averting one from the remembrance of Allah Ta’āla[6]
(6) Sitting in the company of such a person cultivates the love of Allah and his Rasul in one's heart and consciountises him of preparing for life after death and accountability to Allah.
It is incorrect to use 'Ilm ul-Ghaib as a sole measure to determine one being a saint.[7] There were many people in the past who claimed to be saints and dragged people away from the correct path. As long as the person claiming to be a saint matches the qualities outlined above, one may benefit from his spirituality.
May Allah Ta'ālā grant you His nearness and keep you steadfast on His deen.
 
And Allah Ta’āla Knows Best
Bilal Mohammad
Student Darul Iftaa
USA 
Checked and Approved by,
Mufti Ebrahim Desai.