The ghayb-time relationship in the kalâm tradition

When we consider the relationship between the unseen and time, we observe that events expected to occur in the unknown past gain meaning within the flow of time. Indeed, time, within its flow, reveals much of the unknown knowledge and awaits to unveil more. The flow, experienced sequentially by humans as a limited dimension, is relative. Within the passage of time, the unknowns that emerge constitute the unseen (ghayb) for humankind. The unseen (ghayb) possesses an 'absolute' aspect, known solely to Allah, and a 'relative' aspect, through which humans may attain knowledge. Therefore, the sources of knowledge in the science of kalam-reason, senses, and transmitted reports-assist us in understanding and comprehending the unseen. In this context, our primary source, the Qur'an, conveys to us numerous unseen matters concerning the past, the present, and the future in terms of time. This study aims to examine the understanding of the unseen (ghayb) and time in Islamic theology, as well as the relationship between the two. In this context, the systematic treatment of the unseen thourgh temporal classification is intended to contribute to the gap in the literature. Furthermore, presenting the information included within the scope of the subject by relating it to various historical sources and modern scientific data is expected to provide an interdisciplinary contribution.