What is relative knowledge of the unseen (al-ghaib al-nisbi), and what is the ruling on one who claims to possess it, along with the evidence?

The unseen is of two types: absolute and relative. Absolute unseen is that which Allah has reserved for His knowledge alone, and has not revealed to anyone, such as the knowledge of the Hour, what is in the wombs, and when a soul will die. As for relative unseen, it is that which is hidden from some but known to others, and it can be known through revelation, experience, or modern science.

Knowledge of the relative unseen can be acquired through legitimate and permissible means, such as revelation to prophets and true inspiration to the righteous, or modern medical devices. It can also be acquired through illegitimate means, such as espionage and seeking assistance from jinn. The ruling on claiming knowledge of the relative unseen varies according to the method of knowing it; what is permissible and legitimate is valid, while what is forbidden is rejected, such as the claim of some Sufis to know the unseen through "ladunni sciences," which is charlatanism.