Keramati

Keramati, in Islamic Sufism, refers to extraordinary acts or miracles performed by Muslim saints (wali) that are attributed to divine favor. It is considered a sign of nearness to God and spiritual attainment.

Unlike the miracles (mu'jizat) attributed to prophets, which are seen as proof of their prophethood, karamat are generally considered to be secondary miracles granted to devout individuals as a manifestation of their piety and closeness to Allah. These acts are often seen as a confirmation of the saint's spiritual status and a means of providing guidance or assistance to others.

While accepted as possible within the framework of Islamic belief, there are varying perspectives on the significance and interpretation of karamat. Some emphasize the importance of focusing on the core tenets of Islam and discourage excessive focus on miraculous events, while others view them as important indicators of spiritual attainment. The emphasis remains that the ultimate miracle is the Quran and the teachings of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).

Karamat can manifest in various forms, including healing the sick, providing sustenance, having knowledge of unseen events, or being protected from harm. However, it's crucial to distinguish karamat from magic or sorcery (sihr), which is considered forbidden in Islam. The key difference lies in the source: karamat originate from divine grace, while magic derives from other, often malevolent, sources.

The occurrence and authenticity of specific karamat are often debated and should be approached with caution and discernment. Reliance on the Quran and Sunnah (the teachings and practices of Prophet Muhammad) should always be prioritized over individual accounts of miraculous events.