Keramat

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In Islamic philosophy, irfan, and mysticism, keramat (کرامت also کرامات) is a "thaumaturgic gift" akin to the miracle of prophets.

Sufis believe that, whereas miracles can only be performed by prophets (Allah creates the miracle in support to His prophets) and are a testament to their prophethood, karaamaat are extraordinary things performed by Awliyaa' who are not prophets but are common Muslims who have reached a high rank of piety through proper knowledge of and practice of Islam, and most importantly through the constant zikr/remembrance of Allah. Allah creates the Karamaat in support to the Waliyy.

Keramats only occur by the will of Allah and the said 'wali' is not in control of them. Keramats can not be used to distinguish a truthful saint from a pseudo one. One of the greatest keramats in a saint is his ability to act upon the inward and outward traditions of the Muhammad. Many keramats that have been reported and postulated by many famous sufis have no basis in Sacred Islamic Law, due to the fact that they have no isnad - chain of narration. The noble traditions or hadith on the other hand do contain this and they are many reports of companions of prophet Muhammad (saw) performing miraculous acts.

[edit] other references

In Cape Malay culture, the term Kramat, refers to the tomb of an Islamic saint.

[edit] References

See Chapter 5 entitled "Saints and miracles" of: Reynold A. Nicholson, The Mystics of Islam. 2002. ISBN 0-941532-48-8 p.88-104
Trimingham, J. Spencer. The Sufi Orders in Islam. Oxford University Press. 1971. ISBN 0-19-501662-9 p.26-28

[edit] See also

Siamak Shafti-Keramat, the founder of a non-denominational church in Greater Toronto Area - Canada called "The Spirit Of Truth Church", http://www.ruherasti.com/
Tay al-Ard, the keramat of teleportation.
Datuk Keramat, local folk religion in Malaysia and Singapore