Application of the Theory of “Personal Unity of Existence” in Understanding Religious Texts Based on Mullā Ṣadrā’s Methodological Principles
Subject Areas : ملاصدراپژوهی و اندیشۀ حکمت متعالیه
Abdullah Mohammadi
1
,
Marzieh Hatef
2
1 - Assistant Professor, Iranian Research Institute of Philosophy, Tehran, Iran
2 - Level 4 student of Transcendent Philosophy, Jami’at al-Zahra (‘a) Seminary, Qom, Iran
Keywords: personal unity of existence, theory of treasures, spirits of meanings, anthropomorphism, transcendence, attributive qualities, active monotheism ,
Abstract :
The present paper aims to demonstrate that Mullā Ṣadrā’s interpretation of “personal unity of existence” has the capacity to express the precise meaning of Qur’anic verses and narrations while maximally preserving their surface meaning. To achieve this goal, the foundations of this theory are first explained and, then, it is clarified that many of the verses related to the discussion of essential monotheism, attributive qualities, and active monotheism can be interpreted more profoundly by relying on the theory of personal unity of existence and Mullā Ṣadrā’s methodological principles. This is realized without the interpreter falling into the trap of literalism and anthropomorphism or unjustified interpretation or t’awīl. Following a descriptive-analytical method, this paper bases its claim on the interpretation of certain monotheistic verses, stating that God also possesses whatever attributive qualities that the created possess, except for their material applications. Rather, according to the theory of spirits of meanings, after purifying material applications from their defects, it is necessary to grasp the spirit of their meanings and then attribute them to God Almighty. In this way, we can reconcile anthropomorphism and transcendence. Moreover, based on a correct understanding of the theory of personal unity of existence and active monotheism, all voluntary human actions, just as they are truly attributed to humans, are also attributed to God Almighty, and He is their proximate and true agent.