Narjes Abrari; Abolghasem Assi Mozneb; Seyyed Hamid Shamerizi
Abstract
This research has been conducted to investigate the possibility of knowing the quiddity of God with an emphasis on Islamic traditions (Ḥadīth). Knowledge and cognition of the Divine ...
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This research has been conducted to investigate the possibility of knowing the quiddity of God with an emphasis on Islamic traditions (Ḥadīth). Knowledge and cognition of the Divine Essence (Dhāt) in terms of its existence is attainable and is demonstrated through numerous proofs. However, knowledge of its quiddity (Māhiyyah)—insofar as it entails delimitations, determinations, and the affirmation of non-existences—is impossible concerning God, Who is exempt from all deficiency, non-existence, and limitation. This matter is also emphasized in the traditions, where reflection upon it is prohibited. Nevertheless, the Divine Essence, through its manifestation (Ẓuhūr) in levels and its acceptance of delimitations and determinations according to each stage, is manifested in the many names and manifestations (Mazāhir). Through this, knowledge of Him—or more precisely, knowledge of His manifestation—is made possible. This knowledge, relative to the level of manifestation, constitutes mediated knowledge of the Essence and is the only path to knowing Him. In this path, the most complete knowledge is attainable only through the most perfect of manifestations, namely the Perfect Human (al-Insān al-Kāmil), who is the Muhammadan Reality (al-Ḥaqīqah al-Muḥammadiyyah). This point is also confirmed by the traditions of the Infallible Imams. This research has been conducted using an analytical-descriptive method and library-based resources.
