Abstract

Compared with attributes such as divine knowledge and will, which have been examined from multiple perspectives, the attribute of divine power (qudrah) has received relatively limited scholarly attention. Accordingly, clarifying theologians’ views and proofs regarding the definition and demonstration of divine power remains a significant research priority in the field of Islamic kalām. The present study employs a historical‑analytical method to compile, explicate, and analyse the various positions and arguments advanced by Imāmī theologians during the formation and development of philosophical kalām from the seventh to the eleventh centuries AH, with particular emphasis on the theologians of the Later Ḥilla School, concerning divine power and free will (volition). The findings indicate that, across the works of these theologians, seven arguments are presented for establishing God’s power in the sense of His being a capable, volitional agent. Among these, one argument is scriptural, while the remaining six are purely rational. One argument addresses the negation of extrinsic compulsion imposed on God, whereas the other six establish God’s capable volition by refuting intrinsic compulsion. Furthermore, among the five rational arguments concerned with negating intrinsic compulsion, one demonstrates God’s volitional capability without reference to created entities, considering it solely as one of His attributes of perfection. The other four arguments appeal to certain attributes of creatures—namely temporal origination (ḥudūth), order (naẓm) and, perfection (itqān), change and transformation, and the capacity for non‑existence—to establish divine power.