Ontology and the Degrees of Creation in Al-Ṣaḥīfa al-Sajjādiyya: A Philosophical Examination and Their Correspondence

Abstract

The issue of existence and creation has long been one of the most fundamental philosophical debates, and in Islamic philosophy, due to its connection with religious teachings, it has attained unprecedented depth and breadth. Al-Ṣaḥīfa al-Sajjādiyya, as one of the most valuable intellectual and spiritual sources in Shi‘ism, explores the subject of creation and the degrees of existence, presenting concepts related to this issue within a framework rich in meaning. This study, employing a descriptive-analytical method, seeks to analyze philosophical concepts such as ṣan‘, ibdā‘, takwīn, iḥdāth, inshā’, ikhtirā‘, khalq, ja‘l, and fiṭr, and to elucidate the perspective of Al-Ṣaḥīfa al-Sajjādiyya regarding the degrees of creation and existence. The findings of this research indicate that Imam al-Sajjād (peace be upon him), in Al-Ṣaḥīfa al-Sajjādiyya, employs various terms to depict diverse and profound meanings of creation. These key terms, such as takwīn, fiṭr, and ikhtirā‘, signify divine agency and the manner of creation, while concepts like ja‘l and fiṭr imply continuous divine guidance and wisdom in the process of creation. Furthermore, notions such as ṣan‘, ibdā‘, and inshā’ emphasize the uniqueness and unparalleled nature of creation, linking ontological degrees to Islamic philosophy. This analysis reveals that Al-Ṣaḥīfa al-Sajjādiyya not only contains profound philosophical teachings on creation but also implicitly refutes materialist views on the instantaneous creation of the world, emphasizing continuity and purposiveness in the system of creation.