Document Type : Scientific-research
Authors
1 PhD student in Islamic Mysticism and Sufism, Semnan University, Iran.
2 Professor, Department of Religions and Mysticism, Faculty of Human Sciences, Semnan University, Semnan, Iran
3 Associated Professor , Philosophy department , Faculty of Human Sciences, Semnan University, Semnan, Iran
Abstract
The present article examines the views of Sheikh Ala al-Dawla Semnani, a jurist and mystic of the 7th and 8th centuries AH, in his critique of Avicenna and the philosophers. Semnani adopts a critical and analytical approach to investigate the philosophical and mystical foundations. This research employs a library-based research method and a descriptive-analytical approach, aiming to present Semnani's perspective as a Sufi regarding Avicenna as a philosopher. Semnani, in his critique of various theories in theological, philosophical, and mystical domains, raises serious objections to Avicenna's views, categorizing him among the philosophers and followers of Greek wisdom. According to Semnani, the statements of the philosophers are often erroneous and baseless, primarily rooted in reason and contrary to the tradition and consensus of the religious community. Semnani engages in disputation with Avicenna's ideas on four key issues: God's knowledge of particulars, the eternity of the world, the denial of bodily resurrection, and the pleasure and pain of the soul in the afterlife. He responds to these based on his theological and mystical methodology. In examining the views of Semnani and Avicenna, fundamental differences in their theological and philosophical approaches are evident. Semnani, as a mystic and theologian, emphasizes religious teachings, affirming the comprehensiveness of God's knowledge and the temporal creation of the world. In contrast, Avicenna, with his holistic interpretation of God's knowledge and emphasis on the complexities of creation and spiritual resurrection, adopts a philosophical and liberal-minded approach.
Keywords
- Alā' al-Dawlah Semnānī
- Avicenna (Abu Ali Sina)
- Resurrection
- Knowledge of God
- Eternity of the Universe
Main Subjects
)