Impossibility of Knowledge about the True Nature of the Divine Essence and Attributes in Nahj al-Balāgha

علوم قرآن و حدیث

Article 4, Volume 45, Issue 2 - Serial Number 91, October 2013   

Document Type: Research Article

DOI: 10.22067/naqhs.v45i2.11841

Authors

nosrat nilsaz^* ; Majīd Mu‘ārif; Zahrā Bābā Aḥmadī Mīlānī

Abstract

Question about the possibility of knowledge about the true nature of Divine Essence and Attributes has always been one of the most important issues in the history of human thought. In various statements of Imam ‘Alī (A.S.)’s sayings, it is asserted that knowledge about the true nature of Divine Essence and Attribute is not possible for man by any of recognition tools. Although this type of knowledge is not possible for anyone, we cannot be deprived of knowledge on God (Divinity) on the pretext of the impossibility of knowledge about the true nature of Divine Essence and Attributes. Knowledge on God is possible through the Divine Attributes and Action in the world of creation. In this research, we intend to examine and elucidate knowledge about the true nature of Divine Essence and Attributes, and indicate, on the basis of some statements from Imam ‘Alī (A.S.)’s sayings that such knowledge is not only impossible, but it is basically unattainable. However, God can be known through His Attributes and Actions.

Keywords

recognition tools; true nature of Divine Essence and Attributes; Nahj al-Balāgha