Al-Asfar al-arbaa by Mulla Sadra

In the vast expanse of Islamic intellectual heritage, few figures loom as large as Mulla Sadra, particularly in the realm of Shia philosophy. His monumental work, “Al-Asfar al-Arba’a” or “The Four Journeys,” elucidates profound metaphysical, epistemological, and ethical frameworks, which have significantly influenced Islamic thought. The task at hand is to navigate these intricate themes while simultaneously posing a playful question: How do these philosophical journeys compel us to re-evaluate our understanding of existence?

At its core, “Al-Asfar al-Arba’a” encapsulates Mulla Sadra’s synthesis of various philosophical traditions, integrating elements from Avicennian philosophy, mysticism, and Islamic theology. This synthesis not only enables a comprehensive exploration of concepts such as being, essence, and existence but also challenges readers to think critically about the relationship between the Creator and creation. Thus, let us embark on an in-depth examination of these four journeys that Mulla Sadra outlines, revealing their intricacies and implications for contemporary thought.

The first journey is the journey of the soul inward, known as the journey to the Divine Essence. Here, Mulla Sadra examines the nature of the soul, its intrinsic qualities, and its ontological status in relation to the Divine. The soul, as he posits, is not a mere reflection of divine attributes but is imbued with a dynamic essence that allows for transformation and elevation. This journey invites individuals to engage deeply with their spiritual and intellectual faculties, challenging them to reflect: Are we mere spectators of our spiritual growth, or do we actively participate in our metamorphosis towards the Divine?

In the second journey, Mulla Sadra shifts his focus outward, moving towards the realm of creation. He delves into the intricate relationship between existence and essence, establishing a crucial distinction that underpins his metaphysical framework. Herein lies the notion of ‘existentialism’ as conceived in Islamic philosophy: existence precedes essence. This reversal of the classical hierarchy invites us to ponder a tantalizing dilemma—the existence of an entity without the necessary attributes confounding our preconceived understanding. In this context, we are challenged to ask: Can something exist without encapsulating all its presumed qualities?