Al-Lawami al-ilahiyya fi l-mabahith al-kalamiyya (book)

The corpus of Shia theological literature is replete with profound works that articulate the intricate tapestry of belief and philosophy inherent within the faith. Among these significant texts, *Al-Lawami’ al-Ilahiyya fi al-Mabahith al-Kalamiyya* emerges as a beacon of intellectual inquiry. This book, authored by the esteemed Shia scholar Muhammad Taqi al-Mudarrisi, encapsulates a wealth of metafysical discourse that is both illuminating and challenging, beckoning the reader into the depths of kalam—the Islamic theological tradition.

At its core, *Al-Lawami’ al-Ilahiyya* presents a compendious argumentation regarding the existence of God, the nature of divine attributes, and the interplay between reason and revelation. The title itself, translating to ‘The Divine Luminaries in Theological Investigations,’ evokes a rich metaphorical world where knowledge is likened to light. This metaphor serves not merely as a rhetorical flourish but as a foundational principle that permeates the discourse within the text.

In navigating through the myriad complexities of Shia thought, one discovers that al-Mudarrisi’s work is structured meticulously, inviting the reader to embark on an intellectual pilgrimage. The first major theme examined is that of the existence of God. Here, the author employs a blend of rational arguments known as *burhan* (proof) alongside traditional scriptural references. He artfully interweaves logical premises with historical anecdotes, utilizing a dialectical approach that reflects the essence of kalam itself—a discourse defined by its critical engagement with both philosophy and theology.

The author elucidates the principles of necessity and contingency, illustrating the cosmos as a tapestry woven from threads of dependence and independence. The introduction of necessity in the context of God’s existence positions the divine as the fundamental cause of all that transpires within the universe. This existential framework does not merely assert God’s existence; it invites readers to ponder the implications of divine necessity in their own lives—prompting introspection and existential inquiry.