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

Transitioning to the exploration of divine attributes, al-Mudarrisi perceives the attributes of God as reflections of His essence. The recurrence of the metaphor of light becomes particularly poignant here; just as a lamp illuminates a room, divine attributes illuminate the spiritual realm of human understanding. The duality of transcendence and immanence is thoroughly examined, elucidating how God remains both aloof and intimately involved in the affairs of creation. This dynamic relationship invites the reader to bridge the chasm between the earthly and the celestial, reflecting the Shia perspective that views divinity not as a distant specter but as an ever-present reality.

Moreover, the text delves into the contentious debates surrounding the nature of divine will and human free will. This oldest of philosophical quandaries is approached with the nuance characteristic of Shia scholarship. Al-Mudarrisi navigates the waters of predestination and free agency, positing that while God’s will prevails, human agency plays a critical role in moral accountability. Here, the metaphor of a vast ocean surfaces—the ocean represents divine will flowing inexorably, while the river tributaries signify the manifold paths humanity can traverse. This imagery invites reflection on the harmonization of divine sovereignty and human autonomy, resonating deeply with readers grappling with the weight of moral choices.

Another salient feature of *Al-Lawami’ al-Ilahiyya* is its engagement with epistemology—the theory of knowledge. Al-Mudarrisi meticulously dissects various epistemological theories, juxtaposing rationalism against the backdrop of faith-based knowledge. In doing so, he illustrates the necessity of balancing empirical understanding with the insights garnered through spiritual soteriology. The metaphor of a balanced scale is particularly resonant here; both sides must remain equal to obtain a true understanding of reality. This equilibrium underscores the uniquely Shia perspective that spiritual knowledge is not superior to rational inquiry but rather serves as its complement.