2. The Nature of Existence
At the heart of the Kalam Argument is the concept of existence itself. Philosophers have long debated the nature of being, and in Shia theology, existence is viewed through the lens of dependency and subsistence. Existents are categorized into two: necessary beings, which exist by their very nature, and contingent beings, which depend on something external for their existence.
This classification is pivotal. The necessary being, identified as God, is self-sufficient, transcending the constraints of time and space. In contrast, contingent beings—including the universe—require a cause. Thus, the exploration of existence in Shia cosmology leads to an inquiry into the divine nature, illustrating an intricate connection between philosophy and theology.
