|
The Stages of Creation of the World from Water in the Interpretive Perspective of Mirza Mehdi Esfahani: An Analysis and Critique
|
Omran Abbaspour1   , Mohammad Mahdavi , Abdollah Mojtahedi |
|
|
|
Abstract: (15 Views) |
| The question of how the world was created has long occupied a central place in theological and philosophical inquiry. Philosophers traditionally regard the Intellect (ʿAql) as the highest immaterial being—eternal, everlasting, and the first emanation proceeding directly from God. Mystics, drawing upon the doctrine of the unity of existence (waḥdat al-wujūd), interpret the forms of this world as immutable archetypes (aʿyān thābitah) embedded within the Divine Essence, representing the simplest manifestation of Necessary Being. In contrast, Mirza Mehdi Esfahani, who sharply distinguishes between rational and transmitted knowledge, reinterprets the notion of the First Intellect through scriptural sources as aẓillah (shadows) or ashbāḥ (phantoms), conceptualized as a simple substance. Esfahani’s ontology comprises two principal stages: the immaterial and the material. In the immaterial stage (aẓillah), existence is absolutely unrestricted; subsequently, it unites with a material entity of unfathomable dimensions identified as “Simple Water” (māʾ basīṭ). Through this union, existence first assumes a subtle form, then, upon entering the physical world, transforms into a state of density or compression. According to Esfahani, apart from God, the Throne (ʿArsh), Intellect, and Knowledge, all beings belong to the material realm. This interpretation, however, has been subject to significant critique, including its tension with the apparent meanings of Qurʾānic verses and ḥadīths, the inconsistency between theory and practice, and its heavy reliance on literalist readings of scripture. Employing a descriptive-analytical approach, this study examines and critically evaluates Esfahani’s theory of creation. |
|
| Keywords: Simple Water (māʾ basīṭ), World of Shadows (ʿālam al-ashbāḥ), Subtle Body, Dense Body, Mirza Mehdi Esfahani, Creation of the World. |
|
|
Full-Text [PDF 372 kb]
(7 Downloads)
|
Type of Study: Research |
Subject:
Special
Received: 2025/09/14 | Accepted: 2025/09/1 | Published: 2025/09/1
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Send email to the article author |
|
|
|
| Add your comments about this article |
|
|
|
