Philosophical-Mystical Kalam: A Case Study on Muhsin Fayd Kashani's Theological Methodology

Abstract

After Naşir Al-Din Al-Tusi and Al-Hilli transformed the structure and method of Imami Kalam, Muhsin Fayd Kashani (1598-1679) provided the ground for integration of Mysticism and Philosophy with Kalam. He worked on a version of philosophical Kalam. Although Tusi introduced philosophical approaches and doctrines to Imami Kalam, Fayd brought about changes in Imami Kalam based on philosophical approaches and doctrines made by his master - Mulla Sadra. Thus, he recognised the necessity for more change in Imami Kalam and did so in his works including his book Ilm al-Yaqin (The Knowledge of Certainty). He presented a new structure in Imami Kalam and expanded its capacity in facing religious subjects and responsiveness to the questions of Muslims about Shi'i beliefs. Being inspired by Transcendental Wisdom, he believes that the arcs of descent and ascent (qawsayn al-nuzul wa al-suud) of existence are the most axial ontological basis for the Qur'an, Wisdom and mysticism and regulates Kalam problems accordingly. He considers the methods and doctrines of Transcendent Wisdom as a substructure for expanding and deepening Imami Kalam. Fayd considers some of the previous schools of Islamic Kalam method inefficient. He speaks of the need for philosophical proofs instead of dialectic debates. We will investigate core aspects of this transformation. © 2022 The Islamic College. All rights reserved.