Atomism in Islamic Theology
Atomism is a significant concept within both Sunni and Shi’a branches of Islamic theology. This theory proposes that the material world is composed of two types of primary entities: atoms and accidents.
Definitions
Atoms are indivisible particles that conjoin to form bodies, while accidents are transient attributes or properties that reside within these atoms. Atoms, according to this theory, persist through multiple instants and serve as the basic building blocks of all physical matter. On the other hand, accidents are ephemeral and must be continuously created anew by God, since they exist for only a single instant.
Etymology
- Arabic: الذرية (al-Dhariyah)
- Turkish: Atomculuk
Concept and Meaning
Atomism provides a framework for understanding the Divine omnipotence and continuous creation within the world:
- Atoms can be seen as the permanent aspects of creation, conjoined to create the physical universe.
- Accidents are seen as fleeting characteristics, illustrating God’s immediate and ongoing involvement in sustaining the universe.
This viewpoint challenges the Aristotelian notion of a stable, unchanging substratum and frames the world as a dynamic interplay of continuous divine intervention.
Further Studies
- “Atomism in Islamic Philosophical Discourse” by Oliver Leaman
- “Islamic Philosophy, Science, Culture, and Religion: Studies in Honor of Dimitri Gutas” edited by Felicitas Opwis and David Reisman
- “The History of Islamic Philosophy” by Seyyed Hossein Nasr and Oliver Leaman
Takeaways
- Divine Omnipotence: Atomism underscores the notion of God’s absolute power and continuous creation within the physical world.
- Permanence and Transience: The differentiation between enduring atoms and transient accidents helps clarify the Islamic theological understanding of creation and sustenance.
- Philosophical Rivalry: The theory challenges and offers a different perspective on the prevailing philosophical concepts of the time, especially those rooted in Aristotelian and Neoplatonist traditions.
Conclusion
Atomism in Islamic theology is a lens through which the perpetual interplay between permanence and transience is observed, highlighting the ceaseless nature of God’s creative act and His absolute control over all aspects of existence. This theory provides a comprehensive framework to discuss and understand the mechanics of the natural world through theological reflection and philosophical inquiry.
