Existences (Wujūd)
Etymology and Translation
- Arabic: وجود (Wujūd)
- Turkish: Varlık
The Arabic word wujūd (وجود) signifies existence, being, or reality. In the context of Islamic philosophy, wujūd is central to discussions about the nature of existence and the classification of different types of existences.
Classification of Existences
In Islamic theological and philosophical discourse, especially among Muḥammadan writers, existences are differentiated into three primary categories:
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Wājibu ’l-wujūd (واجب الوجود): “A Necessary Existence,” which represents Almighty God, the self-sufficient, and inherently existent being who is necessary for the existence of anything else.
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Mumkinu ’l-wujūd (ممكن الوجود): “A Possible Existence,” which includes beings like humans and other creatures that exist contingently. Their existence is possible but not necessary; they rely on an external cause (i.e., God) to exist.
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Mumtaniʿu ’l-wujūd (ممتنع الوجود): “An Impossible Existence,” referring to entities that cannot logically or metaphysically exist, such as a partner with the Divine Being. This category underscores the principle of Divine Oneness (Tawḥīd) and underscores the inability to attribute any equal or partner to God.
Islamic Philosophical Context
The concept of wujūd is extensively examined by Islamic philosophers and scholars, such as:
- Al-Farabi: His works explore the emanation of beings from the Necessary Existent.
- Avicenna (Ibn Sina): Known for his “Metaphysics” in “The Book of Healing,” he delves deeply into the necessity of existing beings.
- Al-Ghazali: Offers critical views on possible and necessary existence in his refutations of Avicennian philosophy, particularly in “The Incoherence of the Philosophers.”
- Ibn Rushd (Averroes): Provides analyses and commentaries on Avicennian and Aristotelian metaphysics, focusing on the integration of the concept of necessary existence within Islamic thought.
Application in Interfaith Dialogue
In discussions with Christian theologians, particularly concerning the doctrine of the Eternal Trinity, Islamic scholars often employ these classifications to debate the concept of God’s nature. By invoking mumtaniʿu ’l-wujūd, they argue against the logical possibility of a partnership within the Divine Essence, reasserting the core Islamic belief in monotheism.
Suggested Books for Further Studies
- “The Metaphysics of The Healing” by Avicenna: A seminal work that explores the differentiation of beings and the concept of necessary existence.
- “The Incoherence of the Philosophers” by Al-Ghazali: A critical examination of philosophical arguments on existence and the nature of God.
- “A History of Islamic Philosophy” by Majid Fakhry: Offers a comprehensive overview of the development of Islamic philosophical thought, including discussions on wujūd.
Takeaways and Conclusion
The concept of wujūd in Islamic thought is a fundamental pillar of metaphysics and theology. Understanding the classifications of existence—necessary, possible, and impossible—not only provides deep insights into Islamic philosophy but also equips one to appreciate the intricate nature of interfaith dialogues, especially regarding the nature of the Divine.
By examining the various forms of existence and their implications, one can gain a better comprehension of the philosophical rigor and theological nuances within the Islamic intellectual tradition.
