Wujūd

Wujūd (وجود‎)

Definition and Significance

Wujūd (وجود‎) is an Arabic term that translates to “existence” in English. In Islamic philosophy and theology, wujūd is a fundamental concept used to discuss the nature of being and reality. The term plays a crucial role in metaphysical discussions and helps in differentiating between various levels and kinds of existence.

Etymology

The word “Wujūd” (وجود‎) is derived from the Arabic root “و-ج-د” (w-j-d), which conveys the meanings of “to find” or “to exist.” The root and its variations are widely used in Quranic verses and Hadith literature to describe existence, finding, and presence.

• Arabic: وجود‎
• Turkish: Varlık

Categories of Wujūd

Islamic philosophers elaborate that existences can be classified into three main categories:

1. Wājibu ʾl-Wujūd (واجب الوجود‎): Necessary Existence

   • Definition: This refers to the existence that is necessary and self-sustaining. It is independent and obligatory. In Islamic thought, God (Allah) is considered the only necessary existence.
   • Implication: God’s existence is essential and cannot be negated.
   • Example: Allah is the Wājibu ʾl-Wujūd.

2. Mumkinu ʾl-Wujūd (ممكن الوجود‎): Possible Existence

   • Definition: This encompasses existences that are contingent and dependent on other existences. These are possible beings whose existence or non-existence is equally feasible.
   • Implication: Creation, such as humans, animals, and objects, falls under this category.
   • Example: The universe, living beings, and other created entities are Mumkinu ʾl-Wujūd.

3. Mumtaniʿu ʾl-Wujūd (ممتنع الوجود‎): Impossible Existence

   • Definition: This signifies the existence that is inherently impossible and cannot exist in any circumstance.
   • Implication: Any concept or being that would imply a contradiction to the nature of God or fundamental principles of existence.
   • Example: An Associate with God (shirk in Islamic belief) is Mumtaniʿu ʾl-Wujūd.

Further Reading

To delve deeper into the concept of Wujūd and its multifaceted implications, consider the following scholarly works:

• “The Principles of Islamic Philosophy” by Mulla Sadra
• “Islamic Philosophy from Its Origin to the Present: Philosophy in the Land of Prophecy” by Seyyed Hossein Nasr
• “The Study Quran: A New Translation and Commentary” edited by Seyyed Hossein Nasr
• “The Oxford Handbook of Islamic Theology” edited by Sabine Schmidtke

Conclusion

Wujūd, as a foundational concept in Islamic thought, helps in understanding the intricate nature of existence and its relation to the Divine, making it a pivotal topic in Islamic philosophy and theology. Recognizing the distinctions among necessary, possible, and impossible existences (wājibu’l-wujūd, mumkinu’l-wujūd, and mumtaniʿu’l-wujūd) allows for a deeper comprehension of metaphysical discussions within the Islamic intellectual tradition.

Takeaways

• Wujūd means existence and is a key concept in Islamic philosophy.
• Three categories of Wujūd: Wājibu ʾl-Wujūd (necessary), Mumkinu ʾl-Wujūd (possible), and Mumtaniʿu ʾl-Wujūd (impossible).
• God (Allah) is the only necessary existence, while creation is contingent.
• Further Reading: To enhance understanding, refer to influential works by scholars like Mulla Sadra and Seyyed Hossein Nasr.

By exploring “Wujūd,” one delves into the profound depths of existence, as articulated in Islamic thought, enriching our grasp of reality and the Divine.