The The Criticisms of Imam Al-Iji on the Conception of Existence: An Analytical Study

Abstract

It examines Al-Iji's criticisms on the concept of absolute existence, a central topic in al-umūr 'āmma (general matters), concerning whether the conception of existence is intuitive or not. The conception of existence is one of the most significant issues that all theological discussions based on it. Because of that, philosophers and theologians deal with their works. Al-Iji in his book Mawaqıf, claims that there are three tendencies in this issue. The first idea goes to the conception of existence is intuitive. Second idea argues that the existence is acquired. And the last one thinks that the existence cannot be conceived as either intuitive or acquired. After that, he focused on their ideas and criticized each of them from different aspects. As a result, Al-Iji does not adopt any of these opinions, because he puts forward the weaknesses of their ideas.