Seminary Professor and Level Four Student at Islamic Seminary of Qom.
Abstract
The primacy of existence (aṣālat al-wujūd) is the most fundamental pillar of transcendent philosophy and has had significant influence on both Islamic philosophy and the interpretation of religious texts. Fayḍ Kāshānī is among those who employed this concept, interpreting religious sources with existence-oriented approach. One notable instance is his interpretation of the narration from Imam ʿAlī (peace be upon him), which states: “Know God through God”. Fayḍ argues that every contingent being is composed of existence and quiddity. Existence is the reality of a thing, and the very face of God (wajh Allāh) or its divine aspect, which does not perish. According to this view, the meaning of the narration is that one should know God through the divine aspect of every being. That is to say that the existence of beings, which is nothing but relation to the Almighty God, serves as a sign for knowing God and His perfect attributes. This study aims to analyze and examine, through a descriptive-analytical method, the influence of the doctrine of the primacy of existence on the interpretation of this narration from the perspective of Fayḍ Kāshānī. Addressing this issue is significant for several reasons: First, it highlights the role and significance of philosophy in the explanation of religious texts. Second, Fayḍ’s interpretation diverges from traditional ḥadīth scholars. Third, it bears multiple spiritual and ethical implications.
Ziaee,S. (2025). The Influence of the Primacy of Existence in Interpreting the Hadith “Know God through God” with Emphasis on the View of Fayḍ Kāshānī. Journal of Hikmat-e-Islami, 12(45), 167-180.
MLA
Ziaee,S. . "The Influence of the Primacy of Existence in Interpreting the Hadith “Know God through God” with Emphasis on the View of Fayḍ Kāshānī", Journal of Hikmat-e-Islami, 12, 45, 2025, 167-180.
HARVARD
Ziaee S. (2025). 'The Influence of the Primacy of Existence in Interpreting the Hadith “Know God through God” with Emphasis on the View of Fayḍ Kāshānī', Journal of Hikmat-e-Islami, 12(45), pp. 167-180.
CHICAGO
S. Ziaee, "The Influence of the Primacy of Existence in Interpreting the Hadith “Know God through God” with Emphasis on the View of Fayḍ Kāshānī," Journal of Hikmat-e-Islami, 12 45 (2025): 167-180,
VANCOUVER
Ziaee S. The Influence of the Primacy of Existence in Interpreting the Hadith “Know God through God” with Emphasis on the View of Fayḍ Kāshānī. Journal of Hikmat-e-Islami, 2025; 12(45): 167-180.
