An Analysis and Critique of the Law of Reflection in Interuniversal Mysticism (‘Irfān-i Ḥalqih) according to the Views of ‘Allāma Ṭabāṭabā’ī

Document Type : The Quarterly Jornal

Authors

MA, Theology, University of Qom, Qom, Iran

Abstract

The law of reflection in Interuniversal Mysticism states how reflections of human good and bad deeds, after being measured by the criterion of human capacity, is reflected in higher worlds (God), and how they prepare the ground for human guidance and misguidance and human enjoyment of positive and negative consciousness through positive and negative networks. A study of the background of this law reveals that there has been no scientific examination of it. Drawing on the descriptive, analytic, and critical method, and in order to provide a critical analysis of the law of reflection, we relied on ‘Allāma Ṭabāṭabā’ī’s theological mystical views to examine the law. Although we note the upsides of the law, we level objections against it such as its equal treatment of the reflection of good and bad deeds, its incompatibility with the framework of justice, and its negligence of the embodiment of actions in the afterlife. Moreover, we raise objections such as its ambiguous and problematic account of the place and parameters of the individual’s capacity in reflection, and why and how the emergence of the reflection stops.

Keywords


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