The Function of the “Simple Reality” Principle in the Process of Abstracting Multiple Attributes from the One and Simple Divine Essence: An Evaluation of the Solutions Proposed by Islamic Thinkers
The question of how multiple attributes are abstracted from the one and simple Divine Essence is one of the most complex issues in theology in the strict sense within Islamic philosophy. Employing an analytical method, this study first examines the solutions proposed by Avicenna, Ṣadr al-Dīn al-Shīrāzī (Mullā Ṣadrā), Imam Khomeini, and Ayatollah Subḥānī, and demonstrates that these views face difficulties and do not ultimately lead to a definitive resolution. The study then, on the basis of the principle of Simple Reality (basīṭ al-ḥaqīqa) and its corollary—namely, the presence of absolute existence as a divisional universal (wujūd lā bi-sharṭ al-maqsimī) across all levels of being while remaining free from existential constraints—arrives at a solution to the problem.
The findings indicate that the manifestation of the attributes of perfection at different levels of being is due to the presence of absolute existence as a specific universal (wujūd lā bi-sharṭ al-qismī), and that the abstraction of each attribute from a particular level is grounded in the complete presence of Simple Reality at that level. While preserving the unity and simplicity of the Divine Essence, this theory explains the conceptual multiplicity of attributes on an objective basis and offers a novel approach to reconciling transcendence (tanzīh) and immanence (tashbīh) in theology in the strict sense.
Moreover, the article shows that the principle of Simple Reality can function as a systematic foundation for analyzing divine attributes in contemporary philosophical and theological studies.
Khagani, A. and panahi azad, H. (2026). The Function of the “Simple Reality” Principle in the Process of Abstracting Multiple Attributes from the One and Simple Divine Essence: An Evaluation of the Solutions Proposed by Islamic Thinkers. New Religious Researches, (), -. doi: 10.22034/nrr.2026.70805.1574
MLA
Khagani, A. , and panahi azad, H. . "The Function of the “Simple Reality” Principle in the Process of Abstracting Multiple Attributes from the One and Simple Divine Essence: An Evaluation of the Solutions Proposed by Islamic Thinkers", New Religious Researches, , , 2026, -. doi: 10.22034/nrr.2026.70805.1574
HARVARD
Khagani, A., panahi azad, H. (2026). 'The Function of the “Simple Reality” Principle in the Process of Abstracting Multiple Attributes from the One and Simple Divine Essence: An Evaluation of the Solutions Proposed by Islamic Thinkers', New Religious Researches, (), pp. -. doi: 10.22034/nrr.2026.70805.1574
CHICAGO
A. Khagani and H. panahi azad, "The Function of the “Simple Reality” Principle in the Process of Abstracting Multiple Attributes from the One and Simple Divine Essence: An Evaluation of the Solutions Proposed by Islamic Thinkers," New Religious Researches, (2026): -, doi: 10.22034/nrr.2026.70805.1574
VANCOUVER
Khagani, A., panahi azad, H. The Function of the “Simple Reality” Principle in the Process of Abstracting Multiple Attributes from the One and Simple Divine Essence: An Evaluation of the Solutions Proposed by Islamic Thinkers. New Religious Researches, 2026; (): -. doi: 10.22034/nrr.2026.70805.1574
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