Ontology and Cosmology of the ʿaql in Ṣadrā's Commentary on Uṣūl al-Kāfī

What is it about?

Mullā Ṣadrā’s (c. 1571–1640) commentary on Uṣūl al-Kāfī is one of the most renowned interpretations of this key Shi'i hadith collection. Given his philosophical and Sufi background, Ṣadrā's approach differs from earlier commentators like `Allāma Majlisī in Shia Islam and Ibn Taymīyya in Sunni thought. This paper examines how Ṣadrā interprets al-Kāfī, focusing on his understanding of the ʿaql (intellect) at both the cosmic level (as the first created being) and the human level, particularly as outlined in Kitāb al-ʿAql wa al-Jahl (The Book of Intellect and Ignorance). It also explores how Ṣadrā uses al-Kāfī to expand his views on ontology and cosmology. Additionally, the paper reviews critiques by later and contemporary scholars on Ṣadrā’s interpretation of hadith and the concept of intellect.

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Photo by t k on Unsplash

Photo by t k on Unsplash

Why is it important?

This study is important because it highlights how Mullā Ṣadrā, a key figure in Islamic philosophy, bridges traditional hadith scholarship with his philosophical and mystical ideas. By exploring Ṣadrā’s unique interpretation of Uṣūl al-Kāfī, particularly on the concept of intellect (ʿaql), this research provides insights into how metaphysical and cosmological ideas are integrated into religious texts. Understanding Ṣadrā's approach is essential for grasping how intellectual thought has shaped Shi'i theology and its influence on later scholars. It also opens a dialogue between philosophy, mysticism, and traditional hadith studies, contributing to a deeper understanding of Islamic intellectual history.