“The Scripture Is an Instantiation of Divine Discourse”

Abstract

Modern scholarly literature often presents classical Islamic theology treating the speech of God (kalām Allāh) and the Koran as synonyms. Moreover, the discussion on the nature of the Koran/God’s speech is portrayed as having to do with the question of whether or not the Koran was created. However, I suggest that this was only a fraction of the issues debated. Classical and post-classical Muslim scholars put forward multifaceted and sophisticated theories on the natures of divine discourse and the Koran. Many, if not most, deemed the speech of God and the Koran to be separate concepts. This article analyses the Safavid-era Iranian philosopher and theologian Mullā Ṣadrā (d. c.1045/1635) with regard to his views on the ontological and theological status of divine speech and the scripture(s), with particular emphasis on his magnum opus the Four Journeys. I trace some of Mullā Ṣadrā’s sources regarding this issue and endeavor to pinpoint the original ideas he is putting forward.