Reflection of Ptolemy's Hypothesis in the Works of Imami Theologians on the Issue of Throne and Seat

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 PhD Graduate in Imami Theology, University of Quran and Hadith, Qom, Iran

2 Full Professor, Department of Theology, University of Quran and Hadith, Qom, Iran

3 Assistant Professor, Department of Theology, University of Quran and Hadith, Qom, Iran

4 Assistant Professor, Department of Quran and Science, Al-Mustafa International University, Qom, Iran

Abstract

Ptolemaic system is one of the famous theories in astrophysics and cosmology that entered the Muslim community in the third century A.H. through the translation of the texts of Greek-Hellenic civilization and influenced the cosmology of some theological schools until the middle of the thirteenth century AH. Among these influences is the attempt to place Arsh (throne) and Korsi (seat), which according to Islamic cosmology surround the seven heavens, among the alleged planets of Ptolemy. Apparently, the content of the Ptolemy's hypothesis questioned the position of the Arsh and Korsi as well as their functions in Islamic cosmology, and hence it was necessary for Muslim schools of thought and theologians to state their views on whether the hypothesis conformed to the Islamic teachings on the Arsh and Korsi. Using a descriptive-analytical method, this study analyzed how the Imami theologians faced the Ptolemy's hypothesis in the theological issue of the Arsh and Korsi, and concluded that the philosopher-theologians, i.e. theologians who had a philosophical approach, have made greater efforts to reconcile the Islamic teachings of the Arsh and Korsi with the hypothesis. However, although non-philosophical textualist and rationalist theologians have not opposed Ptolemy's hypothesis about the Arsh and Korsi, they have not shown tangible support for it.

Keywords

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