Journal of Imamiyyah Studies

Journal of Imamiyyah Studies

The Origin of the Creation of the World and the Role of Motion in Nahj al-Balagha

Document Type : Original Article

Authors
Ali Noorisaeid 1
Mohammad Ranjbarhosseini 2
Norous Amini 3
1 PhD student, Quran and Hadith (Imamiyya), Department of Imami Theology and Beliefs, Faculty of Islamic Sciences and Studies, University of Quran and Hadith, Qom, Iran
2 Assistant professor, Department of Imami Theology and Beliefs, Faculty of Islamic Sciences and Studies, University of Quran and Hadith, Qom, Iran
3 Assistant professor, Department of Quranic and Hadith Sciences, University of Gilan, Rasht, Iran
10.22034/jis.2024.356544.1836
Abstract
Various arguments have been put forward regarding the origin of the world’s creation. However, phenomena related to the initial creation have not been examined with a focus on the quality and quantity of the movements involved in the process. In this research, we analyze the origin of life and its dimensions through the lens of Nahj al-Balagha, providing a critical examination of the creation process. This theoretical study employs a descriptive-analytic method to address the following question: What are the hidden and thought-provoking dimensions of the origin of the world’s creation in terms of the nature of movement within the creation process, as presented in Nahj al-Balagha? The research findings indicate that significant events occurred at the moment of the creation of being and life. Following the creation and separation of the atmospheres, the process of creation commenced. Nahj al-Balagha mentions two significant explosions as part of the creation movements, highlighting the crucial and thought-provoking role of movement at the onset of creation.
During the first explosion, the atmosphere brought time into existence. Subsequently, matter was created as water or a watery substance, which then expanded. After a period, the centrifugal force gathered this water, which had transformed into a tumultuous sea, into a single place. This indicates an orderly, purposeful motion aimed at preserving the primary matter. Following this, the second explosion occurred. Nahj al-Balagha does not specify the interval between the first and second explosions. The second explosion was more intense, occurring in space, and resulted in a strong wind that agitated and transformed the sea. As a consequence of these motions and the energy produced by the explosions and other developments, foam-like bubbles were expelled from the sea into space.
The bubbles moved forward and began to expand in space. These events led to the existence of the sky and served as the origins of being and life. In conclusion, as the process of creation progressed, the intensity of these motions increased. Thus, the main element involved in the emergence of the world can be attributed to the quality and quantity of precise, orderly motions of creation. This analysis suggests that the text of Nahj al-Balagha aligns with the results of modern scientific theories about creation.
Keywords
The Quran
Nahj al-Balagha
emergence of the world
Imam ʿAlī
creation
motion
Subjects
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Journal of Imamiyyah Studies
Volume 10, Issue 19 - Serial Number 19
September 2024
Pages 111-144