Mengenal Filsafat Wujud Mulla Sadra

Summary

In this video, Muhammad Arif, a lecturer from UIN Sunan Kalijaga, introduces Mulla Sadra’s philosophy of being (wujud). He explores how Sadra integrated various intellectual traditions, including Peripatetic philosophy, Sufism, and Kalam, to create a unique and creative philosophical system. The core concept of Sadra’s philosophy is the dynamic and gradational nature of wujud, where existence is constantly evolving and interrelated with all aspects of life. The video discusses key concepts such as wujud’s indefinability, its essential motion, and its fundamental role in understanding reality, offering a profound perspective on Islamic metaphysics.

Takeaways

• 😀 Mulla Sadra was a prominent Persian philosopher whose works reshaped Islamic philosophy, particularly in the concept of wujud (being).
• 😀 Before the 20th century, Mulla Sadra was often overlooked by Orientalists who focused on figures like Ibn Rushd, wrongly considering him the end of Islamic philosophy.
• 😀 Mulla Sadra’s philosophy integrates four key traditions: Peripatetic philosophy (Ibn Sina), illuminationist philosophy (Suhrawardi), Kalam (theology), and Sufism (especially from Ibn Arabi).
• 😀 Mulla Sadra's genius lies in synthesizing these diverse traditions into a unique philosophical system called Hikmah al-Muta’aliyah (Transcendent Wisdom).
• 😀 The concept of wujud, as explained by Mulla Sadra, is not definable because nothing exists outside of wujud, making it an indefinable, all-encompassing reality.
• 😀 Wujud and mahiyah (essence) are distinct concepts; wujud refers to being and existence, while mahiyah refers to essence and definition.
• 😀 Mulla Sadra’s philosophy argues that wujud is the fundamental reality of all existence, while essence (mahiyah) is secondary and dependent on wujud.
• 😀 The concept of wujud is explained through the integration of four levels: (1) existence with a small 'e' (mundane existence), (2) existence with a large 'E' (absolute being, God), (3) necessary existence (God), and (4) universal wujud, which applies to all of reality.
• 😀 Mulla Sadra introduces the idea that existence (wujud) is not static but dynamic and ever-changing, akin to a continuous movement in being itself (Al-Haraka al-Jawhariyah).
• 😀 Wujud, in Mulla Sadra's framework, manifests as both one and many—while it is fundamentally singular, it appears in various gradations, much like light with different intensities (Suhrawardi’s inspiration).

Q & A

What is the significance of Mulla Sadra in the history of Islamic philosophy?

Mulla Sadra is a pivotal figure in Islamic philosophy, especially in post-Ibn Rushd (Averroes) times. While earlier Orientalists overlooked his contributions, later scholars like Henry Corbin highlighted his influence, particularly in the development of the 'philosophy of existence' (falsafah wujud). His work integrates different traditions of Islamic philosophy, making him a central figure in the development of contemporary Islamic thought.

How did the Orientalists perceive Islamic philosophy after Ibn Rushd?

Orientalists, particularly before Henry Corbin's work, saw the tradition of Islamic philosophy as essentially ending with Ibn Rushd (Averroes). They believed that his death marked the conclusion of significant philosophical progress in the Islamic world, neglecting philosophers like Mulla Sadra who came after him.

What four traditions of knowledge does Mulla Sadra's philosophy integrate?

Mulla Sadra's philosophy integrates four traditions: Peripatetic philosophy (from Ibn Sina), Illuminationism (from Suhrawardi), Kalam (Islamic theology, both Sunni and Shia), and Sufism (especially from Ibn Arabi). This combination creates a unique synthesis that differentiates his work from other philosophical traditions.

What is the core distinction between wujud and mahiyah in Mulla Sadra's philosophy?

In Mulla Sadra's thought, wujud refers to the concept of existence itself, which is considered the fundamental reality. In contrast, mahiyah refers to the essence or nature of a thing, which can be defined and categorized. Wujud is about confirming existence, while mahiyah deals with defining the nature of things.

Why is wujud considered indefinable in Mulla Sadra's philosophy?

Wujud cannot be defined because, according to Mulla Sadra, there is nothing outside of existence. All things are manifestations of wujud, and since wujud encompasses everything, it cannot be limited or captured by a specific definition as per Aristotelian logic, which requires a genus and differentia.

What does the term 'wujud' encompass in Mulla Sadra’s philosophy?

In Mulla Sadra's philosophy, 'wujud' encompasses four concepts: existence (with a small 'e'), the Absolute Being (with a capital 'B'), necessary existence (God), and the universal concept of all reality. These different aspects show the complex and layered nature of existence in his metaphysical framework.

What does the concept of 'Asalat al-Wujud' mean?

Asalat al-Wujud refers to the principle that existence is the most fundamental reality. In Mulla Sadra's philosophy, wujud is considered more primary than essence (mahiyah), challenging the classical Aristotelian perspective where essence was seen as fundamental.

How does Mulla Sadra’s view of wujud differ from that of Ibn Sina?

While Ibn Sina (Avicenna) viewed wujud as being plural, where each individual thing has its own distinct existence, Mulla Sadra believed that wujud is fundamentally singular but manifests in gradations or levels. He integrated ideas from Ibn Arabi's concept of 'wahdat al-wujud' (unity of existence) and Suhrawardi's illuminationism to refine his own understanding of wujud.

What is 'Tashkik al-Wujud' in Mulla Sadra's philosophy?

Tashkik al-Wujud refers to the concept that existence, although singular in its essence, appears in various gradations. This means that the manifestation of existence can be more or less intense depending on the level of reality being observed. This view integrates both unity and multiplicity in understanding existence.

What does Mulla Sadra mean by 'Al-Haraka al-Jawhariyah' (Substantial Motion)?

Al-Haraka al-Jawhariyah, or Substantial Motion, is the principle that everything in existence is constantly undergoing change. Unlike static substances in classical philosophy, Mulla Sadra proposed that the very essence of all things is in perpetual motion, transforming continuously, which challenges the Aristotelian view of unchanging substances.